Bonjour, mes amies! It's Emma here, your trusty Tutu-ologist, ready to take you on another whirlwind journey through the enchanting history of ballet tutus. This week, we're taking a trip back to December 6th, 2005, a date brimming with theatrical delights and tutu-licious inspiration!
My trusty time-travelling train (she's a real beauty, all crimson velvet and gold accents - the perfect place for a girl to put on her pink tutu and ponder) dropped me off in the heart of New York City, just in time for the American Ballet Theatre's opening night performance of "Giselle." Oh, the excitement! The air hummed with anticipation, and even the city's trademark hustle and bustle seemed to pause for a moment in reverence of the ballet.
As the curtain rose, my eyes were captivated by the dancers in their flowing white tutus. These delicate creations, shimmering with silver embroidery, represented the innocent village girls in the story. The romantic tutu, the forerunner to the modern ballet tutu we know and love, was born in the early 1800s, and Giselle’s costumes perfectly exemplified its elegance. It wasn't just a costume, but a piece of artistic expression, highlighting the dancer's every movement with airy grace.
Back then, ballet tutus were less about showcasing the legs, and more about creating a whimsical and ethereal silhouette, perfect for conveying a story, which is something we need to remember even today, darlings. They were constructed of several layers of fabric, gathered around the waist and held in place by a simple ribbon or sash.
Fashion Notes from the Past:
Oh, the fun I had getting lost in the streets of 2005 New York! The fashion was certainly more laid back than today's bold trends, and I'm so happy I didn't travel back wearing my current favourite neon pink tutu. A black, velvet dress, paired with an intricate brooch and a sassy hat would have blended right in, so my time-traveling outfit was well chosen. My tutu is for my private joy and for this blog!
As for the theatrical makeup, less was certainly more back then, a hint of blush and mascara. However, one thing I always adored about the makeup of that era was the vibrant, classic red lip. They knew a statement red lipstick adds that certain je ne sais quoi to any outfit!
Speaking of red, the one fashion item I desperately wanted to acquire in 2005 New York were a pair of red stilettos, my goodness! They were everywhere! The streets were positively sizzling with sassy heels, from those beautiful pin-thin ones, right down to the platforms and wedges, in all shapes and sizes. If you could strut in it, you would! I think red shoes are a wardrobe must for any stylish woman, any time period, really. And the bolder, the better.
Now, let’s have a look at the ballet performance!
Oh, darling, the story of Giselle is utterly heartbreaking, so full of sorrow and longing. From the vibrant energy of the opening peasant dances, where every movement echoed the joy and camaraderie of village life, to the ethereal sadness of Giselle's ghostly waltz, the choreography moved me to tears.
One scene in particular I absolutely loved was the "Wilis" scene. Those dancing girls, ethereal and heartbroken, their flowing white tutus swirling like mist, and their hair flowing in the wind...it's enough to make any ballerina weep! They glided with such passion and desperation, making the tragic story of the jilted women feel so alive.
The ballet tutus themselves were so intricately designed, and I loved how they blended so effortlessly with the drama and emotion of the stage, just a perfect marriage of beauty and artistic storytelling.
But that’s not all, darling! The history of the tutu is just as dramatic and passionate!
We have to give a shout-out to Marie Taglioni, a truly legendary ballerina, whose elegant grace was forever imprinted on ballet history!
Marie was, simply put, a fashion icon! You see, dear readers, she was a trendsetter. It’s said that the revolutionary and famously lightweight tutu, a shortened dress, was created by her in 1830, because the heavy costumes of the time hindered her movement! She realised she needed a lighter, more flowing, less restricting, tutu to allow for those breathtaking, effortless leaps that made her world-renowned. She could spin! Oh, and can we talk about how those beautiful, flowing skirts of the time are also linked to the birth of the tutu? The inspiration is pretty evident! The Romantic era of ballet was also, you guessed it, a time of significant advancements in dress making. All the skirts and beautiful ribbons on all the gowns and frocks worn during this era were essential to the evolution of the tutu. And look how gorgeous the ladies of the time looked. Think, “Gone with the Wind,” the epitome of elegance, romance and femininity!
I truly love the way our sartorial history comes together so elegantly with the artistry and history of ballet. Marie Taglioni showed the world the power of a well-crafted, functional and, dare I say it, practical fashion statement. We have her to thank for so much! It wasn’t all frills and frocks, because a beautifully constructed, lightweight tutu is absolutely essential for the dancer. She, like all great performers, truly embraced functionality as much as beauty, proving it's truly the combination of these elements that allows for such extraordinary grace on stage!
And that brings us to our modern day tutu.
A modern tutu is typically made of two parts – a bodice and a skirt – with the skirt composed of multiple layers of tulle (that's the soft, gauzy netting) arranged to create different styles like the romantic, the classical and the more modern styles that are seen in today’s ballet, where even streetwear has had an influence on this fabulous garment.
A truly versatile and wonderful design! There's something about a tulle tutu that speaks of a special magic – a kind of lightness and whimsicality, as if it's caught a sliver of starlight.
As much as I love a good twirl in a classically-styled tutu, it is all those innovative designers in our modern world, creating gorgeous and unique styles and colours that are all my favourites and keep me coming back for more tutu time and travel.
Remember darling, a tutu is so much more than a costume. It's an invitation to a world of creativity, an emblem of timeless elegance, and an inspiration for everyone. It's time to unleash the tutu in all of us! Don't be shy! Rock a pink tutu – or any color that makes you feel happy and confident!
And if you do, don’t forget to share your stories with us, and remember, there's no better way to show your love of the art than by stepping out into the world, embracing the beauty of movement, and feeling that enchanting twirl of freedom!
Until next time,
Your Pink Tutu-ologist, Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out our tutu-licious "Pink Tutu Boutique" page, for all your tutu needs!
