Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, fellow tutu enthusiasts! This is Emma, your ever-optimistic pink tutu advocate, and it's time for another blast from the past on #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a little trip back to the 24th September, 2002, and uncovering a few fascinating facts about the wonderful world of ballet tutus. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @PinkTutuEmma!
This week, my time machine conveniently deposited me in the vibrant heart of London, ready for a delightful day of exploring vintage ballet shops, devouring a delicious afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason (a tutu and tea pairing is never a bad idea!), and of course, taking in a glorious performance at the Royal Opera House. It's so fascinating seeing the evolution of ballet styles – even in such a short period! And speaking of the evolution of ballet…
A Brief History of Ballet Tutus (and their fascinating history!):Now, it's no secret that I'm utterly obsessed with tutus. There's just something about their twirly, whimsical charm that makes me want to shout "I'm a ballerina!" from the rooftops (well, maybe just from the top of the Tube carriage on the way to my ballet class, haha!).
But tutus didn't always look like they do today. Did you know that the first tutu wasn't even called a tutu at all? Imagine a ballerina in the early days of ballet… wearing long, flowing skirts! Can you picture the awkward leaps and kicks? They'd probably trip over their own dresses!
As the ballet technique became more complex, so did the fashion. The tutu, as we know it, actually began to evolve around the late 18th century. Think flowing white layers of fabric, rather like a delicate petticoat… much more practical for pirouettes and leaps!
Then came the glorious era of Romanticism, and the ballet tutu was transformed once more. These beauties, with their short, airy lengths and graceful tiers, became synonymous with the ballerina’s flowing movements and delicate grace. Imagine a symphony of movement and grace, embodied by the dancers on stage, the beautiful form of the tutus reflecting every twist and turn with stunning grace. Just heavenly!
Of course, we can’t forget the ever-popular Romantic tutu, made of many layers of tulle, showcasing those enchanting "tutu" shapes we all know and love! This design, which we often see in classic ballets like Giselle, paved the way for the Classical tutu, which was even shorter and designed to highlight the ballerina's body and agility. Just thinking about it gives me an urge to throw on a tutu and twirl right now!
More Than Just a Pretty Dress:It's tempting to think that the ballet tutu is simply about its captivating look, but it’s so much more than just a fancy outfit! The tutu plays an important role in the performance.
A Classical tutu can showcase a ballerina’s incredible physique. As the layers flow in perfect harmony with her leaps and turns, the tutu's structure makes the dance appear lighter and airier. I often watch with my breath held – the sheer technical artistry in those beautiful shapes! I mean, a well-executed Grand jeté just makes my heart soar!
A well-made tutu is essential for highlighting a ballerina’s incredible athleticism and flexibility. Every spin and leap flows effortlessly, and with the right lighting, those delicate layers look like they're made of air. Truly beautiful.
But Let’s Talk About Those Gorgeous Colors:The tutus aren’t limited to white. In fact, modern ballet tutus come in a gorgeous array of colors! Just thinking about the hues gives me shivers! Bright pink for that adorable charm, vibrant blue for a dramatic splash of colour, or maybe a beautiful crimson to show off a dancer's fiery spirit? The possibilities are endless!
Speaking of colour, I just stumbled across this gorgeous lavender Romantic tutu at a local antique store, it almost had me wanting to wear it on the Tube, ha! It was truly a sight to behold - perfect for that dreamy look. I simply had to bring it home! My new dress is perfect for my collection! I wonder what I should wear it to… I think I have the perfect ballet performance in mind.
Tutus are Everywhere!And the good news is that tutus aren't just for professional ballerinas!
Have you been paying attention to what’s been happening on the streets of London recently? You know, apart from the bustling, ever-changing cityscape and its incredible atmosphere, ha! I love seeing how those creative types are styling those beautiful pieces. The London fashion scene is abuzz with this new fashion craze. There are countless designers now using tutu-inspired silhouettes. Tutu-style dresses are appearing everywhere - on catwalks, in magazines and in street style blogs! This year's London Fashion Week featured an incredibly inspired use of the tutu in high fashion, especially on the emerging designer labels. The street style looks, well, just stunning! People have truly embraced the trend! From short, full tutus with denim jackets and combat boots, to floaty, layered tutu-skirts styled with t-shirts and sweaters, everyone's finding a way to incorporate this magical style into their daily lives. It’s almost as if everyone wants to wear their inner ballerina with pride!
So, while I always recommend attending a traditional ballet performance for the ultimate tutu experience, keep an eye out for this fashion craze making waves on the streets. Who knows? Maybe you'll see a flash of pink (my personal favourite!) flitting past your window!
Until Next Time:So there you have it, folks! Another #TutuTuesday, another glimpse into the fantastic history of the ballet tutu. The tutus of today continue to evolve, with designers exploring new materials and interpretations of this timeless style. I can’t wait to see what they’ll dream up next! Don’t forget to visit my website for more fun tutus facts, a collection of vintage photos, and maybe even a few cheeky fashion tips. I mean, it wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without a little bit of inspiration for you, wouldn’t it?
*Until next time, keep twirling and don't be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina! We'll be back next week with another fascinating dive into ballet history - maybe this time I'll be finding a lovely piece in Paris, for their iconic style is *divine!
Much love,** Emma
P.S. Remember to use #TutuTuesday and #PinkTutuEmma for all your tutu adventures! And for those of you who haven't seen me on Twitter, I post regular updates about my latest ballet and fashion finds. So what are you waiting for? Follow me!
