#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 20th April 2010
Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things tutu are celebrated. It's Tuesday, which means it's #TutuTuesday, and that means it's time to delve into the fascinating history of ballet's most iconic garment!
This week, I'm travelling back in time to 20th April 2010, and oh my goodness, what a year for ballet! I just had the most fabulous trip to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, such amazing dancing and exquisite costumes! But before we get to the costumes, let's talk tutus, shall we?
You see, my dear readers, the tutu hasn't always been the glorious cloud of tulle we see gracing the stages today. Believe it or not, it's gone through quite a few transformations, just like the way I like to revamp my wardrobe each season.
So, back in 2010, we were smack-dab in the midst of a very particular style: the Romantic era tutu. This beautiful, wispy garment, with its knee-length, soft, layered tulle, perfectly embodies the romanticism of that period. Think ethereal, graceful, and utterly captivating! This era brought a focus on delicate lightness and fluidity, emphasizing the grace of the ballerina. I mean, what's not to love about dancing around in something that makes you look like you're floating on air?
And just like in the world of fashion, where every era seems to have its defining element, the tutu has had its share of evolutions, too!
Right around 2010, we started seeing a rise in what I call "neo-classical" tutu designs. They’re often still quite romantic but have a more structured and modern feel to them, and it's amazing to see these new styles still highlighting the ballerina's body beautifully. The length varies, and there are even some variations using multiple tiers of tulle to give it even more of a layered look, a bit like a cake, wouldn't you say? Delicious!
Speaking of layered, have you seen the amazing tutus from La Bayadère, you know, with all the delicate netting and ribbons? Absolutely divine, right? I practically went weak at the knees!
But I do think it's important to mention that not every tutu is about dancing gracefully on stage! Have you ever tried a tulle skirt with your favorite sweater or a simple, fluffy, pale pink tulle tutu skirt? Perfect for twirling and feeling whimsical even when you're just walking down the street.
And let's not forget the tutus in our favorite ballet street performances! It’s fascinating how the ballet world is expanding, blending those beautiful artistic elements into new avenues.
Today, tutus are not just for ballerinas, they are for everyone! A tutu is a symbol of femininity, fun and a little bit of magic - who doesn’t want a bit of magic in their life, right? I think it's truly something to celebrate!
So, let's talk tutus, darling! What are your favourite types? Tell me all about your experiences with tutus, from your own creations to the ones you see on stage.
This Tuesday’s #TutuTuesday is about sharing the love of these iconic, whimsical garments! Do tell us your stories!
Now, excuse me while I go get another slice of cake and admire my favourite tutu collection, complete with everything from traditional Romantic-era styles to contemporary designs. Until next week, darlings! Remember, every day can be #TutuTuesday if you let it be!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Did I mention I'm currently working on my #PinkTutuChallenge? You guessed it! I'm trying to get everyone in the world wearing pink tutus. A pink tutu for every girl, woman, and maybe even a few boys, why not?
P.P.S. For my dearest #PinkTutu fans, I'm putting together a collection of the most magical tutu looks for this week’s #TutuTuesday challenge. Make sure to check out our pink-tutu.com site for more fabulous looks and inspiration!
Remember, you can follow me on all the social channels! Find me at @EmmaPinkTutu - I’d love to see your tutus too! Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday creations! I love to see all the pink!
Some extra details from the world of 2010-04-20On this date in 2010, there were several things going on that made me especially excited for this week’s #TutuTuesday! It’s also about exploring the evolution of these beloved garments, and finding the connections to the trends of that time!
Remember “Swan Lake”? Well, I was just mesmerised at a ballet performance at the Bolshoi in Moscow! This production is always beautiful, but the 2010 performance with the Russian Bolshoi Ballet company, with the iconic music by Tchaikovsky, truly embodied that sense of romanticism. What I loved about this performance is how it gave us a sneak peak into how tutus in 2010 still carried that classic element but with new and bold styling elements.
Here’s something really special that I stumbled upon this week: a pop culture icon – the tutus in “Black Swan!” I know, what a great time to be a ballet lover, and let's be honest, tutus can be dark, graceful, elegant and a whole host of emotions – something you might expect from the iconic Black Swan, right? The film was gaining a lot of hype! While some ballet lovers are still debating whether or not to be fans of this film, for me it was about more than just dancing; it was about tutus! The film is a reminder of the role these garments play, how they not just dress a story but carry a theme.
I hope this journey through time has inspired you to get out your favourite tutu or create a new one! We need more tutus in this world, right?
I've also been planning some amazing travels on the railways this month! My first stop is to check out the new Ballet Festival in Copenhagen. I hear there’s going to be an amazing display of tutus and a fun mix of fashion shows – I simply cannot miss this! So watch this space, darlings, as we take you along for this wonderful ballet journey with some great #TutuTuesday pictures!
I'm so excited for my travels, so many amazing ballerinas and costumes to explore! I love everything about this world – from the grace of ballet, to the wonderful costumes.
Until next time, my dearest friends, and please, don’t forget, every day can be a #TutuTuesday!
Love, Emma