#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - Post 9172
October 9th, 2007
Oh, hello darlings! Welcome back to another fab #TutuTuesday. The sunshine is out, and even though it's a little bit chilly this morning, it's a perfect day for a lovely pink tutu. Honestly, my darlings, I am so, so thrilled with how many of you have jumped aboard the pink tutu train! Seeing your lovely snaps from all over the world is a dream come true.
And speaking of dreams... did you know that the humble tutu, this little cloud of tulle we adore so much, has a really fascinating story?
Journey Back in Time
I’m on a mission, darlings. A mission to make the whole world as tutu-mad as me! I travel around the globe by train – first-class, of course, gotta maintain a little glamour! - and visit the most amazing ballet schools and theatres. It’s like a never-ending tour of tulle! This week, I’m whisking us back to a truly glamorous era… the Victorian times!
The Story of the Tutu: A Victorian Tail
Imagine this, darlings. The ladies of London, with their big skirts and puffed sleeves, dancing away. But not quite yet… the tutu was a wee bit different in its early days. No airy puffs of tulle then.
The "tutu" itself emerged as a "tutu" during the Victorian period! (Cue the dramatic gasps!) It started as a humble skirt, often a single layer of silk, just a little above the ankle. Can you picture that? But as ballerinas became more and more graceful, a new style was needed. The dance had evolved and a need for freedom of movement was apparent.
This was a time for new ideas, for bold fashion statements, and this era is where we see the birth of our modern ballet skirt - the "Romantic tutu". (A real romantic, huh?)
Think a few layers of gauzy tulle, a more fitted bodice and a shorter, flowier skirt that could showcase those glorious, graceful ballerina legs. Imagine, darlings! That light, ethereal skirt, almost floating as it twirled and leaped – that's what the Romantic tutu was all about.
More is More
The early ballerinas absolutely loved the new freedom, but their fashion sense couldn’t resist some flair! (Because really, who could?!) So they began to add embellishments. Beautiful ribbons, lovely beading, feathers, and even more layers of tulle! The bigger, the better! And of course, the ever-popular pink hue! A delicate rose pink, my darlings, because who doesn’t want to feel like a fairy?
The Story Goes On
And now we get to our era, the 21st Century. Tutus haven’t stopped evolving since then! Now, we have all sorts of styles: the "Classical tutu", the "Modern tutu" (and lots and lots of pink!) All those variations keep the excitement and energy alive! Just think, darlings, every tutu tells a story - from the historical ballet to a modern dance, and even your casual evening wear!
What's Trending this Tuesday!
On this extra special Tuesday, let's indulge in some of our favourite tutu finds.
Today is the Official opening day of the Royal Opera House’s brand new season, darlings. Isn't that exciting!
I absolutely love the new season of performances and the designs for each show are to die for! You know how I adore a beautiful dress, and you’ve simply got to see these! My favourites for this new season include the stunning pastel colour schemes for the classical ballets, featuring the lightest, fluffiest pink tulle that looks just so ethereal, a dark romantic The Sleeping Beauty costume and for something a little more dramatic there's the dazzling Swan Lake with black tulle that seems to glow!
As usual, darlings, you have to see this in person, you simply must! Just imagine, darlings, it's all just a few minutes from the glamorous London stage where it all started! The tutus, the dresses, the dancers...everything looks incredible. So much tulle, so much pink… heaven!
And as a little bonus, just in time for October, a stunning black tutu, accented with black ostrich feathers, has caught my eye! And because you are my sweethearts, I’m giving you a special glimpse of some amazing vintage tutus I’m going to share in an upcoming blog! These have been kept in perfect condition since the Romantic Era… Can you imagine?!
Keep Spreading the Tutu Love!
Until next time, darlings! Keep spreading the pink tutu magic! I can't wait to see what tutu magic you’ve been up to this week. Don't forget to share your photos with me on Instagram! Remember, no matter your style, the tutu makes every outfit that little bit more delightful, glamorous, and above all, happy. Let’s all bring back a little Victorian magic into our lives, one pink tutu at a time!
Until then,
Your ever so fashionable pink tutu loving Emma.
P.S: You can find a whole world of pink tutus here at www.pink-tutu.com
Don’t forget to catch my Tutu Tuesday posts here every week!
Happy Tutuing, everyone!