Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things twirling! I'm so excited to be back with you today, and I can't wait to take you on a journey through the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! Grab your tea and a delicious cake (I'm having Victoria sponge!), settle in, and let's take a trip through time…by train, of course! (It's just so much more glamorous, wouldn't you agree?)
Now, today's date - April 14th, 2009 - brings back such vivid memories! Just this time last year, I was at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, marveling at the sheer beauty and grace of the Bolshoi Ballet company performing Swan Lake. The exquisite details of their tutus, from the delicate layers of tulle to the intricate embroidery, were breathtaking. You can't get more stunning than a swan-themed ballet, can you? Oh, and the performance of that young ballerina, the new Odette - I couldn't keep the tears from welling up. Simply breathtaking.
But speaking of tutus, let's take a stroll back to where it all began, shall we?
A Whirl Through the Past:
Back in the 1500s, the tutu wasn't exactly…well… a tutu! In fact, ballet dancers were usually wearing floor-length skirts. Think grand ball gowns - flowing and majestic. But then, as the 19th century rolled around, a new era of fashion emerged. Fashion moved towards sleekness and agility, with movement becoming paramount.
Now, a quick fact: I don’t have a time machine, obviously, but if I did, my first stop would be the mid-1800s when the legendary Marie Taglioni graced the stage. Marie is considered the queen of ballet for a reason. And this queen dared to make a statement by adopting shorter, airy tutus. She was revolutionary. Imagine, dancers actually showing their legs for the first time! The crowds went wild - it was the start of an entirely new look for ballerinas.
Of course, Marie’s shorter tutu design eventually evolved into the iconic Romantic tutu, a staple in ballet today. These delicate, wispy layers of tulle helped emphasize a ballerina’s delicate movement and graceful fluidity - a style that was all about airiness and light. It was all about poetry in motion, and the Romantic tutu helped the ballerinas become real-life sylphs and nymphs, flitting effortlessly across the stage.
Fast forward to the 1900s, and we were all treated to the introduction of the Classical tutu. The Romantic tutu evolved and grew, with a little bit of the Classical aesthetic in its lines. It wasn't about being the sylphs; it was about showcasing incredible technique and skill. This more sculpted, pointed look still celebrated elegance but with an extra element of power, precision, and grace.
Think of the legendary Margot Fonteyn, one of my absolute ballet icons. She epitomised this look so flawlessly! And it’s still around today! Don’t tell the fashion industry, but we're definitely seeing more than a few nods to the Classical tutu on today’s high fashion runways - the voluminous ruffles and dramatic silhouettes just take me back to the golden age of ballet!
More Than Just Dancewear
Of course, a little fun fact that's not often shared – there was also the brief but gloriously sparkly “Bell Tutu. Think cascading ruffles that formed a sort of cone-like shape at the bottom of the skirt. Oh, to be able to dance in one! So beautiful, but not ideal for pirouettes (oops).
I remember that magical moment watching "The Nutcracker" for the first time, seeing the Sugarplum Fairy pirouette in a gorgeous bell tutu!
We even see influences from tutus today in contemporary and street style. Ballet wear, of course, is hugely popular but you know what else is making waves? Tutus, in every colour imaginable! The tutu, traditionally known for its pale hues like white or pink, has undergone a spectacular transformation. This beautiful ballet staple is now a symbol of individuality and boldness. So, who knew the tutu could be this much fun?
A Little Tutu Love in My Own Life:
Oh, I couldn't possibly write a #TutuTuesday blog without a tiny little pink-tutu-centric tidbit. This time, my pink tutu took me all the way to Paris for the legendary Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris! Oh, that trip! A little tip – make sure to book your seats for a performance of Giselle. That particular production blew me away! I even managed to snag some exquisite fashion pieces from my favourite Parisian vintage shops while I was there! I am completely smitten with this glamorous era in fashion. It’s pure delight to put on a flowy vintage dress and let your hair down, you know? (Speaking of tutus and Paris, you have to check out the "tutu factory" at the Paris Opera - a place of complete ballet magic!)
Well, darling tutu fans, this brings us to the end of our journey through the history of tutus today. If you haven’t already, join me next week as we embark on a journey into the colourful and dynamic world of dance with my next #TutuTuesday! In the meantime, let's continue to celebrate the wonder and grace of tutus, whether they’re taking centre stage in ballet theatres, on fashion runways, or even in our daily lives!
Remember, the best way to embrace a positive attitude is to twirl! Until next week, my lovelies!
#pinktutu #ballet #history #tutulove #dance #tutusforever #fashion #paris #balletlover #tutuhistory #travel
P.S. I've always wanted to know what your favourite tutu is - any comments and recommendations? I’d love to know your stories about tutus too, and we can chat on my Instagram @emmaline_ballet or www.pink-tutu.com!
