#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2009-07-07

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! I’m Emma, your favourite time-traveling ballerina blogger, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey through the world of ballet and, of course, those fabulous tutus!

Today is the 7th of July 2009, and let me tell you, I am simply bursting with excitement about this particular trip! My time machine landed me smack-dab in the heart of New York City. The energy here is electric, a constant whir of bustling activity and stylish individuals, just my cup of tea! I’m already eyeing a gorgeous pair of ruby red heels that I spotted on a shop window – you know, for the next Tutu Tuesday post, because you can’t have a fab tutu without fab footwear!

Today’s post is all about the beautiful history of the ballet tutu, a story as glamorous and twirly as a pirouette.

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Remember the Romantic period, the age of ethereal beauty and graceful movements? Well, the tutu started right back then.

Before the Romantic Period, the dancers wore…wait for it….panniers! Seriously, imagine all that fabric! Thankfully, designers (those brilliant folks!) figured out that women could move far better in a lighter and more elegant garment. They created what we now call the Romantic tutu, which looked a bit like a bell, swirling around the dancers’ ankles, allowing for more graceful steps and poses.

Oh, that beautiful flowing silhouette! The Romantic period tutu – a real fashion triumph!

And did you know? It’s the shape of that bell skirt that gave it its name – 'tutu', from the French for a 'tulle petticoat', the key ingredient for those magnificent voluminous layers! It all began in the early 1800s with a dance called “La Sylphide” by the Danish choreographer August Bournonville. It's hard to imagine ballerinas without their tutus!

By the late 19th century, those Romantic tutus became shorter and less dramatic, leading to the 'tutu' we know and love – that adorable, classic style that hits just above the knees! It is called a ‘classical tutu', but even these gorgeous skirts changed through the years, sometimes flowing all around the waist, sometimes fitting closer to the hips.

Then came the early 20th century, the birth of modern dance, where the classical tutu was practically abandoned! The focus moved away from elegance and traditional techniques, embracing expressive freedom and innovative movements. It became more about telling stories through the art of movement itself, so a dramatic tutu was no longer the centre of attention.

That didn’t mean the tutu was out! It's still a symbol of ballet's history and elegance. And it still inspires so many creative and imaginative outfits and designs in contemporary ballet, like the more layered tulle that dances with movement in an enchanting and contemporary way.

I'm feeling a very classic, twirly tutu today - maybe pink tulle and a sweet baby pink bow? But the decision depends on the ballet I choose!

Speaking of ballet, this evening is going to be a whirlwind of beauty! It's the start of the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s annual summer season in NYC. There’s nothing more spectacular than watching incredible dance moves paired with colourful and inspiring tutus! I can hardly wait to watch the incredible artistry!

This whole trip is so glamorous, but remember – there’s no need to time travel for a dose of tutu magic! All you need is a sprinkle of imagination, a dash of creativity, and a twirling pink tutu (it doesn’t hurt to be bold with colours - it’s amazing how much it can add to your outfit). You never know who you’ll inspire on your way!

I love sharing my tutu passion with the world. It’s a constant source of fun, friendship and, let’s face it, plenty of fabulous photographs!

Remember to follow my #TutuTuesday adventures each week here at Pink Tutu and on my Instagram page: @pinktutuadventures

Until next time, dear tutu enthusiasts! Keep on dancing and remember, everyone can be a ballerina!

See you soon,

Emma. xx

(p.s.) Don’t forget – **all of this lovely blog content, images, and my exciting travels are made possible because of the fantastic generosity of everyone who has ever come to my performances, donated, or supported my work. You're helping to bring joy and wonder through the magic of the tutu! Let’s keep the fun going!)