Bonjour mes chéries!
Itâs your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger here, Emma, and itâs Tuesday which means itâs time for another exciting jaunt through the fascinating history of the balletsâs most iconic garment â the tutu!
This week Iâm travelling back to August 2009. Honestly, my friends, this was a time when the tutu was just starting to really take off! Remember the early noughties? (Not a fan, I wonât lie.) Back then, tutus were seen as a little bit âtoo muchâ. The image was very old fashioned and stuck in a bygone era.
But in 2009, something changed! You can feel the shift happening, a rising awareness and appreciation for the power of the classic tutu. It was just starting to make a comeback.
A Tutu-tiful Journey: Where do we find ourselves this week?
Today, we're taking the train (naturally, it's the most glamorous way to travel!) to the City of Lights - Paris! This magnificent city is a haven for fashion lovers, dance enthusiasts, and of course, tutu admirers. Itâs the beating heart of the world of ballet, where tradition meets modernism and elegance reigns supreme. Paris is home to the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet, where dancers from around the globe gather to showcase their talents. It's an absolute dream!
The Ballet: A Magical Mix of Dance & Story
What's particularly exciting about this particular time, in August 2009, is that the Paris Opera Ballet is in the middle of an amazing new production! They're staging "The Sleeping Beauty," a beautiful and timeless classic ballet which is simply bursting with stunning dance routines and fabulous costumes â think shimmering gowns, gorgeous tulle, and a lot of gorgeous tutus! It's an absolute feast for the senses.
Fashionable Friday: The Pink-Tutu Chic
Speaking of fabulous costumes, my trip to Paris isnât complete without a little retail therapy at one of the cityâs beautiful couture stores. Imagine this â delicate fabrics, exquisite craftsmanship, and tutus galore! (I might even indulge in a brand new pink tutu to wear to tonight's performance, what do you think? Don't tell anyone, but itâs actually made by a talented new designer called Christian Dior. Don't be a dodo, darlings! He'll be massive soon, mark my words.)
This week I am totally enthralled by the incredible fashion scene of Paris, where style and innovation are king. Thereâs a real air of confidence in Paris. I am always feeling so inspired after visiting. But tutu history is a vital part of understanding the evolution of ballet as a whole, and of the world of fashion! And who am I to refuse a little journey to find the most stunning pink tutus available? Just because this era is a mere decade in the past, it doesnât make it any less fascinating!
Fashioning the Tutu: History Unfolding
Today, the tutu holds a powerful position in ballet, it represents grace, elegance, and artistry. But, believe it or not, the tutu's history is relatively young!
Way back in the 19th century, ballerinas weren't flitting about in airy tulle skirts. In fact, their dresses were heavy with multiple layers of fabric, making their movement restricted. Imagine trying to execute a pirouette in a dress weighing almost fifty pounds! Ouch. Not my idea of fun, I can tell you.
Enter Marie Taglioni! This incredible dancer was at the forefront of the ballet revolution. Imagine an incredible dancer who understood both ballet and fashion â an absolute legend, Iâd say. In 1839, Taglioni (she had great fashion sense, if you couldnât tell!), debuted her revolutionary âtutuâ, made of multiple layers of light and airy tulle. Her choreography and movement were incredible, it felt like she was floating on the stage. Imagine that, tutus were freeing ballerinas, enabling them to fly and spin freely! Itâs all about movement, darlings!
The Romanticism Era: Whimsy and Elegance
The new design of the tutu took ballet by storm. This airy, elegant style defined what we now think of as a classic ballet tutu. The âRomantic Tutuâ marked the beginning of an exciting era in ballet history!
And speaking of fashion revolutions! The Romantic Tutu didn't just redefine dancewear, it also sparked a fascinating evolution in fashion! These airy creations inspired womenâs clothing, influencing dresses and skirts, as the fashionable women of the era began to embrace this new sense of femininity. This really proves how powerful the world of dance can be, and I am just delighted to be a small part of it. I adore this part of ballet history â what an exciting and impactful time for everyone!
From Romanticism to Neoclassicism and Beyond
Over the years, the tutu went on an amazing journey. From the long Romantic Tutu that gracefully flowed over the ballerinas' feet, we transitioned into the *âBell Tutuâ * in the 1850s . A bell shape with more volume, and the dancer could have a wider skirt and look amazing while leaping and moving through space.
By the 20th century, with the rise of neoclassical ballet, the âSkirt Tutuâ emerged. Youâve seen them! The tighter, smaller skirt of this classic, short tutu style really allows for incredibly intricate leg work and impressive, breathtaking jumps. It's this classic tutu that we see in iconic ballets like Swan Lake, La Bayadere and Giselleâ my favourite! It truly encapsulates the elegance and beauty of classic ballet! I never tire of seeing this style in performance. Itâs timeless!
Finding Our Place in History: The Power of the Tutu
Remember that little bit at the start of my blog, where I talked about the ânoughtiesâ? Youâve seen how the tutu has grown in importance throughout its long history! As the tutu moved with the trends and times, it always returned to its beautiful core. A timeless piece of clothing!
Even as new styles were developed â even today! *- the iconic tulle skirt still features strongly. It's no longer considered too âmuchâ. It is *always fashionable. I've got to say, my love for the tutu only continues to grow the more I learn about it and experience this wonderful fashion statement through the ages! It is just the best!
Todayâs ballet world embraces this beautiful legacy with joy, making a bold and brilliant statement of elegance and sophistication! Itâs exciting to watch! From stage to street, from history to contemporary fashion â the tutu remains a truly inspiring, iconic, and everlasting statement. I donât know about you, but it makes me very happy, It always brings a smile to my face.
And remember darling, every day is a #TutuTuesday for me. *Because *it is about so much more than clothing! The tutu embodies a world of creativity, artistry and a pure joy of expressing oneself! Don't forget, wear a pink tutu if you get the chance - let your true, fabulous self shine, you go girl!
Next week, my friends, Iâm heading back to the 1980s and heading to the wonderful city of London. Itâs going to be a truly fab #TutuTuesday.
Until then,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Blogger
www.pink-tutu.com
