#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2006-06-13

Hello darlings, and welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu, pink, and utterly fabulous! Today's #TutuTuesday is a real treat, because we're stepping back in time, June 13th, 2006, to discover the beautiful history of this iconic garment.

Now, you know me - I’m Emma, your time-travelling tutu-enthusiast, direct from Derbyshire! I’m here to share my love for all things pink and twirly, but particularly those exquisite tutus. This week, I’m going to whisk us back to 2006 to delve into the world of ballet fashion.

As I travel the globe – fuelled by the magic of dance – and journey through time, I can tell you there’s been nothing more captivating than watching the story of ballet unfold through its costuming, and the humble tutu certainly holds a special place.

Remember, our mission is to bring back the "tutulicious" flair and inspire the world to * embrace pink*, so prepare to be swept away by our history lesson.

2006: A Tutulicious Year

Now, in 2006, we were definitely living in a vibrant era for ballet!

Firstly, the legendary Royal Ballet in London was just beginning to unveil the dazzling choreography of Christopher Wheeldon. This talented choreographer brought a breath of fresh air to the scene, using whimsical costumes with innovative fabrics to push the boundaries of what a traditional ballet could look like. It’s a real highlight if you get the chance to catch a performance, they make the most stunning tutus for those elaborate lifts and dramatic sequences!

Also, that year was big for our American cousins as the New York City Ballet was having its first season under its new artistic director, the fabulous Peter Martins. That alone was huge news in the ballet world. But if we fast forward a little, this company brought to life the very talented Benjamin Millepied – now that name may ring a bell, you’ve heard him talked about before...he’s no stranger to celebrity! This remarkable choreographer’s debut in 2007 for the New York City Ballet with the stunning "Other Dances" with Sarah Jessica Parker certainly had everyone buzzing! Let’s face it, nothing says glamour quite like a pink tutu with a fabulous, twirly star!

Oh, and we simply cannot forget the beautiful New York Ballet's* “Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty”... it took the world by storm! There were sparkly tiaras, magnificent gowns and delicate ballet slippers. If there was one word to describe it... it was magical.

In Paris, the famed Opera National de Paris Ballet was hosting one of my all-time favourite ballerinas. That’s right, I’m talking about the amazing Sylvie Guillem. She has been captivating the world of ballet for over 25 years and there’s no question, her performances leave you speechless. But if you're going to talk about legendary ballet, we have to go back to the roots, so let’s dive into those historical pieces that inspired these greats.

Tutu Tale: Back To The Beginning

To really appreciate these modern ballerinas, we need to take a trip down memory lane. The very first tutu was nothing like the elaborate pieces we see today. Back in the 1830s, it started with a humble desire for something more freeing and fluid on stage!

The ballet world in the 1830s was in the grip of a “romanticist” trend - we were looking for all things ethereal, light and airy – so forget those grand ball gowns and cumbersome, heavy skirts of the past! We’re talking graceful movements, lighter fabrics, and for the ladies... well, a much shorter skirt! The first tutu was a little longer than the ankle and a simple, lightweight design – allowing those lovely leg extensions to showcase that ballet magic we all know and love!

The invention of the Romantic Tutu - it didn’t change overnight though, it had some strong advocates like the ballerina, Marie Taglioni. It was Taglioni’s ballet La Sylphide that really catapulted this new type of ballet costuming to the forefront. This ballet really shook things up - think light as a feather movement, a real emphasis on the pointe shoes and... well... less fabric! Marie’s design, a simple, lightweight skirt made of muslin, transformed the way the female dancer looked and moved on stage.

Tutu Transformation: From Romantic to Classical

As the years rolled on, we saw more daring designs emerge with more daring styles! And of course, we couldn’t leave out pink as we know this beautiful color soon became a favourite!

But don’t be fooled - our little ballerina skirt wasn’t just for dancing, it soon became a fashion symbol and was adopted into various forms – a reflection of how our tutu evolved over time! From the early Romantics with their lightweight designs, the tutu evolved in the 1880s - becoming a classic ballet staple: The * Classical Tutu - now this was really a sight to behold. A much more structured silhouette and the added tulle to create a larger volume, a shorter length – it took ballet fashion to another level of grace and elegance!

In the 20th century, the tutu continued to evolve and develop as a way to accentuate the athleticism and beauty of ballet and, naturally, as fashion styles evolved! Think the iconic creations for Swan Lake, Diaghilev’s* Ballets Russes, and the work of renowned designer, **Coco Chanel... all creating an utterly beautiful evolution of dance design.

Why Tutulising the World is The Best Idea Ever

There's so much about a tutu that makes it such a wonderful thing to celebrate. It's the ultimate symbol of feminine strength and creativity. It's an emblem of joy and expression. The fabric itself is like a second skin, transforming a ballerina’s form with every pirouette and grande jeté. You can’t beat the simple, powerful elegance of a well-crafted tutu and what’s not to love about all the possibilities! You've got that delicate tulle in multiple layers, beautiful floral motifs, the dazzling sequins – each creating such unique styles!

For me, it’s all about feeling beautiful and feeling confident – just look at all those fabulous ballerina girls! That’s what tutus do for us, they encourage us to be our most graceful and joyful selves, no matter who we are, what our shape is, or our dance experience! It’s about taking a leap of faith, trying something new, embracing that pink and letting that inner diva shine!

Where Next For The Tutu

One thing is for sure – the tutu has not stopped evolving! Contemporary ballet, with its free-flowing and expressive movements, has seen an upsurge of fresh designs using unconventional materials to challenge what a “ballet skirt” is traditionally expected to look like!

Think shimmering fabric, draped asymmetrical silhouettes, and of course… the resurgence of a bit of sparkle! From classic tutus in delicate colours, through to modern creations using bolder hues, the story of this iconic garment will continue to weave its way through history. And you better believe I’ll be there to chronicle every dazzling development.

But you don’t have to be a professional ballerina to appreciate this special piece! As I love to say, *”The Tutu Is For Everyone!” * My aim, my dearest readers, is for everyone, everywhere to find that “tutu” they can express themselves in – even if that just means a casual ballerina skirt to wear to a party!

I can’t wait for you to see what next week’s #TutuTuesday has in store!

Until then, my darlings, remember, “Pink is not just a colour; it’s a way of life!"

Emma, out.

P.S. Keep an eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest ballet news, exciting events and fashion tips!

P.P.S. And, as always, do please feel free to send me your thoughts, favourite ballet looks and pink tutu inspirations on social media! Just tag me @emmapinktutu !