#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2000-12-12

Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darling! It's a Tuesday which means it's time for another jaunt into the wonderful world of tutus! I’m Emma, your time-travelling ballerina and pink enthusiast, and this week I'm taking us back to 12th December, 2000 - just imagine, the millennium had only just happened! Such exciting times! And this time I'm diving headfirst into the dazzling world of ballet tutus. Let's just say, things were rather different back then.

You might think 2000 seems like a long time ago for a tutu aficionado, and it sort of is! The evolution of the tutu is as fascinating as the dance itself, you know. So, pop your comfy shoes on, grab your fanciest cup of tea, and join me on this fabulous fashion trip down memory lane!

Right, I’ll admit, being here in 2000, wearing pink in the midst of slightly less bright colour palettes has caused quite the stir! I even had to sneak past a security guard, clutching my ballet bag in a panic - it was like a scene straight out of The Phantom of the Opera! The excitement never ends in my time-travelling life, you see!

However, that little panic didn't dampen my spirits! This century shift was an absolutely critical time in tutu history, because - guess what?! - we were on the cusp of seeing two absolutely smashing tutus: the traditional tutu and the Romantic tutu vying for the spotlight.

And this is where the fashion fun really begins!

Let's go back in time a little, shall we? Think late 19th century, picture swirling layers of tulle. That, my darlings, is what we call the classic Traditional Tutu, and it reigned supreme. Ballerinas looked absolutely magnificent, just picture long, sweeping lines of tulle in tiers that seemed to float on air. These tutus had the look of fairytales and royal ballets – and who doesn’t love a little fairytale glamour?

Fast forward to the early 20th century, the Traditional Tutu really held its own! You could practically hear it say, "Move over, fashion trends, I'm here to stay!" This tutu was known for its voluminous tiers, and just like a flamboyant princess who likes to make an entrance, it took up some serious space on stage. It dazzled with layers upon layers of tulle - and let's face it, more tulle, more fun - giving ballerinas a seriously ethereal silhouette for all their pirouettes and jetés.

This was the type of tutu you'd see in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty, you know – all the truly magical, timeless, ballet productions! But here's a little secret: this style of tutu actually got lighter and less restrictive with time, making those tricky pirouettes even more elegant. Just imagine: the delicate tiers, the elegant design - this was how you made ballet history in a time before neon tights and glitter shoes were cool!

But in the 1920s… the unthinkable happened! Ooh la la, things got exciting. It’s this very time that we first see the Romantic Tutu really beginning to come into its own. Now, let's be honest, a tutu that has the name romantic in it, is a tutu after my own heart! This is one elegant, breezy number that completely defied the expectations of the Traditional Tutu, my dear.

This dreamy tutu? It was all about a flowy silhouette, a perfect blend of light, flowing tulle that, as you guessed, was designed to showcase more movement, even more so than its layered sibling.

Imagine those graceful spins in Giselle or La Sylphide, this floaty, light tutu is perfect for making them even more ethereal. This was an era of transformation, one that celebrated fluid movements, airy grace, and ethereal lightness. You could practically see ballet breaking free, shedding the more rigid designs of the past, and flying! Just divine.

So, there you have it: The Traditional Tutu and the Romantic Tutu, both creating an incredible legacy which I’m truly honoured to experience! Now, I need to get going – I have an absolutely smashing show to get to! The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy? Swan Lake? What to choose? Hmm… but there’s only one real option…

Today I’m going to catch a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, a ballet classic that I’m sure will leave me absolutely breathless. And there’s nothing like an evening of grand ballet to fuel the inner pink tutu lover, wouldn’t you say?

However, there’s always a tiny bit of ballet fashion blogger lurking inside of me.

While in 2000 London I absolutely must take a peek in at Liberty’s department store, I hear they have such glorious vintage clothes there – perfect for any ballet fan, whether or not she travels in time! After a little shopping spree I plan to hop on the underground to Piccadilly Circus, to watch London’s theatre life come alive with performances – and a little more window shopping, of course! It will make for the most perfect ending to a beautiful, and absolutely tutu-tastic day, don’t you agree?

Oh, and one last thought, you lovely, ballet-loving readers – just remember the spirit of pink. You never know, one day pink tutus will rule the world, and what a spectacular time it will be! I have no doubt of it!

Don’t forget to keep checking in for next week’s blog! Who knows what fabulous world of tutus awaits us next Tuesday!

Until next time!

Emma xoxo

www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Be sure to tag your *#TutuTuesday posts on Instagram! And maybe share a little about your favourite tutus – both classic and modern. After all, *we’re in this together!**