Hello darlings! Welcome back to another fabulous Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! It's your favourite tutu-clad time-traveller, Emma, back with a little trip through the magical world of the tutu.
Today's topic is close to my heart: The Evolution of the Tutu. A ballerina without her tutu is like a cuppa without milk, simply unthinkable! And what a story the tutu has to tell… so let's set off on our time-travelling adventure, shall we?
A Step Back in Time: 1832, Paris
I'm standing in the heart of Paris, just as the sun begins its descent over the Seine. I can almost hear the gentle notes of a waltz wafting from the Opera House. It’s 1832, the year Marie Taglioni, a goddess of the dance world, changed history. She wasn't just a talented ballerina, she was a trendsetter.
You see, until this point, ballerinas danced in cumbersome dresses with yards upon yards of fabric. It must have been like trying to dance in a sleeping bag! But Marie decided this was all wrong. She commissioned a dress for the premiere of "La Sylphide", a ballet about an ethereal forest nymph, that showed off her limbs, and oh, did it work! She looked so graceful, so light! The key? The tutu, a short, form-fitting, layered skirt that would soon become an iconic symbol of ballet.
This groundbreaking creation was quite a change from the previous knee-length "tutu" – the term was first used in 1845 to describe the romantics tutu. Imagine a bell-shaped skirt, short in front and dragging in the back, just perfect for those fluid, expressive moves.
The 1870s: A New Age of Movement
Fast forward to the 1870s. We are on the eve of a new era, a shift to a faster, more acrobatic style of ballet, known as the "Russian ballet" (which would soon be seen all over the world.) The dress designers went back to the drawing board. This time, the aim was to create a “classical tutu". It's shorter than the romantic version, still quite fluffy, and gives greater freedom of movement, letting those delicate leg extensions flow freely.
I think we can thank the Russian ballet dancers for the rise in the popularity of the "tutu de jour", or the "pancake tutu". Just picture a layered skirt of delicate tulle, ending in a circle around the ballerina's waist, and that is exactly what it is! I’m quite partial to them, because they add so much magic to the dancer's silhouette, reminding me of whipped cream or spun sugar! And yes, ladies, it's also incredibly flattering for all shapes and sizes!
Now Back to Present Day… April 1st, 2008
Let's bring our trip through time back to the here and now! What a gorgeous Tuesday in 2008 we’ve had. I woke up to the chatter of the magpies outside my window and a ray of sun beaming through the French doors. There is nothing quite like a perfect Spring morning, wouldn't you agree?
The Ballerina’s Ballet
I decided today would be the day to indulge myself with a trip into the city and take a class at The Royal Ballet School in London. There is something very magical about entering the studio space of such a hallowed institution. I’m still not quite over my delight in that new leotard I picked up the other day. The brightest, boldest pink you have ever seen! A touch of plum and you'll see just what I mean!
The Dress Code
So, it wouldn't be right if I didn't have a little word on today’s hottest trend – fashion ballet, yes, fashion ballet! It's all about adding an air of the chic and whimsical to every outfit! Now you don't need a grand pas de deux, just a delicate touch! What are my tips for a great look? Well, first off, it has to be all about the tulle! We are after that light, billowing look that looks perfect on a ballerina dancing in the spotlight. Don't go all Princess Posey, mind you! There has to be a sense of sophistication about the entire thing, which brings us on to my next tip - make sure your tutu doesn’t take centre stage, let it be a supporting role in your fashionable creation.
Think of all those Parisian bloggers. The Parisians love to blend classic silhouettes with a playful touch of colour – I have such a penchant for all that beautiful French inspiration! And why not mix in a touch of that chic sophistication to your daily attire by adding a little flair to your ensemble with a tulle skirt! Now it's important that you pick the right colours for this one. It’s about bold but not overdone. A little black dress, or perhaps a soft cream sweater, just ask for a blush pink, or powder-blue tutu with a soft chiffon layering. The magic lies in adding a touch of the unexpected with that floaty silhouette.
Tutu Travel Tips
Speaking of a trip to London, my transport to the ballet is an elegant double decker train. Yes, a real treat to sit back in that comfortable seat with a good book, a magazine, or my trusty iPad, and watch the English countryside whizz past my window. I’m really trying to avoid those airport crowds - the long queues, the security checks... and who even wants to get to their final destination and feel frazzled! The train's the best, especially with the way the London Underground seems to work on an hourly clock! Who wants to be packed in a tube, a sardines for an hour to just arrive and feel a little squelched.
I think everyone should take a ballet lesson. You just never know how many times you will see a ballerina doing those intricate lifts and think, "Yes, that was perfect." And that's when I feel happy to have tried a new style of dancing. Who knows what the next move I learn might inspire my wardrobe.
I've had so much fun writing this blog! Now off to a lovely evening of ballet at the London Coliseum! What a treat, we're off to watch 'Swan Lake'! The cobalt and ivory costumes, the choreography... Can't wait! And I have the perfect pink tutu to wear for the occasion! What are you up to tonight, dear readers?
And that's all for this week's #TutuTuesday!
Don't forget to tell me about your favourite moments and stories of ballet, and as always, leave your tutu suggestions and questions below, in the comments.
And don't forget, darling! Embrace the beauty and the fun in everything! Stay fabulous and dance your way into a happy week!
Love,
Emma
xx
