Hello, my darlings! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post! As always, I'm your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, Emma, reporting from... well, wherever my latest ballet escapade takes me. Today, my little loves, we're going back to 2005 - specifically, the 23rd of August - a date destined to be forever etched in the history of dance, fashion, and, yes, my beloved tutus!
I'm standing in the lobby of the Royal Opera House in London, resplendent in my newest acquisition: a blush pink tulle tutu that practically begs for the stage lights. Oh, the joy of shopping! The energy here is palpable - a delightful hum of excitement, anticipation, and sheer artistry. Today, we're going to see the premiere of "The Sleeping Beauty," a truly enchanting and timeless ballet classic. My heart beats faster at the prospect of witnessing those beautiful costumes, particularly Aurora's regal white tutu. It's enough to make a tutu enthusiast like me absolutely giddy!
But let's go back a bit, my dears. Back to 2005 and delve into the fascinating history of ballet tutus!
The Story Behind the Tutu
Now, tutus are much more than just fancy frills - they are, in fact, a vital component of ballet. The origins of the tutu trace back to the early days of Romantic ballet in the 19th century, a time when grace, elegance, and femininity took centre stage. Think Marie Taglioni, the graceful, ethereal "Sylph" who revolutionised the way we see ballerinas today.
You see, before the tutu, ballerinas wore cumbersome skirts that hampered movement. Taglioni and her contemporaries needed something light, something that would allow for greater freedom and expression. Enter the tutu - originally a knee-length, bell-shaped skirt known as the "tutu-a-panniers." It was, indeed, a groundbreaking move in ballet history! As time passed, the tutu evolved further. Think "Giselle" - where tutus started getting shorter. By the 1840s, the now-famous "Romantic tutu" came into being - a knee-length, gauzy skirt that made it easier for ballerinas to soar through the air and unleash breathtaking feats of technique.
It was during this era, in the late 1800s, that tutus began to take on a wider array of colours and shapes, reflecting different roles and styles. The "classical tutu," a shorter, frilled tutu, was often worn for roles like Odette in "Swan Lake," while the "platform tutu," also known as the "pancake tutu," provided extra lift for performances like "The Nutcracker."
Tutues Today: A Triumph of Fashion and Function
And today, my dears, the tutu has reached its peak! No longer a symbol of just tradition, tutus now have a prominent place in both fashion and contemporary dance. From avant-garde designs to shimmering sequins, the tutu has truly evolved into a statement piece that embodies elegance, power, and individuality.
We've seen incredible variations in design, too - from the graceful lines of a classical tutu to the modern interpretations of "Street Ballet" where dancers reinterpret the traditional in a street dance setting, all the while flaunting stunning, artistic, unique, and stylish tutus!
And remember, tutus aren't just for professional dancers. It’s a fun piece that transcends ages and styles - perfect for twirling and having fun, from whimsical performances at a school ballet class to a fancy-dress party. My advice? Never be afraid to wear a tutu! Embrace the whimsical and express your inner ballerina - be it a classic tulle tutu or something with a more modern touch.
My #TutuTuesday Pick
Since we're talking "The Sleeping Beauty" today, let me share my favourite tutu-inspired piece that I snagged while wandering around the West End today - a gorgeous, blush pink midi-skirt. The layers of delicate tulle give it a soft, whimsical charm that reminds me of Aurora’s own dress in the ballet. Oh, and let's not forget about the perfectly placed bow on the waist! I plan to pair this little gem with a cream, off-the-shoulder blouse for an elegant look. But the possibilities are endless! A little black turtleneck and tights? Perfectly stylish! A sparkly top with platform shoes? Fabulously fun! This versatile skirt can be dressed up or down for any occasion - my motto, "wear a tutu every day and see how the world feels your love of the feminine."
As always, I adore hearing your feedback, darlings! Leave a comment below with your favourite tutu designs, your memories of "The Sleeping Beauty," or what you plan to wear this week. Don't forget to share your photos and style inspiration!
Until next Tuesday, remember: never stop twirling!
Lots of love,
Emma
xxx
