Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another dose of #TutuTuesday history! This week, I'm whisking you back to October 12th, 1993. Hold onto your tiaras, my dears, this trip is going to be a glamorous one!
Today we're focusing on ballet tutus because, well, it's Tutu Tuesday! What better day to delve into the history of this incredible garment? And wouldn't you know it, October 12th 1993 was the night of a dazzling ballet performance – "The Sleeping Beauty" by The Royal Ballet at The Royal Opera House in London, no less! Isn't it splendid to imagine the twirling tutus under the grand chandelier in Covent Garden? My heart practically flutters just thinking about it!
This week, let's explore the evolution of tutus, focusing on the period just before 1993. It's quite an exciting era for tutus, and one with quite a few beautiful changes!
Back to the Beginning:
Before the elegant creations we know today, dancers wore something rather different, let me tell you. The idea of a "tutu" didn't exist! Imagine, the audacity! Our dance history books are chock-full of tales of ballerinas in long, voluminous skirts. It was all about grandeur and spectacle back then, darling, but not quite as free-flowing for the ballerinas. It's lucky those ballerinas had such incredible strength and balance.
Then came Marie Taglioni in the 1830s, who changed the world of ballet fashion (and therefore the history of the tutu) forever with her daring new costume: a short, romantic tutu that would accentuate her incredible movements! A moment of pure elegance, my dears, a moment to behold. The romantic tutu became synonymous with femininity and grace – think about it, those long, graceful legs swirling around – a vision of pure beauty!
Enter the Romantic and Classical Styles:
After that revolutionary change, two styles emerged – the romantic and classical tutus. Both quite captivating.
The romantic tutu – still a must-have on any true fashionista’s wardrobe (I'm looking at you, Princess Diana). These tutus were full of delicate ruffles and a dreamy, ethereal appearance. The classical tutu on the other hand was tighter, made of multiple layers, and oh-so-graceful. This became the go-to tutu for ballerinas around the globe, darling! A truly timeless design!
Twentieth Century Elegance:
By the 20th Century, we saw many designers and choreographers contributing their own take on the tutu. It's a whirlwind of creativity – the more the better!
A standout period was the late 1950s when designs started becoming lighter, flowing and more expressive! Ballet tutus became masterpieces – and I daresay, more like works of art. Ballerinas twirled in tutus that were a blend of fabric and artistic design, and with incredible fluidity in their every movement. It was a period when ballerinas became superstars.
Fast Forward to the 1980s and 1990s:
The 1980s saw more modern experimentation, leading into the 1990s – a perfect backdrop for "The Sleeping Beauty" performance of October 12th, 1993. During this decade, you would see ballerinas with tutu styles that took inspiration from previous eras, with bold additions – the power of tradition paired with a sprinkle of modern trends. We even started seeing tutus in other colours, darling, and patterns– think bold reds and swirling florals – a bit less ballerina, a bit more dramatic!
And while those beautiful classical tutus are still staples of the ballet world, I love that ballet tutus have become so adaptable. It makes my pink tutu heart flutter to think how many talented designers and ballerinas, both past and present, have all brought their own twist to this iconic garment!
From Classic to Modern
But, my dears, while tutus might be considered classic, don't for a moment think that means they're boring! Over time, tutus have undergone an extraordinary evolution, a true testament to artistic flair and elegance. This fabulous transformation continues to this day. Modern ballerinas push the boundaries of ballet attire, and with the influence of the 1980s and 1990s – who knows what dazzling tutu creations we will witness next?
As I look back to that magical performance in 1993 at The Royal Opera House, I feel that wonderful thrill you get when seeing ballerinas at their absolute best, gracefully gliding through every pose. Ballet truly does leave me breathless.
Until next time, my dear friends, let's keep celebrating the history of the tutu! I'll be right back with another fascinating tutu tale next week! Don’t forget, I encourage all my fashionista followers to keep rocking those pink tutus every chance you get!
*P.S. * Remember my time-travelling is made possible thanks to ballet performances like this – so I love going to as many shows as possible. Who knows, maybe you'll see me in the audience at a show near you!
Until then, twirl on!
Love,
Emma 💕
