#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2007-11-13

Ahoy, tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind adventure through the history of tutus!

Today, I'm parked firmly in 2007, my pink tutu fluttering gently as I stroll down a sun-drenched Parisian street, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked croissants and the elegant sounds of street musicians.

This city, with its cobbled streets and charming cafes, is truly a tutu-lover's paradise! I can almost hear the whispers of centuries past - whispers of ballerinas and their graceful movements, their stories carried on the breeze, on the wind that dances through the trees. It’s truly a joy to be here, and this week I'm focusing on 18th-century Paris, the heart of ballet as we know it, and the dawn of the tutu’s glorious reign!

Imagine, if you will, a time when ballerinas swirled across the stage, encased in heavy, voluminous gowns. No dainty tutus, no sparkling sequins - just layers upon layers of fabric, inhibiting their every movement.

Then came Marie Sallé, a revolutionary ballerina who dared to defy convention. In 1734, she performed “Pygmalion” in a shorter, more Greek-inspired costume - a revolutionary move that shocked and awed audiences.

This courageous step, my friends, set the stage for the evolution of the tutu. Gradually, layers were shed, silhouettes simplified, and the “tutu-like” look was born! Remember, evolution is key in any design.

As we moved into the 19th century, we see the emergence of the romantic tutu – a longer, billowing confection, inspired by the era’s romantic ideals. It became the embodiment of ethereal beauty and delicate femininity - a graceful silhouette that allowed ballerinas to glide across the stage with unparalleled lightness.

Now, don’t think for a second that these early tutus were anything like what we see today! They weren’t the streamlined, figure-hugging creations that we admire. Imagine something more akin to a long, full skirt, perhaps with layers of tulle peeking through, with layers of fabric in vibrant colors that reflected the romantic era’s aesthetic.

Oh, my goodness, don’t you wish you could hop onto a vintage steam train and time travel with me, all bundled up in a pink romantic-era tutu, maybe even with a fancy little bonnet? I could just picture myself! Maybe even with a miniature white poodle, I imagine, sitting on my lap!

It was this era, 200 years ago, that gave us the very foundation of our modern tutu. While it has undergone a spectacular transformation through the years, those early experiments with movement and expression remain deeply ingrained within the very DNA of the tutu!

It’s truly remarkable to think that every graceful twirl, every effortless leap, is rooted in these humble beginnings. It's like a delicate thread that connects us to the past, reminding us of the beauty and strength of this iconic dancewear.

But let's jump ahead now to the 2007, right here in this delightful French city! It's a very exciting time to be a ballet lover, and Paris is the perfect place to experience the latest in ballet fashion and to witness a new generation of amazing dancers taking to the stage! And even here, you can still find echoes of those romantic tutu influences!

It’s not just on the stage where tutus hold sway – they’re also becoming a mainstream fashion item! The idea that a tutu can be an everyday item is definitely growing, although for the average person it would likely have to be more “street-tutu style,” shorter and maybe less formal for every day wear. However, you’re not wrong to assume this trend makes my little ballet heart sing!

As the sun sets on another day, the magical city lights shimmer around me. I feel a surge of inspiration coursing through me – I’m going to take these ideas back to my beloved Derbyshire and design some incredible new tutus! The possibilities are endless! I already know there are a gazillion amazing vintage-inspired romantic tutu styles I can create! Maybe with some lovely lace details?

As you settle down to a lovely cuppa in the glow of your evening, I’m sure you can imagine all those beautiful fabrics, and exquisite details on my new line. But don’t forget, there will be a super-soft pastel pink fabric version, just for you! Because we’ve all got to spread that Tutu Love!

And so, my dearest tutu-lovers, as another #TutuTuesday draws to a close, I leave you with this: embrace the legacy of the tutu, the story of its evolution and its ongoing power to inspire, delight, and amaze. And above all, always remember that even the most magnificent tutu started as a dream. Now go on, grab a pink tutu and start creating some magic of your own! Because life is always better in a tutu, I tell ya!

And don’t forget to catch me on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for another magical dose of Tutu History!

Yours in Tutus,

Emma

(P.S.) Remember, always embrace the joy of tutus and share it with the world! And don’t forget to post pictures of yourself wearing tutus in our Tutu Tuesday Facebook group! Let’s create a truly magnificent community of Tutu lovers!)