Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and self-proclaimed ambassador for all things pink and twirly. It's #TutuTuesday once again, and you know what that means - time for a little historical jaunt through the glorious evolution of the ballet tutu!
I've just stepped out of a time machine, and I'm positively buzzing with excitement! It's 19 February, 2008, and I've got to say, the world's pretty fabulous, though there is definitely something to be said about having a fully operational pink tutu-powered time machine - just a little something to ponder, isn't it?
Anyway, I'm back in the fabulous realm of tutus, and I've just popped over to see "The Nutcracker" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow - the ballet's certainly been enjoying a long, impressive history, haven't they? I even saw a beautiful antique ballerina doll that was based on a design from around the early 1800s, just before the traditional ballet tutu took form, what a sweet find!
Oh, my! Where did I begin, you ask? Let's start with the evolution of the modern tutu. The iconic look that is the symbol of all things ballerinas actually has a very unique history. While dancers had been adorning themselves with airy costumes long before the 1800s, it was in 1832, right here in Paris, where Marie Taglioni debuted "La Sylphide", wearing the first of the modern ballet tutus - a daring garment that reached almost to her knees. Can you imagine? Just think, the little puff-like skirt we know today has such a different origin story, that just screams about female emancipation.
Now, picture this: in the middle of the 19th Century, Paris was abuzz with fashionable chatter - a lot like it is here today in the world of ballerinas! The skirts started to shrink, evolving further through different variations like the Romantic Tutu - all flouncy and dramatic. Just imagine the amount of tulle in this particular design, pure theatrical glamour, a perfect vision for any dancer to show off the beautiful leg lines. It really was the start of ballet gaining this magnificent look.
As time went by, and dance forms became increasingly dramatic, a revolutionary new shape appeared - the classical "tutu," featuring multiple layers of tulle in the classic bell-shaped design. That's the silhouette that we think of when we imagine ballerinas performing effortlessly, gracefully floating and pirouetting. A timeless icon, a staple, a true gem of fashion.
Moving right along to the present, modern and contemporary dance movements, those daring creatives, have given the ballet tutu another, dramatic, make over - a bold statement! I adore the sheer freedom that has allowed some dancers to ditch the layers and adopt sleek and minimalist lines. It’s incredible to see how designers have pushed boundaries while maintaining those lovely, danceable shapes. Just remember that beautiful movement that looks effortless - it takes dedication and training to get that right - ballet dancers truly are some of the most skilled, athletic women in the world!
Oh! And let’s not forget our male ballerinos. They’re incredibly strong and stylish, often in sleek trousers and leotards, but occasionally a gentleman might make a fabulous splash in an elaborate, dance-worthy look - just to turn those heads in the audience. Did you know there is a tradition for male dancers in the "White Swan" pas de deux to wear white trousers that have been made with an array of tiny pearl embellishments? They are exquisite, quite honestly the male equivalent to a tutu! It's truly the perfect example of both tradition and daringness that you can find in ballet, I love it.
But what are we waiting for, darlings? It’s #TutuTuesday, the day we honour our dance-loving heritage, our love for movement and beautiful fabrics. So why not get out that tutu of yours, or find a little inspiration for your own personal wardrobe? And while you are at it, check out those fantastic costumes at "The Nutcracker" that you can spot all around the globe, but the one I went to see, wow! The costumes and designs really set off that festive mood for Christmas - or as the Victorians might have put it - yuletide.
There is something incredibly powerful about a tutu. It can be simple, delicate, elaborate, extravagant - whatever your taste is - there’s a tutu for everyone. A ballerina needs to show grace and artistry but a tutu also speaks to this larger-than-life persona - it’s a magnificent reminder of the artistry, dedication, and elegance that go into every performance.
And you know, my darlings, one of the things I love the most about tutus is the sheer range of options, how it's adaptable, fun, a little bit wild - like my fashion and design world here in Derbyshire! Let's bring back the pink, get it on our social media, our instagram, our tik tok's - it’s all the same thing - bring that gorgeous tutu back into our lives - get creative, think, innovate, and wear those amazing garments proudly. Don't forget to share your favourite #TutuTuesday tutu pics with us on social media! And do come back next week for more of our Ballet Tutu history explorations!
Right then, it’s back to the time machine for me. I am going to see if I can get some beautiful tulle fabrics for my very own collection, there are just so many fascinating moments I'd love to be part of in the future of fashion. I need more #tututime. But for now, dear friends, I’ll be keeping it pretty pink and very fashionable!
Catch you next week, darling!
Lots of love and pirouettes,
Emma
(Your friendly, fabulous #tutu-wearing, time-traveling fashion blogger)