Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad historian extraordinaire, and today we're taking a trip through time! It's #TutuTuesday, so we're talking tutus!
I just arrived back from the most fabulous time travel adventure - 2009, a year where tutus were still twirling onto the stage, bringing joy to every ballerina and audience member! Oh, it's so exciting to see them in their prime, so full of movement and expression! I must confess, I took quite a few fashion inspiration pics (some for myself, some for you!)
But before we delve into the style evolution of the tutu, let's chat about what's happening in 2009… the big fashion trend, darling? Animal print. So if you want a really vintage tutu look, just add a leopard print accessory. (But don't worry, darling, a bit of glitter can also bring out the 2009 in you!)
Anyway, on with the history! Buckle up and hold on tight – because we’re taking off for a whirlwind ride through the ages!
The Story of the Tutu: From Ballerina to Ballet Class & Beyond
Today's tutu has a rich history, so rich that it’s like a thick, decadent chocolate cake that we’re going to slice into and enjoy together!
Early days (Before the 1800s): The Ballet Dress
It all began in Italy, in the courts, during the Renaissance! That's when people first started doing ballet. And of course, someone needed something lovely to wear! Enter the first "ballet dresses" – beautiful flowing skirts for these early ballerinas. Now, imagine them: elegant silks and brocades, often richly decorated. They were graceful, airy, and definitely helped create the elegance and movement of those early dances!
*The Early Tutu & Marie Taglioni (1800s): *
Then came the real revolution: the short skirt! In 1832, the famous ballerina Marie Taglioni famously appeared on stage in what became known as a Romantic Tutu. This new skirt, just a little shorter, lighter, and softer than anything worn before, brought about a completely different dancing style! Ballet started to become more fluid, elegant, and airy. The shorter tutu became the new go-to outfit.
And, oh, it’s all about that fluff! We’re talking about the very early form of tulle, so much lighter than fabrics from before! This new material gave rise to those bouncy layers of skirt, which just seemed to float and dance! (Don’t you want to just twirl around and feel the airy tulle around your legs?)
The Romantic Tutu became iconic! Not only was it about looking fabulous, it was also practical: dancers could move freely! This is where the modern tutu began!
From the Romantic Tutu to… The 20th Century and Beyond!
Throughout the 20th Century, the tutu went through quite a few changes. It became more structured and elaborate for some dance styles, but also evolved to express a wider range of feelings and movements!
For example: The “classical tutu”, with its longer, stiff layers, was great for more grand ballet moves. While the “character tutu”, sometimes with layered fabrics or a looser design, was all about the beauty and flow of a single performer. This was great for showing a story!
Of course, all this evolved to suit the ballets, the dancers, the moves! And so, the modern tutu evolved - short, long, and now with new, amazing fabrics, more durable, stretchy, and yet still airy, making them ideal for all these different ballet styles!
From stage to… The Street?
As I said before, it's not just for the ballet! Think of the iconic image of a ballerina on stage, twirling in that fluffy, beautiful tutu. What if, darling, that image was all you! Yes, the tutu is no longer confined to the theatre! It's time to bring that sparkle into everyday life! It’s the ultimate statement piece! It says, “Look at me! I’m ready to dance!”
Remember darling, with a pink tutu you can dance wherever you are: a park, a street corner, in a car, at the park, even in your office (yes, with a touch of sparkle and maybe some tasteful layering!) A tutu can say a million things – from grace to joy to fierce strength! It's the epitome of a ballerina's outfit, an essential piece of fashion history, and so much fun!
I just love tutus. It is the garment I have chosen for life. That is why I founded this blog - to tell you everything I learn as a tutu wearer - what it means to be a ballerina in today’s world, as a pink tutu wearing fashionista. And let’s all wear pink tutus in 2010!
It's #TutuTuesday, darlings, so let's twirl! Stay beautiful, Emma xoxo
P.S. Check out the gorgeous tutu images on the site this week, I’m showcasing 2009 tutu looks that make me so inspired! P.P.S. Remember I travel to see these wonderful shows by earning money by giving ballet lessons and dance performances, which you can see if you come to Derbyshire.
