#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2001-03-13

#8829 – 13th March, 2001 – The Tutu's Parisian Playground

Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your resident time-traveling, tutu-obsessed fashionista! It’s a bright Tuesday morning and guess what? It’s #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Grab a cuppa and settle in, because today, we're heading to Paris, a city that truly knows how to rock a tutu!

This week, I’m shimmying back to 2001, the year I was swept away by a whirlwind of prima ballerinas and impossibly intricate pointe work at the Opéra Garnier. Oh, how I yearned to twirl amongst those glittering chandeliers, feeling the air whoosh through my pink tutu. Sighs dreamily.

But before we leap into the magic of the Palais Garnier, let’s rewind and talk about our star – the tutu itself! These gloriously fluffy garments are all about showing off the dancer’s line, the exquisite precision of the body, and that oh-so-elegant sway as they float across the stage. Imagine, back in the 1800s, ballerinas wore cumbersome, long, and heavy skirts – not conducive to a pirouette, I can assure you!

It was the innovative Maria Taglioni, known as the “goddess of the dance,” who paved the way for the tutu’s triumph. She decided shorter skirts, showcasing her amazing legwork, were the way to go. Imagine! She dared to bare her limbs – scandalous at the time – but oh so captivating. It's amazing what one bold move can do.

However, even though Maria rocked the world, it wasn't all sunshine and roses (or tutus) in the beginning. Those early tutus, often called “the romantics” (the period we're discussing today), were quite unlike the romantic, fluffy cloud-like creations we know today. Imagine an embroidered and structured garment, not so ethereal as those we’ve become accustomed to. It took some experimentation to truly bring those fabulous fluffy numbers into the world!

And by the way, it was at the Paris Opéra Garnier in the mid-1800s that the ‘tutu’ got its name. In those days, the Parisian public wasn't afraid to share their opinion! Their initial reaction to these “new” shortened skirts was a loud “Tut! Tut! Tut!” which the ballet world readily adopted.

As I gaze at the grandeur of the Opéra Garnier in the early 2001, I realise how Paris has long been at the heart of tutu history. Its exquisite theatres, its legendary choreographers, and of course, the incredible talent of the dancers, have all contributed to its charm and elegance.

Back then, my favourite dancer was Sylvie Guillem – what grace and poise! She made the seemingly impossible look effortless. Just like those romantic era ballerinas who took leaps and bounds in the early years of the tutu, Guillem brought her own style and ingenuity to every performance.

Of course, the romantic style evolved! It’s all about finding what fits you. Do you favour the “classical” look of the Romantic tutus or the extravagant frills of a 2001 modern creation? And how about a cheeky, little 1960s tutu? The beauty of the tutu, my darling, is that it truly speaks for itself – whatever style you choose!

This evening, I'm heading to see ‘Swan Lake’ at the Opéra Bastille. Dreamy sigh And yes, my little pink tutu will be taking a prominent position in my bag. Why not make a statement? Embrace your own inner tutu magic! After all, tutus are for every ballerina, regardless of age, body shape, or ballet skills. So why not twirl a little today and be your own “Goddess of the Dance,” as bold and as magical as a ballerina deserves to be.

Now, I must dash off and find that perfect Parisian boutique with all the latest pink tutus – or shall I say “TUTUS” in Parisian parlance – because fashion has no bounds and, my dears, neither does the magical world of the tutu.

Keep twirling, darlings!

Emma

P.S. Did you know the 13th March in 2001 was a Wednesday? But, don’t worry, a time-traveling ballerina always knows the best day for a Tutu Tuesday. 😊