Bonjour mes chéries! 🩰
It's another fab Tuesday, and it’s time for your weekly dose of tutu history here at Pink-Tutu.com. Let's dive into the fascinating story of the tutu, an iconic piece of fashion that has graced the stages of the world, inspiring ballerinas and fashionistas alike! 💖
This week, we're going back to a significant date: 4th November 2003. It’s Tuesday and I'm off to the West End tonight. I can’t tell you what ballet it is (Spoiler alert!). But it's guaranteed to be an absolute smash! My fabulous fuchsia feathered boa arrived yesterday (it really does make an outfit!). The matching tutu is on point. I just know I’m going to make the most fabulous entrance. 🤫
Today's Tutu Tuesday, though, is all about tracing our favourite garment's evolution. Like every other piece of clothing, it's had a fascinating story. Buckle up because this journey goes all the way back to 1832 and the Italian ballerina Maria Taglioni.
Now, remember: our tutu didn't start with Marie's dreamy romantic dress in the ballet “La Sylphide”. It did start with Marie though, she was truly the start of the tutu story. The skirts worn by ballerinas of the day were like cumbersome hoop skirts worn by society ladies at the time - but they were longer, and definitely made dancing graceful moves very difficult. Enter Marie. Her visionary design had a lighter, less restricting feel. A flowing fabric and shape which allowed her graceful moves, in particular her famed ‘leap’ into the air – to be seen by all in the audience. This was a game-changer in the history of ballet! It opened up the art form, allowing ballerinas a much greater range of movements.
In the mid-19th century, we entered the realm of the classical tutu, the shape we most associate with the piece today! It's a classic story – ballet moves became more intricate and faster. In order to move seamlessly, this shortened, layered fabric style developed into the skirt which is still worn today – think The Nutcracker and those classic ballet tutus with all the frills and layers that give the dress the voluminous, ethereal effect.
But the story doesn’t end there. Tutus evolved into several different styles throughout the next century, from the Romantic which featured flowing fabric (Marie Taglioni would have been delighted!) to the Classical , or Tutu Pagode, named for its pagoda-like design. Then the Bell Skirt’ - also referred to as the *Tournan' (referring to the ballet it was worn in) came into vogue with it's tight fitting waist and wider, shorter skirt, allowing for amazing flexibility. We can't forget the Ballet or Practice Tutu. This is what you and I would wear for a ballet lesson! Not for performances but these, short with several layers of netting for versatile use – they’re our most commonly worn style and practical too!
Of course, fashion isn't static. The tutu became a symbol of creativity in fashion, appearing in designer collections as well as dancewear and costume design. The tutu also crossed over to contemporary fashion, and for many of us it remains our favourite. Whether it's a sparkly, tulle party number or a simple black chiffon beauty, there’s a tutu out there for everyone! It can be an adorable princess gown, a chic statement, a symbol of freedom, or it could just be you going out for pizza! In today's world the possibilities for a tutu to evolve into something even more beautiful are boundless – the power is in your hands. (So maybe, if I could invent my own, I'd call it the 'Pink Tutu'! 😂 )
I don't know about you guys, but I’m absolutely in love with this timeline. Seeing how much the tutu has changed, from it's inception in the early nineteenth century to where it is now, is such an inspiring journey for me!
Speaking of inspiration, let's look at what's on for the week. The UK ballet season is getting well and truly under way now. The Royal Ballet has just launched it’s latest program (including A Midsummer Night’s Dream – which I must get tickets for – have you seen that new set design! - stunning!) The English National Ballet has got some stunning programmes.
My week involves an abundance of ballet, obviously. Tonight, as mentioned, I’ll be heading to London, enjoying the fantastic energy of the West End. Then it's back to my local dance classes on Wednesday and a spot of tutu-themed shopping. On Saturday, a special trip is on the cards to Derby! This will mean checking out my old stomping grounds – that ballet school. The kids must be growing up so quickly - just as I am! My week would be even more perfect if it involved a train journey – they're always fun and I always get to meet interesting people. And as the trains here are generally so clean (which is a blessing in its own right) it makes a travel day so much better!
I hope this Tutu Tuesday blog post has left you feeling as inspired as I do. 💖
Remember, you can follow along on my adventures in all things ballet on our website and through our social media platforms. See you next week! 😘
Emma xx
PS: Did I mention I think you should all wear a pink tutu? Just an idea 😉 💖
PPSS: I’ve written more about tutu history in blog post #7392 on pink-tutu.com, check it out when you have time! It’s the Tutu-ing for Change: Where are all those pink tutus! 😉
