#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1993-12-07

Hello darlings! 🩰💖

It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet historian, bringing you all the twirling, twirling, twirling delight from the past, present and even the future! (Just don't ask me how I do it... that's my little secret! 🤫)

Today, my dears, we're waltzing back to the 7th of December, 1993, a day that deserves its own little spotlight!

Imagine, if you will, a frosty winter morning in a world before smartphones, but full of wonderful music and, of course, ballet. Today we're in New York City, where the lights are bright, the energy is high, and everyone is all abuzz for the American Ballet Theatre's production of 'Swan Lake'. This performance is extra special, as it's a benefit gala for ABT's Studio Company, and I hear there are quite a few prominent ballerinas on stage tonight! The tutus? Oh, they are a sight to behold, just imagine them, floating like gossamer clouds as the swans gracefully dance their way through the night.

But before we get too lost in the dreamy elegance of the stage, let's rewind the clock a little bit and talk about the tutu's history, because this incredible garment hasn't just materialized overnight, you know!

While the tutus of today, particularly those glorious Romantic tutus that are just begging for a twirl, were developed throughout the 19th Century, the journey begins even earlier. We need to go back to the 17th and 18th centuries, where dancers would wear elaborate panniers, with an emphasis on dramatic silhouettes and embellishments. This set the stage, pun intended, for the later evolution of the tutu, adding grace and femininity to movement, which allowed for the full range of expression to really come out.

In the late 1800s, the first real, romantic tutus, also called "the leg-o'-mutton" style (quite a fun name!), began to emerge. * Think delicate layers of tulle that were tightly fitted through the hips before flowing into the bell-like shape that allows for breathtaking extensions. This, my dears, revolutionized ballet. We could now appreciate the dancer's artistry even better. *Imagine how exquisite those dancers must have looked against the grand backdrops, twirling under the stage lights... oh, just exquisite!

But this story is far from finished! The late 19th century was also the era of Marie Taglioni, one of the most iconic ballerinas of her time! She, along with her visionary collaborator Carlotta Grisi, are credited for truly pushing the limits of the romantic tutu. With Taglioni's legendary performance of La Sylphide, where she danced en pointe and the Romantic era came alive, the tutu had reached its pinnacle. I can still picture that iconic tulle skirt, light and airy like a feather! I mean, it's basically the dream that every little ballerina chases. **

This new form wasn't only breathtaking but also allowed the ballerinas of that time to move with a level of fluidity that had never been seen before. The romantic tutus are a tribute to artistry and movement! No wonder they became a mainstay!

So, my darling tutus, I really think that a visit back to 1993 and a beautiful 'Swan Lake' performance would be an extraordinary treat! Imagine sitting in that packed auditorium, the orchestra striking up the first chords, and the ballerinas floating across the stage.

Don't worry, I don't just travel back in time to peek! I always try to experience things just as a fellow ballet-loving citizen would! Tonight, I will be visiting an amazing local bakery, where they serve the most decadent cakes and pastries. I just know my visit to New York wouldn't be complete without a delicious treat and an observation of the local ballet scene. *I'm even going to try to see if I can snag a limited edition 'Swan Lake' T-shirt... the tutu themed designs are all the rage these days! *

And, of course, I'm wearing a beautiful pink tutu for the occasion, a lovely, ruffled tulle dream of a skirt to really bring my ballet style to life. *Remember, you don't need a stage to wear a tutu, just a bit of confidence and the desire to make the world a more beautiful place, one tutu at a time. *

Emma x

Here are some tidbits about the 7th of December 1993 to set the scene, as well as some fun facts:

• In music news, The Spice Girls are in the middle of recording their first album, 'Spice.' It's only a matter of time until they will become a worldwide phenomenon! How exciting, I just can't wait!

• On TV, Friends is in its first season and everyone is smitten with Rachel and Ross's 'will they, won't they' storyline! But who can resist that iconic couch and that coffee house atmosphere?

• The film 'Jurassic Park' is released on home video. Now I'm getting excited about those incredible dinosaur scenes!

• In sport, Liverpool are top of the Premier League table, and Michael Jordan is the reigning NBA MVP. Talk about some strong champions!

This era is truly bursting with talent and excitement.

And did you know that a new species of spider, the 'Tutu' spider was named by an enthusiastic group of students at the time? * I think it's an absolute dream! *

Let me know in the comments! And be sure to check back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday fun.

Till then, let's keep the world dancing and always remember, you're never too old to twirl in a tutu!

Happy dancing! 🩰 💖

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