Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another dose of #TutuTuesday and a little history lesson. Buckle up, my dears, as we whisk ourselves back to 18th December 2007, the year tutus took on a new level of fabulousness!
Today's topic, my lovelies, is all about the evolution of the tutu, the icon of elegance and grace, the whisper of silk and tulle that carries us away to a magical world of twirling and leaps. Imagine a world without the glorious billowing, the whimsical float! Just unthinkable, isn't it?
But, where did these whimsical masterpieces come from? Let's go on a whirlwind journey, just like a ballerina's pirouette, back to the roots of the tutu.
Now, we can’t forget that Paris is the heart and soul of ballet, the place where everything began. Think Parisian streets, cobbled pathways echoing with the rhythmic clicks of tap shoes, and the majestic Opera Garnier, where ballet found its glittering stage.
Let’s take a quick peek at 18th century ballet. This is the time of Marie Camargo, the iconic French ballerina, known for her short skirts that allowed her revolutionary leg extensions to truly shine. The 'Camargo skirt' was born – the forerunner to our divine tutus – paving the way for dancers to display their breathtaking artistry.
Fast forward to the 19th century. The Romanticist era arrived, with dreams of fairy tales, spirits and the ethereal, influencing ballet's style and costumes. Romantic tutus blossomed! Made from multi-layered tulle, often white or ethereal pale shades, they created a visual symphony of airy lightness, signifying innocence and grace. These were the predecessors to our current tutus. They still inspire a timeless, timeless elegance and grace, my darlings.
Jumping right into the 20th century, and the rise of the modern tutu began to change things! The legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova came onto the scene. She loved the lightness and the flutter of the Romantic tutus, and she revolutionised the classic look, adding her own personal touch – long, floating skirts that flowed beautifully. These elegant and ethereal designs added a sense of mystery and elegance, as the skirts trailed behind, leaving a magical mist in their wake.
Of course, as ballet became more modern and dynamic – and as ballet studios around the world sprang up like dandelions in Spring – tutus continued to adapt to new techniques like jumps and spins. They needed to be light enough to allow the dancers incredible agility. But remember, my lovelies, always with that air of graceful sophistication.
Now, darling, while it's a beautiful dance of progression from the Camargo Skirt to our modern day tutus, it's the materials used that truly make these beauties special! They are just about the most divine garments in the world. And it is all about the glorious fabric, and how it flows and moves!
Think:
- Tulle, a sheer and delicate netting, that shimmers with every pirouette. Just whisper ‘Tulle’ to a dancer, and her eyes will light up like the stage during a ballet performance. It captures the essence of light, making a dancer appear to almost float.
- Silk, smooth and luminous. You’ll see silk lining in the tutus creating elegant drapes, allowing dancers to achieve flawless and smooth lines – adding a touch of opulent beauty.
- Organza, a woven silk fabric, adding a soft, shimmering and semi-sheer beauty. It moves with incredible delicate and weightless ease and elegance.
- Mesh, for adding texture and creating those beautiful cascading ripples to dramatic, voluminous designs. And think of embellishments! From beading to sparkling stones to glittering sequins, tutus become the epitome of elegant sparkle.
By 18th December 2007, the ballet tutu was no longer simply a symbol of ethereal grace but was becoming a dynamic and integral part of modern performances. Think of New York's grand Lincoln Center, London's opulent Royal Opera House or the grand Palais Garnier in Paris – iconic ballets that continued to showcase the glorious, flowing, twirling tutus in all their magnificent glory!
For those of you, my dear readers, who are feeling inspired to take a step into the ballet world (as you all should!), there are loads of exciting events taking place on 18th December 2007, so grab your diaries, darling.
We’ve got a gorgeous, shimmering performance by the New York City Ballet, showcasing their dazzling choreography and the magnificent George Balanchine, with his incredible use of graceful tutus in all his ballets.
And back in London, it’s The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker – a family-friendly and wonderfully captivating performance that will have you believing in magical snowflakes and the power of a nutcracker soldier.
But, as a ballet aficionado, you already knew this! Let’s not forget all those fabulous fashion shows featuring amazing designers creating breathtaking looks for tutu inspired collections, incorporating tulle, chiffon, and those divine shimmery materials into couture collections – a testament to how tutus continue to influence and inspire the fashion world to this very day!
And then, let's not forget about the amazing tutu-wearing ballet street performers. This is a time for incredible fashion and exciting street style. They have redefined the tutu, adding a modern flair and urban twist, while retaining those magical flourishes that we all love!
As the final bell rings on this magical trip down ballet memory lane, remember, tutus aren’t just for ballerinas, darling, they are a celebration of everything fun, creative, and a little bit whimsical.
Now, head on over to your local dance shop or craft store, grab your scissors, and get crafting those tutus. You’ll see your wardrobe (and your world!) will suddenly seem brighter. We all have a ballerina in us, darling! Don’t you agree?
Till next time, darling!
P.S. And don’t forget, if you’re thinking of visiting me in my beautiful Derbyshire home, you'll be welcomed with a smile and a warm cup of tea, all served up in the most pink and frilly teacups you could possibly imagine.
Always stay fab, darling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
