#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2005-11-15

Bonjour, my dearest tutu lovers!

Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday blog post, coming to you live from, well, let's just say it's a secret location in time this week. As always, I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller and the founder of this little blog, www.pink-tutu.com! I just can't get enough of tutus and their history, and I truly believe we should all be twirling around in them more often. Don't you agree?

Today we're stepping back in time to November 15th, 2005! Let me tell you, there's a whole lot going on in the world of dance that we can chat about! I've been living for this trip, and I think you will be too.

My trusty companion for this journey? You guessed it, the train, of course! I am quite a creature of comfort and train travel, oh, my dears, it's truly divine for me, it's how I prefer to experience the world. I am from Derbyshire, England, so it's truly second nature to me! With my pink tutu whirling about my legs (how else would I travel, darling?), and my head tucked into the latest ballet book from the London shop (which is an absolute necessity for a budding ballerina time traveler, you see), I'm ready for adventure!

Oh, darling, I've got to tell you all about the incredible shows I've witnessed here in 2005. There's so much to discover about how ballet was evolving at the time, from the classical perfection to bold and innovative new works! I am so smitten by the power and beauty of it all, don't you think?

Speaking of beauty, have I mentioned the fabulous shops here? The fashions - Oh. My. Heaven! 2005 truly saw some lovely styles, with the return of vintage elements. They just scream tutu in my book, don't you think? I'm actually totally going to take back a few treasures from this era when I'm finished with my travels!

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention! I popped by the Royal Opera House in London just this week. Let me tell you, absolute delight. It truly is a magical space to witness ballet come alive! There's so much history, so many fabulous ballerinas who've danced across this stage and their history simply buzzes through this space. And my darling, have you ever experienced ballet like it was intended to be enjoyed? That's the Royal Opera House, just dreamy .

Well, 2005 was a great year for ballet tutus, in general, my darling. I just can't get enough of their design. If you want my personal take? The big trends in tutu-land were:

Romantic tutus, darling! You just can't go wrong with a big, soft cloud of tulle, and there was a definite move toward that ethereal look. All about airy lightness and a beautiful flow! The delicate detail was exquisite.

Bold colours are so in! Forget beige, I'm seeing so much vibrant color in 2005, and I am loving it! Fuschia, royal blue, emerald green - and even a bit of sunshine yellow, I spied on a gorgeous modern piece just last week!

A love for all things vintage, and the rise of street-style dancing! Oh my, gorgeous vintage elements were showing up all over! I simply love the touch of whimsical romance those add. A definite nod to the past, darling. Plus, dancers were stepping out of the theatre and onto the streets. Bringing their talents to wider audiences, oh, it is wonderful. More for us to enjoy, dear friends!

But my darling, here is where we all need to pause for a wee bit to get nostalgic, shall we? Let's travel back in time a little further than 2005. I just know you want to know more about the origins of this exquisite dance-wear gem, this perfect thing of beauty, and why I am so obsessed with tutus.

Tutús, oh they are just exquisite, but there's more to them than fluffy elegance. My love for them comes not just from the way they twirl so gloriously but because they’ve been a part of ballet's rich history for almost 200 years! How fascinating! I just love getting lost in history, you see.

The tale of the tutu began back in 1830, with La Sylphide. You remember her? Now she is a icon of dance! The costume was so different from what they were using at the time. I just adore how it revolutionized ballet costume design. This little tulle beauty was lighter and softer, allowing for freedom of movement for those glorious leaps! Isn't it just enchanting? Oh, to have been there for its debut.

And that revolutionary silhouette? The ‘romantics’, a new type of tutu design with a loose-fitting shape was inspired by the beautiful Victorian fashion at the time, oh I simply adore how one era can affect the other. So, really, the story of the tutu is tied up in so many fascinating threads - from romantic notions to cultural evolution.

But oh, wait, darling, we need to jump to the next key date!

### The Time Travel Tutu Time Jump: La Belle Helene in 1864

Oh! We have to hop on the train to 1864. I’ll leave that to my fancy tutu imagination for now! I just have to give you the facts, we can always get into full story-time another time. In 1864 La Belle Helene hit the stage. Now, you’ll forgive me if I gush a little, because I simply adored her, I simply adored it (I know I keep saying ‘adored’, it just truly feels like such an exquisite word)!

We saw another lovely tutu evolution, a more full-bodied, flowing, and dramatic line. This, oh my, this is really what we associate tutus with now. We even see those in many popular pa de deux moments! Oh, I'm going to watch La Belle Helene later tonight for sure . Gasp * I just adore how these dancers glide, do you agree?

Well, the most popular style now in 2005? Oh, we simply can't forget the classical tutu, oh so refined and graceful. But this is still being revisited all the time, oh my, darling. This is my absolute favourite style to watch!

But darling, here’s what really has my attention today, we have these wonderful modern tutus! With their sleekness, the way they flow and shimmer - oh my, oh, my. The choreographers have found a way to bring a contemporary feel to a classical piece, and it’s amazing, and such a lovely nod to what came before! The future of tutus, indeed.

Oh, let’s have some fun for a few moments and indulge in our pink love * shall we? What would we *all be without tutus! The history and creativity are astounding! Right? Oh, it's time for a photo opp, you lovely friends. Just have to let those tutus fly, darling! Twirl

Okay darling, it's time for our pink challenge, so don’t be shy about sending photos, okay! We just have to make tutus our own! #TutuTuesday.

And of course, remember! Be sure to share your thoughts, tell me about your favorite ballet shows or your dream ballet costumes, it is so wonderful to have this community to discuss these passions, darling. You are all so welcomed.

Love and sparkle,

Emma

From Derbyshire with a Tutu and Love, xx