#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1997-03-18

Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday with a peek into the glorious history of our beloved ballet tutus. Buckle up buttercups, because we're heading back to March 18th, 1997!

You wouldn't believe what I found when I landed in a quaint little cafe in London, smelling faintly of old books and warm pastries. A vintage copy of Dance Magazine sat nestled next to a worn copy of Vogue, and inside were some absolutely divine photographs! Let me tell you, even the fashion in 1997 was just darling! I spotted this adorable, lace-trimmed tutu with a matching crop top, perfect for a casual spin around the dance floor. The ballet scene was buzzing then!

But before we get lost in the glamour of the '90s, let's journey back further, to the very beginnings of this iconic piece of dancewear!

Imagine, if you will, the majestic halls of the French court. We're talking Versailles, powdered wigs, and exquisite gowns fit for a queen. Back then, tutus were born as panniers, voluminous, undergarment-style structures that held out the gowns of these ladies. Imagine the frills and flounces, the grandeur and elegance - the beginning of the ballerina's silhouette!

Fast forward to the early 1800s, a time of artistic upheaval and revolution. Enter the visionary dancer, Marie Taglioni. She dared to shed the weighty skirts and cumbersome panniers, embracing a revolutionary garment that would become a ballet icon.

Introducing the Romantic Tutu: a light and ethereal, knee-length tulle confection. This airy silhouette symbolised lightness, grace, and ethereal beauty – everything that Romantic Ballet embodied. The iconic ballerina pose, standing on the tip of her toes, suddenly made perfect sense. It was the beginning of an exciting, creative journey for tutus!

As ballet styles evolved, so did the tutu! We see the dramatic, full-length, Classical Tutu used in ballets like Swan Lake. It adds majesty, grandeur, and allows for dazzling extensions and pirouettes. Then came the "Crinoline" or Pagan Tutu, much shorter than the classical style, highlighting dynamic and daring moves with its lightness.

Throughout the decades, tutus have been reimagined, reconstructed, and reinvented. From the intricate craftsmanship of hand-sewn tulles to the sleek, contemporary lines of modern dance, tutus continue to enthral, inspiring and reflecting the diverse beauty of dance.

Back in my '90s cafe, I flipped through more pages of the magazines, seeing how tutu designs reflected the fashion trends of the day. The ballerina, it seemed, was not just an artist but a trendsetter too! There were so many lovely styles: romantic tutus with delicate flowers, sporty ones with sleek, streamlined lines, and even those daring tutus with playful colours and designs that whispered a touch of rock'n'roll!

You know, 1997 was quite a year for ballet! I remember watching a stunning rendition of Giselle with a tutu that practically flowed like water, so much grace! There was a resurgence of ballet across the world - in the theatre, on film, even in the music videos that graced the MTV screens. Ballet was everywhere! This love of ballet led to some absolutely captivating performances that I got to see during my last journey.

I am reminded once more of the sheer joy of ballet, a combination of artistry, athleticism, and pure magic! Each performance is an emotional masterpiece. It's not just about the steps, but the emotions that are brought to life. And oh, the way the light catches the tutu fabric, how it shimmers and twirls - breathtaking!

Now, my lovely darlings, let's bring this back to you! What is your favourite kind of tutu? Do you have a cherished ballet memory involving one? Tell me everything in the comments below! I want to hear all about your tutu experiences.

I always find that putting on a tutu makes me feel confident and empowered, a little bit more like a fairytale princess. There's a certain freedom in twirling around, expressing oneself through dance, feeling beautiful and joyful.

Remember, my dears, there's a pink tutu out there for everyone, just waiting to be discovered! Embrace the dance in your heart and go find yours! Until next week, when we dive deeper into the history of tutus, I bid you a fond farewell.

*Yours in Tutu and Time, *

Emma