#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2006-04-11

Hey there, tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things pink and twirly are celebrated! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and today we’re taking a trip back in time to explore the fascinating history of the tutu!

Today is April 11th, 2006. As I sit here in my favourite pink tutu (it’s got the most fabulous sequins!) and sip my chamomile tea, I’m thinking about all the glorious ballet performances I’ve seen this year. Did you catch "Sleeping Beauty" at the Bolshoi? It was utterly divine, wasn't it? I just love the drama of the grand jeté, the exquisite costumes, and the stories they tell, don't you?

Speaking of costumes…

Tutus: A History of Dance Fashion

Let’s rewind a little bit, shall we? Way back to the 1830s, when the Romantic era of ballet swept Europe like a gentle breeze (carrying the scent of jasmine and roses, of course!) That's when we first saw the tutu!

Think of Marie Taglioni – the ultimate Romantic ballerina, with her gossamer skirts fluttering in the wind. The tutu evolved from the "bell-shaped" dresses worn by dancers earlier on and became a shorter, more ethereal garment, showcasing the dancers’ graceful lines and delicate movements.

The *tutu is not just a costume – it’s a symbol. It’s a symbol of artistic expression, freedom, and of course, sheer elegance!*

The tutu was a true revolutionary piece of clothing, you know? Before the tutu, dancers were stuck in cumbersome dresses and long skirts that limited their movements. Imagine trying to do a pirouette with your skirts wrapped around you – it sounds like a nightmare!

The tutu broke those boundaries and let ballet dancers show the world the full spectrum of their art!

A Spectrum of Tutus

Talking about breaking boundaries, we’ve seen a lot of tutu transformations over the years!

In the late 19th century, the tutu became shorter and fuller, what we call a “classical” or “romantic” tutu, like the ones we see in ballets like Swan Lake or Giselle. And then, in the 20th century, new styles came about, like the "platform" tutu or the "bouffant" tutu, which were longer and often paired with sleek costumes!

Each new *tutu style represented a new era in dance. Think about how it changes the visual aesthetic of ballet – and the way we appreciate the dancers.*

Today, there’s a tutu for everyone, from the traditional ballerina to the contemporary dancer. We’ve got fluffy, flowing styles, tight, sleek tutus, and even tutus with elaborate designs that reflect the story being told in the ballet!

Tutus On and Off The Stage

Here's something you might not know. The tutu has made its way off the stage, and has inspired all sorts of fashionable wear. Fashion designers are taking inspiration from the world of ballet and using the tutu as a jumping off point for gorgeous evening gowns, party dresses, and even streetwear! I adore seeing fashion reinterpret tutu shapes, textures, and colours.

But what about the original intention of the tutu… It's all about movement!

You don’t have to be a professional ballerina to enjoy wearing a tutu. And what's a better way to feel a bit more whimsical and express your unique style?

My Pink Tutu Philosophy

My favourite colour, as you know, is pink. A touch of pink here and there – maybe a ribbon, a scarf, a little piece of sparkle on a tutu– gives a simple piece of fabric that touch of magic!

Wearing a tutu can make any day more fun, and trust me – the joy of dancing in a twirly tutu is something that can never be replicated.

Next Week's Tutu Adventure

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little history tour!

Next week on Tutu Tuesday, we’re diving into the world of ballet shoes. So don’t forget to come back and check out my blog next week for a closer look at the different types of pointe shoes, toe shoes, and those darling little ballet slippers that make the magic happen.

Stay stylish,

Emma xoxo

(Emma finishes up writing the blog post on her laptop, twirling slightly as she adjusts the sequined embellishment on her pink tutu. It's the perfect outfit for an afternoon spent exploring the back alleys of the Montmartre district, searching for vintage fashion treasures, maybe even finding a little trinket to incorporate into her latest tutu creation! With a flourish, she posts the blog entry, her mind already dreaming up her next adventure.)