#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2009-08-18

Hello lovelies! 🎀 It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a little trip down memory lane, back to 18th August 2009. Can you believe it's been over a decade since that year? Honestly, time just flies when you're twirling!

This week, I'm feeling particularly inspired by a trip I took to the grand old Royal Opera House in London, back in 2009. Remember the iconic building, its grand architecture and the whispers of history echoing in every corner? I just love that old-world glamour. ✨ I saw a spectacular production of Swan Lake, and my dear, the tutus! Absolutely divine. That iconic white tutu worn by the swan queen – a masterpiece!

And speaking of tutus, today is all about exploring the enchanting history of this most beautiful ballet garment – so put on your most dazzling tutu and let's dance back to the beginning!

The history of the tutu is a journey filled with artistry, creativity, and a whole lot of frills! Its journey begins in the late 18th century, during the Romantic period of ballet. You see, back then, dancers were restricted by heavy, flowing dresses – making leaps and graceful pirouettes impossible. Enter the tutu, a new fashion that revolutionized ballet, granting dancers freedom of movement, allowing them to express their art through elegant flight.

From the tutu à la française – a fuller skirt that touched the ankles – to the later, shorter, tutu à la hongroise – showcasing a ballerina's legwork in full, every change in the tutu reflected a shift in choreography and artistic expression.

Honestly, exploring the tutu's evolution feels like a thrilling, historical train journey. Think elegant vintage carriages with fluffy seats and windows overlooking magnificent ballet stages and dazzling costume ateliers. You see, I happen to be a big fan of the railways, and with all the dancing I do for my performances, well, train travel just fits my life perfectly!

Our first stop is the early 19th century – picture the ethereal and captivating tutu à la hongroise, a true triumph of beauty and elegance. Just imagine the excitement of dancers, freed from the restricting skirts, pirouetting and leaping across the stage with graceful abandon.

From there, our train speeds into the early 20th century – a time where the tutu experienced further evolution, embracing modern techniques and styles. The tutu à la russe – shorter still, revealing the ballerina's exquisite limbs – becomes the epitome of the classic ballet aesthetic, its stark white silhouette becoming synonymous with ballerinas around the world.

For me, one of the most wonderful things about the tutu is its rich history of colours and embellishments. This isn't just about pretty fabrics! Each colour choice, every sequin and feather, tells a story, and sometimes the stories are as captivating as the dance itself!

A ballerina in a pure white tutu is the very image of grace and innocence – think the ethereal swans of Swan Lake. And a sparkling pink tutu? Just a splash of fun and vibrant joy! Like my little tutu shop here at pink-tutu.com! We're all about tutus in all colours, you see! 😉 Then there are tutus in shimmering metallic colours, embodying drama and modern innovation. The range of colors and materials used in tutu-making truly reveals the artistry and passion that goes into this enchanting garment!

But remember, every story has its plot twists, and the tutu's story isn't always a rosy, feather-boa draped affair! In the 1960s, the tutu started experiencing its rebellious teenage phase – ballet movements moved beyond classical elegance, experimenting with more fluid and modern styles. Even the tutu felt a shift, and dancers embraced streamlined, almost “casual” designs, expressing individuality in their dancing!

However, this doesn't mean we see less of those enchanting classical tutus – in fact, they are loved just as much as they were in 19th and 20th century! It is fascinating how something as simple as a ballet skirt has undergone such a dramatic and dramatic evolution, mirroring changing trends and ballet techniques – just another reason to admire this iconic garment, I think you'll agree.

As my fellow tutu enthusiasts know, this #TutuTuesday isn't just about a love of tutus – it's also about celebrating the historical, fashion, and artistic aspects of ballet, and everything around it! And the best part? This historical train ride never truly ends. Ballet is always evolving, which means the tutu is evolving right alongside it.

On this 18th of August, 2009, I was immersed in this world of beauty, grace, and elegance, enjoying the magic of a show, relishing the opulence of a theatre, and feeling every bit the graceful ballerina at heart.

So, dear readers, don't be afraid to explore the magical world of ballet. You never know what kind of historical journey awaits you! Just make sure to bring your most wonderful pink tutu and a sense of wonder! Remember, my dear tutu lovers, you can wear your tutu wherever, whenever you want! 💖

That's it for this week's #TutuTuesday! Be sure to tune in next week for more adventures, more tutus, and more fabulous fashion! Don't forget to share your tutu stories on my social channels – you know I'd love to see your twirling creations! And always, remember – Embrace the Tutu! 💃

Emma, The Pink Tutu Blogger.

P.S.: Check out my "Where is Emma Today?" map to see where my ballet journey takes me this week! Follow along for adventures, inspiration, and a sprinkle of tutu magic! 😉