Welcome back, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving tutu aficionado, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post! 🩰 Today, we're stepping back in time, right back to 29th December, 1992! Can you believe it, we're talking 30 years ago?! I swear, the time travel contraption is getting quicker. Last week I was swishing around a tea room in the 1950s and this week I'm dodging paparazzi in a very sparkly, very 1990s, London theatre lobby!
This week's blog post, oh darling, it's a special one. I had an idea that popped into my head last week in the middle of a ballet class – what if we take a look at tutu history? Yes, a full-on journey through the evolution of the ballerina’s most iconic garment!
So grab a cuppa (or a glass of something bubbly!) and let's step onto the stage… #TutuTuesday, here we go!
The First Tutu: A Short Skirt Story
Now, before we head back to the pre-pink era (don't worry, there will be a lot of pink ahead!), I want you to remember something essential – a tutu isn’t just a fluffy skirt, it’s an integral part of the dance story. Think of it as the dancer’s wings, an ethereal expression of movement, grace, and artistry.
The early tutus, well, let’s just say they were less about floaty and more about practical. Way back in the pre-romantic era dancers, especially men, wore long, loose garments that would've gotten in the way of, well, everything! Imagine trying to jump en pointe in a massive dress – no thank you! The shift towards a shorter skirt – what we would call a tutu - began with the change in the style of ballet. We were moving from a structured, courtly dance to something expressive, lighter and freer.
As the art form itself was transforming, the tutu evolved, eventually becoming that iconic symbol of grace and fluidity. Think Marie Taglioni, the ‘ballerina assoluta’ – she practically invented the short skirt with her legendary performance in ‘La Sylphide’. Imagine the whispers!
The Romantic Tutu: Light, Airy, and Whimsical
And so, we arrived at the romantic era. Remember the time when ballet became all about the ‘effeminate’, ha! (it was such a big deal that it started an entire art movement!), it was about passion, fantasy, and dreamy romance! This meant tutus too had to adapt! We went from practical and structured to light, airy, and whimsical. Think frills, layers, soft colors, and billowing fabrics. This was all about freedom of movement, elegance and expressing emotion. And we've never really looked back. It's still pretty dreamy to this day.
As a tutu enthusiast, I have to say this period – oh darling, it's magic! The romantic tutu was all about showcasing the dancer's lines and grace – it was more like a soft cloud you would expect in a whimsical fairytale. I must say it does make me miss that particular aesthetic – but then I remember all the exciting, colourful developments that have happened since!
The Victorian Tutu: Elegance and Embellishment
Oh, those Victorians! It would seem that as the world became more complex (and oh so much darker) so did the tutu. We saw a change to more fitted, elaborate designs with a much stronger focus on embellishment and details – think lace, sequins, ribbons, and, oh darling, it wouldn’t be complete without layers and layers of delicate tulle.
We also saw the introduction of colours other than just white, gasp!. Yes, bright hues - oh, how thrilling it was! I'm sure you all think a tutu has to be pink, and yes it’s lovely – but what about a dramatic, velvety deep red?
And remember the bodice of the Victorian tutu? That’s when things got extra elegant! Oh, the corseting, the layers and layers of boning, the delicate embroideries – *it all served to enhance and accentuate the dancer’s figure. *
The Victorian era is definitely a time of great interest when it comes to the evolution of the tutu. This was when the tutu really began to evolve as a symbol of both technical proficiency and exquisite artistry. And did it start a love affair with frills, ruffles and all those decorative trims? Yes, absolutely, oh darling, it absolutely did.
The 20th Century Tutu: Innovation and Evolution
Now, it's time for the twentieth century – a whirlwind of experimentation, innovation and pushing those boundaries. Tutus took off – it became all about experimenting with textures, colours and fabrics. And darling, with the birth of fashion houses such as Chanel, Balenciaga, and Christian Dior, there was no shortage of inspiration. We were inspired to *push boundaries, play with styles and showcase those glorious ballet poses in new ways. *
But it's not all about experimentation, remember, darling. We also saw some big moves in tutu history - a dramatic change in design during the 1920s with the ‘short tutu’, remember the ‘Jazz Age’?. Gone were those long layers and romantic puffs, in their place a short and sharp, more minimalist approach that revealed the dancer’s legs and those dramatic movements. It's almost unbelievable now that it was once considered ‘revolutionary’ but it happened! And that is what’s so incredible about the story of the tutu – it doesn’t stop evolving. A constant reminder that what’s old is new again.
There are more tutu history tidbits I could share – but we are after all at a 1992 theatre lobby waiting for that performance, darling!
So we have to wind it up! Oh, darling, it’s just so fascinating, and it seems to be constantly evolving. And that is something so exciting about this garment – there is always room for something new! The evolution of the tutu is a perfect example of how art, fashion and innovation can go hand-in-hand to create something truly spectacular.
What about tonight, darling? The show we're about to see is ‘Swan Lake' . We have to be quick and grab seats near the front – don't you just love the iconic tutu and that white, feathered bodice on the white swan, oh my darling, it’s iconic.
Before I dash to get ready, let me ask a question. What’s your favourite tutu look? Tell me in the comments below!
And please don’t forget to check out the #TutuTuesday section on www.pink-tutu.com for my latest time travels, favourite tutu outfits and the coolest places to find tutus. Don't worry if it is Tuesday, I post every Tuesday, remember it’s #TutuTuesday
Don't forget, I'm here for all things pink and all things tutu! And remember, everyone can wear a tutu. It's the ultimate fashion statement – it says you’re confident, sassy and ready to take on the world.
Much love,
Emma.
*(PS Don't forget to leave your comments and tell me what your favourite tutu looks are! * )
