Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood Tutu Time Traveller, back for another whirl through the wondrous world of tutus! This week we're twirling back to August 4th, 2009. What was I up to back then, you ask? Oh, darling, it was a positively splendid day!
Firstly, I'd just finished a most fabulous performance at the Royal Opera House in London, in "Swan Lake," of course! It's simply a classic, and I'm always delighted to glide across that stage in a crisp, white tutu, whispering the story of love, betrayal and, let's be honest, fabulous feather boas.
But you're here for the Tutu History, right? Well, gather 'round, my darlings, as we step into the fascinating world of the tutu's evolution. Now, you may think a tutu is just a tutu - all fluffy frills and dancing dreams. But, darling, there's a whole fascinating backstory!
Today, the tutu is synonymous with ballet, but back in the early 1800s, the dress of the ballerina was quite different! Imagine, my dears, a cumbersome, floor-length, layered gown, a world away from our modern-day tutus. Imagine trying to jump in that thing! It must have been quite the ordeal! It was then the daring, flamboyant Marie Taglioni graced the stage. A vision in tulle and movement, her new short dress style that just touched the ground shocked audiences but was heralded as a revelation by dance enthusiasts.
This was the genesis of the tutu. A symbol of freedom, and grace! A beautiful revolution in ballet fashion!
By the time of the 1830s, the Romantic era, a more feminine tutu appeared, clinging to the body and ending mid-calf, with lots of beautiful tiers of tulle, so that the leg was visible as the ballerina pirouetted. This type of tutu became synonymous with classical ballets like Swan Lake, La Sylphide, and Giselle. The tutu was no longer a garment worn merely to cover the body, it became a tool to convey and emphasize the dancers' skill and artistry, their graceful limbs a spectacle in themselves!
Over the following years, the tutu went through different transformations - it got longer in the late 19th Century, more layered, and heavier as the choreographers developed powerful, dramatic works.
But then! Think 1900s, darling! Enter, The Romantic Ballet Revival, and with it the return of short, flowing, airy tutus! So elegant, a gorgeous ballet dream! We owe a great deal to these fabulous female choreographers! And here I am in 2009, continuing their legacy!
Speaking of my personal Tutu History - I always knew I'd be a ballerina! From those first tottering steps in Derbyshire, my life revolved around tutus and tap shoes, dreams of pirouettes, and the magical wonder of the theatre! I wouldn't trade my childhood memories of watching a ballerina glide across the stage for the world.
Today's tutus are more than a symbol of ballet; they are an expression of creativity, an integral part of performance and storytelling. Each different shape and style of the tutu tells its own tale - some are long and dramatic, some whimsical and full of joyous movement, and then there are my personal favorites - the playful, twirling tutus perfect for ballet street!
Did you know, my dear, on this very day in 2009 - August 4th! - a fabulous performance of "Romeo and Juliet" was taking place at the Royal Ballet in London! Imagine that - a tragic tale of love and heartbreak, and my beloved ballet dancing. There's nothing better! Just another reason I adore this date, and of course, the year 2009!
And the London Eye! You know what my favourite thing is? Going up to the top in my pink tutu and then swirling round. It's such fun, seeing all the sights below and feeling so graceful and joyful.
Today I’m going to the V&A museum (Victoria and Albert museum in London), which has a great display of clothing - and costumes - from ballet, and the world of performing arts. It's really exciting to see how tutu design has changed through the years. It’s been an exhilarating, and rather emotional, journey stepping back in time to appreciate the tutus worn before my own time - they really did set the stage, as they say, for where I am now!
Until next week, darlings! Remember, no matter what age or what style you choose, a pink tutu is a powerful statement! Be your own Tutu Queen! Twirl on, and make the world a more colourful place!
Emma x
P.S. I found the cutest pink satin ballerina flats with delicate, fluffy ruffles at my favorite shoe shop in Notting Hill! Just picture them: pink shoes and a pink tutu - perfection! Now to find the perfect vintage handbag…
P.P.S Don’t forget to keep an eye out for my special “Twirl Through Time” Tutu Competition! More details soon!
*[Photo of Emma, 20-something and pretty with bright, curious eyes, standing in her sparkly, vibrant, pink tulle tutu in front of the Royal Albert Hall, her dress twirling in the London breeze] *
www.pink-tutu.com
