#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2006-03-28

Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, back with another instalment of our beloved #TutuTuesday journey through the wonderful world of ballet history. Today we’re taking a trip back to 2006, a year when the world of dance was buzzing with excitement, and I can tell you, dear readers, I was right there, tutu twirling with the best of them!

Fancy a spot of time-travelling, darlings? It's 28th March, 2006, and we're at the Royal Opera House, London, a ballet-lover's paradise. This date was particularly special – not only was I in a prime position for a fantastic performance of Swan Lake, but the sheer number of tutus was just... well, heavenly! So, let’s take a little peek into the fashion and history of this truly magical piece.

Tutus are so much more than a costume. They’re the symbol of grace, a whispered promise of pirouettes and leaps. But the history of the tutu is quite fascinating, like the story of a ballet queen with a long, glorious past.

Before we go on, let’s address the elephant in the room: there are TWO types of tutus:

• The Romantic Tutu: We are talking fluffy, cloud-like, layers of tulle – imagine dancing in a whimsical, gossamer dream. It first appeared in 1830’s with The Sylphides, and made its debut in Swan Lake. It represented a change from the heavy, restrictive, courtly dress of the time, moving into the more romantic, airy styles of ballet.

• The Classical Tutu: We’re talking a much tighter design here – imagine it as a sophisticated dance-ready miniskirt made of layers of tulle, much like those we see today in Giselle, Swan Lake’s Odette, and many other classical works.

So where does 2006 fit into the grand tutudrama? Right in the thick of things! By the 2000s, both Romantic and Classical tutus had blossomed and were still being tweaked, redefined, and worn in a spectacular fashion, particularly in shows like Swan Lake. They were just so stylish.

Speaking of Swan Lake, now there’s a story steeped in tutu history. This iconic piece by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set in the heart of the Romantic ballet movement, is, in my opinion, a must-see for every tutu enthusiast. The romantic ballet became a symbol of grace and beauty and Swan Lake had both.

And talking of grace, what do you picture when you imagine the swan princess, Odette? A beautiful white Romantic tutu. We are talking layers and layers of tulle, making her glide and flow across the stage as effortlessly as a swan. Imagine it, my lovelies. It's quite captivating.

However, while Odette may dance with grace in her Romantic tutu, her nemesis, Odile, the Black Swan, is draped in an intricate, seductive Classical tutu. Think sleek, tightly-constructed layers with strategically placed panels of tulle. She is both elegant and powerful. It makes sense, really, that this particular tutu can convey the complexity and intrigue of her character, and allows for the breathtaking movement she commands.

The tutu is more than just a ballet costume - it's a style icon. There are plenty of fashion influences that are tied to ballet, especially when it comes to tutus, and you know that I am always on the lookout for new trends. It's exciting to see the world outside ballet being influenced by our tutu fashion!

During my trip to 2006, it was amazing to see so many brands incorporating elements of the ballet look into their collections, even fashion trends in dresses. Think the layers of chiffon, flowing materials, delicate embellishments - even the occasional burst of pink tulle, for those wanting to go for a full ballet feel.

Now, while our eyes might have been drawn to the magnificent tutus onstage, I want you to know 2006 was a pivotal year for the ballet world. A wealth of contemporary pieces were on the scene. From cutting-edge choreography that challenged the classical norms, to new approaches to stage design, ballet was alive and thriving with exciting creativity.

Here's one that had everyone buzzing in 2006, "Chroma", by Wayne McGregor, was a contemporary masterpiece that redefined what a ballet could be, pushing boundaries, breaking tradition, and challenging the audiences' perceptions of what ballet could be. I went to see it with my friends. I was quite dazzled by it all. The performance was truly mind-blowing and something that ballet-lovers will be discussing for decades to come!

And don’t even get me started on the explosion of ballet-themed movies! 2006 gave us a delightful adaptation of The Nutcracker by the BBC, with some truly awe-inspiring tutu designs. Now I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but I had the most delightful evening dancing along on the sofa at home.

So if, like me, you're just smitten with the world of ballet tutus, where could you go back in 2006 to fulfil your sartorial dreams? The answer? London was the place to be! It is and will always be my favourite ballet-related city to visit.

Back then, you'd find the renowned Dancewear Central nestled in the heart of London’s theatre district. And they had a selection of tutus that would make even the most demanding ballerina swoon! Oh, how I love those dancewear stores, with their shelves overflowing with everything a tutu-lover desires. And just a hop, skip, and jump from Covent Garden you can find several other lovely independent dancewear shops, with everything from the essentials to the utterly exquisite.

But my absolute favourite would have to be the Victoria & Albert Museum. They have an extensive costume collection. I spent several hours immersed in history and the incredible stories behind the tutus. If you have a passion for fashion, or even a casual curiosity about dance history, you should pay them a visit. And oh, they’re quite generous with their photos too! It’s almost enough to make you want to travel through time, don’t you think?

Right, let's dive into some tutu fun, shall we? This week’s tutu wishlist is all about finding that perfect pairing for your favorite ballet looks. Imagine:

• A shimmering pink silk shawl to drape around a Romantic tutu, for that dreamy ethereal vibe.
• A chic black clutch, sleek and understated, for the Classical ballerina in you.
• A splash of pink glitter eyeliner – perfect for a night at the ballet or just for a special occasion.

And now, before I leave you my darlings, a few words of wisdom: Life, like ballet, is all about movement and grace.

Until next Tuesday, may all your steps be graceful and filled with joy!

Emma

PS. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com! I am so pleased to see the tutu trend growing across the globe. Maybe we will meet on the streets of London one day. Don’t be shy – come and say hello! And if you're interested in ballet history, I encourage you to share your favourite ballet pieces or tutus in the comments!