Hello darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday post, this week exploring the magical history of the tutu! I'm writing to you from Paris, where else?! As always, I've been doing some serious shopping and can't wait to show you what I found later in the post! 😉
I'm just back from the most divine performance of Swan Lake at the Opéra Garnier, truly breathtaking! The dancers were heavenly, the costumes exquisite and I just can't stop thinking about it! It got me thinking about how much we owe to the tutu. Without this amazing invention, ballet wouldn't be what it is today!
But just where did this amazing piece of dancewear come from? Let's journey back through time…
Early beginnings…
Before the 1800s, ballet dancers wore very little, a far cry from the fluffy tutus we know and love today! They basically wore very long tunic-like dresses, with quite a bit of fabric. Imagine all those layers of fabric moving around the stage! 🤯 You can practically feel the sweat dripping, can't you? Not exactly a vision of grace!
Then came along the French Romantic Era, which is kind of a game-changer for ballet, (and for women's fashion) when skirts suddenly started getting really short. It was about freeing movement and making dance look even more ethereal. The first versions of the tutu (although not a fluffy one) appeared around 1830, as a light and airy garment, not quite a tutu as we know it (we're not quite there yet!) It's called the "Romantic tutu" and was tight-fitting at the bodice, flaring into a short and fluffy skirt, barely skimming the knees!
It’s quite a dramatic departure, if you think about it, a world away from those long heavy skirts! It was all about making those beautiful, elegant movements pop, like butterflies in flight. Just thinking about those lovely ballerina swirls and jumps makes me want to jump on stage myself! 💖
Enter the Ballerina (and the tutu we know today!)
The "Romantic tutu" was truly revolutionary. It was around this time, 1840s to 1870s, when the legendary Carlotta Grisi came into the picture, and let's face it, you can't really have ballet history without Carlotta Grisi! She’s one of the greatest dancers of her time and her performances helped usher in the “age of the ballerina” which continues to this day, right? 💫
We are still celebrating Carlotta Grisi's contribution, and the famous "tutu", by celebrating this incredible ballerina, who really elevated ballet to an art form. 🎨
She’s considered the inspiration for the *modern tutu we all love today, by simply shortening the romantic tutu even further. By adding layers and layers of tulle, a fabric so soft and beautiful you could just float through the air on it, creating the iconic *fluffy tutu we all know and adore! Think swans, fairies, ballerinas, and all the magic! 💫✨
It became synonymous with "en pointe", the technique of balancing on the tips of one's toes, adding yet another element of lightness and grace, which almost takes dancers away from gravity and earth itself. Ballet truly is a magic art form.
It was the perfect embodiment of that romantic, ethereal and delicate sensibility of the era. The ultimate romantic ideal. Just thinking about it makes me wish I were dancing on a grand stage right now! (My feet are definitely getting itchy just thinking about it!)
What does a tutu symbolize?
A tutu symbolizes a sense of freedom, of effortless movement and the expression of emotion in a unique artistic way. When you see a dancer gliding in their tutu, it really does encapsulate a kind of grace that takes our breath away! The soft tulle creates a kind of floating visual that's just utterly captivating, making each graceful movement more elegant and dramatic.
Even more magical…
Let's not forget the iconic pink tutus, like mine, which became instantly recognisable, and I know we all love pink right? 💅 💗
Over the years, tutus have continued to evolve! From classical designs to more contemporary interpretations, there are endless styles of tutu to celebrate, but let's be honest, the traditional ballerina style continues to captivate hearts and inspire awe.
So, darlings, that's a little peek into the world of tutus. Next week, I'll be sharing some "Tutu Fashion Finds," looking at the modern-day tutu fashion styles from fashion designers all around the world. Be sure to check back in! And if you happen to spot me around town this week, don't hesitate to stop me for a chat or to show me your tutu. 💖
*Now, I'm going to be off to enjoy the rest of Paris! * I will definitely be searching for another lovely pink tutu to add to my collection! What would #TutuTuesday be without a spot of shopping! 😉
Remember darlings: Tutus for everyone! 💖
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
Today's Date: It's 20th October 2009 and this afternoon, the city of Paris will be celebrating the famous " Fête de la Musique" (Music Festival) , a joyful tradition celebrating musical and artistic culture which fills the city with musicians, street performers and of course the incredible *energy and buzz of the City of Lights! * I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Parisians are dressing! 💖
You bet I'm going to be in the middle of it all - shopping, seeing some great performances, and definitely getting lots of pictures! 📸 I will be sure to post all about it tomorrow on the blog!
See you all then darlings! 💖
P.S. This Tuesday, 20th October is my special anniversary! This is exactly one year ago today that I took my first leap into time travel, heading to this magical city. It really has been the adventure of my life! 💖💫
I can't believe it's been a whole year, and it has been just incredible. It feels like yesterday that I left my cozy Derbyshire home, packed with my trusty pink tutu bag, and stepped aboard my time machine! It really has been one tutu-ful journey, so far! 💖
