Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving blogger from Derbyshire, and it’s #TutuTuesday once again! I’m writing to you today from the fabulous, sparkling, bustling heart of the ballet world, Paris! Can you believe I’m actually in the City of Lights? The only thing brighter than the streetlamps here are all the amazing pink tutus I’ve seen today! I feel like a total princess.
You all know how much I love my tutus – it’s practically a lifestyle! But where did this amazing fashion choice, this swirling emblem of grace and artistry, come from? We all know how iconic tutus are now – that image of the ballerina spinning across the stage, the sheer beauty of those multiple layers billowing around them as they float through the air – breathtaking, isn't it?
Well, grab your tea and a slice of Victoria sponge (I’m sure you’ve all been indulging in the delights of British baking as I have), because today we’re stepping into the fascinating history of the tutu and taking a peek at how these beautiful pieces evolved over time. And for those of you wanting to recreate your own perfect tutu look at home, we're going to have a little fun with outfit inspiration too!
From The Ballroom To The Stage: A Tutu Tale
Let's begin with a bit of a ballet history lesson, shall we?
Before we even think about tutus, we need to delve into the beginnings of the very dance itself. Think graceful waltzes, refined postures and that delicate elegance – that's the birth of ballet! This grand ballet that we all know and love today first took its steps in Italy around the 15th century, moving on to France a few centuries later. And back then, the costumes? Not quite the picture we have in our minds now.
Imagine elaborate dresses, heavy fabrics and a rather restrained, formal style that barely let these early dancers move! Can you believe it?
Now, picture a scene of shimmering sequins and tulle, that gorgeous lightness and fluidity. That's what the birth of the tutu was all about, bringing to the stage the revolution in movement, freeing up the dancers to really express themselves! Can you imagine the joy, the exhilaration that must have felt? I certainly get a shiver of excitement down my spine thinking about it.
Early Days: Long, Flowing And Regal
Think big, fluffy, layered skirts and you’re close to understanding how the tutu started its life – it was basically just a big skirt. Around the early 1800s, Marie Taglioni, a star of the ballet world, made waves with her role in ‘La Sylphide’ – and wouldn’t you know it, she wore a shorter, more fluid skirt compared to the much heavier and restricting ones that came before. It might have been just a tiny adjustment, but it made a huge difference in allowing for new movements and a truly magical way of moving across the stage. And so, the early days of the tutu began!
But those early tutus were far from what we know today – think of a long, full skirt extending almost to the feet, more a grand and elegant dress than the iconic piece of dance attire that came after. It still retained that graceful shape and lightness but it was not the bold, iconic tutu we know. There’s something quite romantic about the look, just imagining that scene – the graceful dance in those elegant full-skirted dresses must have been something to behold.
The Romantic Era And The Iconic Shape
The time period from the 1830s onwards brought about the age of ballet known as Romanticism – it's here that those ethereal sylphs, those graceful creatures with wings who danced light and free, entered the stage! To reflect this era, the dancers embraced what became the iconic shape that still defines the tutu to this day: The romantic tutu. Gone was the lengthy, more traditional skirt, and instead, there was this airy, layered look reaching just to the knee, a masterpiece in delicate elegance.
And then came in those layered tulle skirts – I'm talking tulle upon tulle, so airy, light and floaty – giving this tutu the volume and movement it was renowned for. Think soft pink, dreamy, romantic, all set to an enchanted and magical story! I could spend all day watching dancers swirling through those soft, voluminous skirts, and I bet you could too!
Taking a Seat in Ballet History: My Paris Adventure
Today, being in Paris has been just like stepping right into the heart of that Romantic era – everywhere I go I'm surrounded by the inspiration for the ballerina tutu! Imagine strolling down a charming cobbled street, the sound of the Parisian street musicians in the air, and catching glimpses of those breathtaking tutus adorning elegant windows. You know what they say about Parisians - they definitely embrace the elegance of tutus. It’s been inspiring, just as the early ballerinas in their romantic tutus would have been too.
Oh, the joy! I just had to go inside a lovely vintage clothing store here, overflowing with all sorts of delights, and they have the most stunning vintage ballerina costumes – the tutus! My oh my! If those early ballerinas saw these gorgeous fabrics, these intricate laces and the exquisite detailing, they’d be positively aghast. It's just heavenly – and as for me? Well, I haven’t resisted the temptation and I'm off to find a perfect pink tutu!
What a Ballet Dream: The 4th of July!
You know, this has all got me feeling so excited – it’s the 4th of July in America! What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to enjoy some dancing? Of course, there’s always an exciting performance at a theatre near you (a ballet or even a performance on stage in the street) – you might just be able to see the beautiful tutu on the stage there, like the way we all imagine them – in full motion and magical grace.
But the joy of tutus, dear readers, doesn't stop with the big performance. If you've always dreamed of embracing a touch of magic in your own life, here’s where it gets even more exciting! You know, this #TutuTuesday is all about inspiring you to go for that fairytale flair and get your own Tutu on.
Inspiration for Your Own Tutu-filled Day!
For the day to day, there's a gorgeous little Parisian touch you can add to your outfits for that little bit of extra glamour! Even without the whole fluffy tutu look, you can go for that hint of romantic magic: Think a chic little black dress with a ballet slipper that gives that effortless, chic look, or even add a tutu to your regular outfit! I like to go for some beautiful lace-trimmed fabrics, and the sheer lightness of a silky pink blouse goes fabulously with that playful tutu. You don’t have to dance in one, darling – even wearing it for the day brings a touch of whimsy, wouldn't you agree?
You can do this for a wedding or even to brighten your workday, that touch of ballet inspiration always brings the magic. Don't forget to pair your look with a graceful, elegant necklace with a delicate chain and a small pink or white pearl – just like your ballerina outfit! Remember, there's no time to wait to channel your inner ballerina!
But now, my darlings, the clock’s ticking! It’s time for me to step into another grand Parisian performance this evening – just wait until you hear the exciting news about who I'm seeing and where! I have the most amazing performance lined up – I just can’t tell you about it all yet! But one thing is for certain, I can guarantee a gorgeous performance with some truly stunning costumes – perhaps even some very pink tutus – you know my style!
Join me again next #TutuTuesday for more adventures in tutu fashion history, more dazzling outfits, and more exciting news! But most of all, don’t forget – I always encourage you to put on your favourite pink tutu and feel your best! It's time to embrace that joy and grace – let it show!
With sparkling love,
Emma
(From the Parisian Streets!)
