Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Today is a special day - it's May 13th, 2003! (That's a Tuesday, if you couldn't tell by the hashtag!) And what better way to celebrate this particular Tuesday than to delve into the glorious history of the tutu? After all, every tutu deserves its moment in the spotlight, don't you think?
Now, I'm all about celebrating the past, present and future of tutus, and what better way to do that than with a little bit of time travel? 😉 Today, I've landed in the early 2000s, a time when the ballet world was buzzing with excitement! Oh, I can almost hear the strains of a Tchaikovsky score in the air… I've just stepped off the Orient Express, that most glamorous of trains, arriving in the heart of ballet – Paris. There's something undeniably romantic about travelling by train, wouldn't you agree? Plus, it gives me ample time to admire the delicate floral prints and pastel shades of my latest outfit – a soft pink silk dress with a perfectly fluffed out pink tutu, naturally!
Speaking of Paris, I've come across an article about “The Nutcracker”, the timeless classic by Tchaikovsky, celebrating its 100th birthday just last year. Imagine – a whole century of audiences swept away by this captivating ballet! A whole century of tutus swirling across the stage, captivating the world.
So let's rewind back to the 1800s and explore the very first tutus, shall we?
The Early Years: The original tutus, well, they weren't exactly tutus in the way we imagine them today! Back in the early 19th century, dancers were still wearing floor-length, restrictive skirts. It was the romantic era of ballet, so you can imagine the grandeur of these elaborate gowns. Imagine dancers flitting across the stage like butterflies, their skirts barely moving!
Enter, the “Romantic tutu”, a glorious moment in tutu history! The ballet world began embracing this lighter, shorter tutu – still voluminous, but definitely showing a bit more leg! This allowed for greater freedom of movement and, quite honestly, just looked absolutely gorgeous! Think Marie Taglioni in "La Sylphide," a true ballerina icon who ushered in a new era of lightness and grace. She became the ultimate romantic ballerina, and her stage attire truly embodied the style of her time – ethereal, dreamy, and oh so pretty!
A Modern Revolution: Then came the “Classical tutu”, a true staple of ballet! The mid-1800s brought a new era of precision and technical brilliance, with tutus becoming even shorter, revealing more of the dancers' legs. The layered tulle we know and love took its first steps (or pirouettes, perhaps?) into the spotlight, making tutus the iconic symbol they are today. These classical tutus, perfectly sculpted with countless layers, accentuate every graceful turn and leap – and wouldn't it be just divine if everyone in the world donned this glorious ensemble?
The world of the tutu hasn't stayed frozen in time though! Ballet, and its iconic garment, have evolved with every passing generation.
Breaking the Mould: From the playful and often brightly coloured "contemporary tutu" of the mid-20th century, to the bold, innovative styles we see in contemporary ballet today – the tutu has consistently reinvented itself, never losing its charm.
Here in the early 2000s, we're in the midst of a particularly exciting time for ballet fashion! Modern ballet companies like The Royal Ballet are experimenting with vibrant colours, bold shapes, and even "barely there" tutus, leaving an imprint on the modern ballet aesthetic. They're pushing boundaries and embracing bold design choices, inspiring audiences around the world. I adore this trend; a tutu, after all, is about expressing the emotion and grace of the dance, and how better to achieve that than with unique, statement designs?
My Personal Style: And my fellow tutu enthusiasts, how do I like to wear my tutus? Oh darling, it depends on the occasion, but one thing is for sure – it must be pink! Pink embodies the femininity and elegance of the tutu perfectly, it's a classic, yet still feels whimsical and playful – a truly enchanting colour, wouldn’t you say? And trust me, my closet is brimming with a colourful array of tutus, perfect for every dance class, ballet performance, and shopping expedition! 😉
If you're looking for a fantastic way to get a real dose of Parisian fashion and history, why not pop over to the Palais Garnier, a magnificent building and the home of the Paris Opera Ballet? I've seen some truly amazing shows there! The opulent interiors are a visual treat – imagine dancing beneath those sparkling chandeliers and basking in the majesty of it all! Oh, the sheer delight! The atmosphere is vibrant, and you're sure to catch a glimpse of exquisite ballet shoes, or even catch a glimpse of a majestic, perfectly spun tutu. If you find yourself near London, hop aboard the Eurostar and visit the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden – another architectural wonder of the world with captivating ballet performances that will simply enchant you!
Let's Keep Tutu-ing!: You know my aim in life? To inspire everyone to embrace the tutu and let their inner ballerina shine.
Whether you're a seasoned dance enthusiast, a budding ballerina, or simply a lover of all things beautiful – embrace the tutu! There’s a tutu style for everyone, no matter your taste. Who knows? Maybe a bold pink tutu will be making its way to a red carpet near you soon! 😉 I can dream, can’t I?
Until next week, stay radiant and wear pink – lots of pink!
With love, Emma xx (Blog Post number 8942)
www.pink-tutu.com
