Hello lovely ladies and gents! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another delightful journey through the world of ballet fashion. This week, we’re heading back in time to Tuesday, 14th July, 2009. Oh, the exciting happenings that graced our stages that day!
I've just stepped off the train from a rather glamorous trip to London, where I saw the most exquisite performance by the Royal Ballet. The dancers were breathtaking in their beautiful costumes, with shimmering silk and delicate tulle dancing under the stage lights. They made the classic choreography of Swan Lake utterly mesmerising.
Speaking of tutus, today’s #TutuTuesday topic is something truly special - the history of this magical garment! Just as a ballerina is the star of the show, the tutu is the heart of every ballet performance. It's not just a fancy frock, it's a symbol of grace, elegance, and artistry!
So, let's journey back to the origins of the tutu, shall we? The early 1800s, my darlings, saw a transformation in ballet. Choreographers, like the iconic Marie Taglioni, were looking for costumes that would free up movement, allowing ballerinas to fly across the stage.
And wouldn't you know it? The first tutu made its debut in the 1830s, appearing as a short, airy skirt. You can imagine it, ladies, - a whirl of silk and tulle! Gone were the bulky skirts of the past, replaced by a garment that emphasized the grace and beauty of the female form.
Now, the original tutu was actually much longer than the ones we see today! Can you believe it? Imagine, a fluffy cloud of fabric, swirling and flowing right down to the ballerinas' ankles. But, as we progressed, the tutus grew shorter and shorter, becoming lighter and lighter.
The "romantic tutu", born in the 1840s, featured multiple layers of tulle. It was a delight of visual texture and lightness, designed to create the effect of ethereal movement. Think, graceful ribbons of shimmering tulle cascading down a ballerina's body. Picture those perfectly sculpted legs with their delicate pointed shoes - absolutely captivating!
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we enter the "classic tutu". This beauty has remained a staple on stages worldwide for decades! Short, crisp, and sculpted, this design highlights the athleticism of the ballerina. It showcases each exquisite jump and turn in its fullest glory! This is the one you usually see on those graceful swans, graceful fairies, and even the mischievous but enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy!
But wait, there's more, my dear ballet lovers! We mustn't forget about the "modern tutu", a wonderful development for modern and contemporary ballet! These tutus are more streamlined, embracing fluidity and artistic expression, often made with different materials like lycra and satin.
Did you know: I once had a chat with a delightful seamstress who made tutus for the ballet company in Derby. It was utterly fascinating to hear her describe the hours spent on hand-stitching layers and layers of tulle, ensuring every tutu was an individual work of art.
So, on this #TutuTuesday, remember the magnificent journey this garment has taken. The tutu is a statement of artistic expression, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry that ballet is so famous for!
But enough about history, let’s talk about what’s happening today!
Today is World Watercolor Month! What a wonderful way to celebrate artistic creativity! So why not take a leap and pick up your brush? I have a hunch that a pink tutu would look rather lovely as a watercolor subject. Perhaps even a little sprinkle of glitter?
And of course, with it being a Tuesday, it can only mean one thing! We have a delightful #PinkTutuChallenge for all of you lovely followers. Today's challenge? Try creating your own tutu masterpiece! You can paint, draw, sculpt, or even craft a miniature version from your favourite materials.
Do tag me in your creations with #PinkTutuChallenge and #TutuTuesday. I can’t wait to see what wonderful interpretations you create!
That's it for this week's journey through time. Stay fashionable, ladies and gentlemen, and remember – you too can rock a tutu!
Yours in ballet, Emma ❤️🩰
*(Blog post number 9264) *
