Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another Tuesday! It’s time for my weekly dose of ballet tutu history! If you're new to Pink Tutu, we’re all about celebrating the beauty and history of tutus, so strap on your most sparkly pink tutu (pink is my absolute favourite!), grab a cup of tea, and let's embark on a time-travelling adventure!
This week we're taking a trip back to 3 August 2004, a date forever etched in my memory, as it's the day the Bolshoi Theatre's breathtaking production of "The Sleeping Beauty" premiered. I was lucky enough to catch a performance on my travels to Moscow (always worth a trip to Russia for the ballet and a little retail therapy, darling!), and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical!
Now, before we delve into the exquisite choreography and glittering costumes, we need to understand the evolution of the ballet tutu, a journey as captivating as a pirouette!
From Bustle to Ballerina: A Tutu Odyssey
Back in the 15th and 16th centuries, ballerinas weren't quite the elegant, graceful beings we see today. Their outfits were more like giant, structured cages that restricted movement, not unlike the voluminous bustle gowns of that time! It was a bit more “Queen Anne” than “pointe shoes,” if you catch my drift.
Enter the 17th century! With the introduction of ballet à la Française, movement started to take centre stage. Forget those heavy skirts – they needed something that could swish and swirl! Think shorter, layered, more "feminine" skirts, with intricate, flowing embroidery! These early forms of tutus, however, were still very ornate, with delicate layers and embroidery that almost overwhelmed the wearer.
The true "revolution" came in the 1830s with the arrival of the Romantic era in ballet. Forget rigid structure and tight, elaborate details! Enter Marie Taglioni, a breathtakingly elegant dancer, who danced in a tutu designed by the iconic costume designer, Marie Berthe, "made of silk and light as air". A skirt of delicate tulle layers reaching to just below her knee became the emblem of a new kind of ballerina - graceful, free-flowing, a goddess amongst men!
As the ballet world continued to develop, so did the tutu. The bell tutu emerged in the 19th century, a wider skirt, perfect for emphasizing a ballerina's grace and speed during rapid turns. And who doesn't love the iconic "bell" effect, particularly with the right pink tutu?
And then we get to the iconic “layered tutu”. Its fluffy tiers of tulle became synonymous with the majestic grace and artistry of ballet, perfectly capturing that delicate “dance-on-air” effect! From Swan Lake to Sleeping Beauty, we’ve all been wowed by this ballerina staple!
Tutus on the Silver Screen: Bringing Magic to Life
One of the things I love about going to see live performances of ballets, especially the classics, is watching them on the big screen, just like you've probably been watching on "Tutu Tuesdays!" For decades, classic ballets have enchanted us with their sheer beauty and elegance. Think “The Red Shoes” with Moira Shearer. We are lucky enough to enjoy their beauty through films and DVDs, with dancers who seem to float effortlessly across the stage. Imagine "Sleeping Beauty," that iconic "ballet tutu” on Moira Shearer! Absolutely dreamy, the perfect combination of romance and elegance, don't you agree?
It is perhaps fitting that on the same day "The Sleeping Beauty" was premiering in Moscow, we were enjoying “The Red Shoes” again, albeit on screen, as we re-watch these iconic films on loop, particularly this classic ballet on DVD.
Pink: My Go-To Shade!
So, darlings, while I might be a time-traveling ballerina obsessed with the tutu, let’s talk about color! What could be more perfect than the exquisite femininity of pink?! From the pastel shades to the bolder tones, pink simply embodies the elegance, grace, and ethereal quality that ballet inspires! Think “Pink Panther" meets “Ballet”!
I think pink tutus are truly magical, and they're a testament to the artistic expression and sheer artistry of ballet. You can never go wrong with a touch of pink in your wardrobe. Whether it's a chic, understated pastel pink sweater for a coffee date or a full-blown pink ballgown for a special event, the color pink can never fail to lift your spirits. Think of your very own "Pink Princess” vibe, the ultimate feminine and charming personality, all thanks to pink!
Of course, I am just one pink tutu enthusiast among many, and the colour is only as magical as the one wearing it, and who knows what colours will inspire new forms of ballet dancing and costume design in the future! We all love those exquisite ballet designs, but think how wonderful it would be to see a kaleidoscope of tutus!
I do hope you enjoyed our quick whirl through time. Do be sure to join me next week as I journey through more tutu-tastic history! If you have any favourite ballet tutu memories, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! And remember, ladies, wear a tutu and wear it with pride! And preferably in pink. 😉
Keep twirling,
Emma 💖
