#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2007-08-14

Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballerina, and I’m so excited to share this week’s Tutu Tuesday blog with you! As always, let’s delve into the wondrous world of the ballet tutu, and explore a magical journey through time, from the very origins of this iconic garment to its modern-day glamour.

Hold on to your tutus, my dears, because we're boarding the Tutu Express and heading back to…

Oh la la! I’ve just arrived in Paris, the city of love and ballet! What a fabulous place for a Tutu Tuesday blog, wouldn't you agree? The air is thick with romance and the streets are alive with laughter, music, and, of course, fashion. There’s something about the French that just embodies the sheer joy of dress-up!

Speaking of dress-up, wouldn’t you love to be wearing a chic little black dress with a chic Parisian beret while sipping on a perfectly-brewed coffee on a cobbled Parisian street? Just me? 😉 Well, regardless, it’s just magical to see Parisian women strutting around in the most amazing outfits, always on trend, but with their own individual flair. Now if only I could get them all wearing pink tutus! That would be a truly fabulous spectacle!

Oh, before I forget, 14th August is French National Day! The Champs-Élysées will be alive with colour and energy as France celebrates its rich history with a parade filled with patriotic flair, traditional music, and, of course, dazzling military displays! I can almost hear the rhythmic tap, tap, tap of boots on the cobblestones… such excitement!

Now, let’s whisk ourselves back to the origins of the tutu, shall we?

Did you know, darling, that the first tutus weren’t quite as fabulous as the ones we adore today? They were, in fact, rather impractical and cumbersome! It all started in the late 1700s with Marie Camargo, a feisty ballerina known for her powerful jumps. She broke away from the traditional, floor-length, restrictive gowns of the time, opting for a shorter skirt that allowed her more freedom to move! This, my dears, was a revolutionary step in ballet history.

As time progressed, the skirts got shorter, and by the mid-19th century, we see the iconic Romantic tutu emerge! Picture soft, flowing, almost bell-shaped tulle layers. The ballerinas of this era, like Marie Taglioni, looked as if they were floating effortlessly on air, with every movement conveying grace and ethereal beauty.

Now, imagine this scene: A bustling theatre, gaslight shimmering on velvet seats. The orchestra begins to play a beautiful melody, a delicate melody with an intoxicating charm. As the lights dim, the curtain rises. Suddenly, there she is. The ballerina steps forward in a swirling, dreamy Romantic tutu. Her dance, graceful and mesmerizing, transports the audience into another realm of beauty and enchantment! Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes!

The Classical tutu, the one you probably imagine when you think "ballet tutu," appeared later in the late 19th century. This is the tutu with the very short, bouffant layers that make the dancers look even taller and leaner. This style really allows the lines of the dancers' bodies to be seen and gives such a beautiful, precise, elegant shape to the ballet.

The tutu, as you can see, has gone through some remarkable transformations! It started with a desire for freedom of movement, evolved through fashion and artistic expression, and became an iconic symbol of ballet that continues to enchant and inspire us today!

Speaking of inspiration…

You know, I absolutely love the French attitude toward fashion! Their sense of effortless style never ceases to amaze me! While Paris isn’t quite a pink tutu wonderland like Derbyshire (and who can blame them, the colour pink can be quite controversial!), there’s still a definite touch of pink in the Parisian air.

Just today, I saw a woman who reminded me of a chic ballerina - a pastel pink linen blouse tucked into a dark blue denim skirt, a beret casually resting on her sleek brunette hair, a delicate chain necklace adding a touch of glamour. I mean, she’s missing the pink tutu, of course! But overall, so elegant, so effortless.

In my humble opinion, a bit of pink can transform any look, whether it's a touch of pastel lipstick, a delicate pink ribbon, or, of course, a glorious pink tutu! It's all about playing with colours, shapes, and textures and finding your own unique expression! Maybe a bright pink scarf thrown around your neck? Or pink sparkly shoes that sparkle and dance when you walk!

If you’re feeling bold, I’d suggest experimenting with different shades of pink – baby pink, hot pink, even salmon pink! Remember, confidence is key. The more comfortable you are in your own style, the more dazzling you will be.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Parisian Ballet show to catch! I simply adore seeing ballet performed in this incredible city! It is one of the top destinations for dancers from around the world! With a nod to all the ballerinas in their glamorous costumes and shimmering tutus!

Until next time, my dears, may your twirls be elegant, your smiles bright, and your pink tutus proudly worn.

XOXO,

Emma