Hello lovelies! It’s Emma, your #TutuTuesday history buff, here, ready to take you on another glamorous journey through the world of ballet tutus! This week, I'm stepping back in time to June 1st, 2010 - just think, the world was still buzzing with Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and the whole country was obsessed with The X Factor! Oh, and the London Olympics were only a couple of years away...the anticipation was palpable!
Today, though, we're not talking about pop culture. Nope, we’re going deep into the history of that beautiful, flowing symbol of grace and artistry – the tutu! Buckle up, buttercup, because we're going for a spin.
(Cue dramatic train whistle!)
And away we go! As we travelled back in time through the clouds on my trusty pink tutu-shaped airship (don’t ask!), I found myself stepping onto the cobblestones of London, the very heart of ballet in 2010! Now, I'm sure some of you lovely readers are thinking, "Emma, why go all the way to London? Surely, we already know all there is to know about tutus!" Oh, you would be surprised!
Let me paint a picture: 2010 London, oh, how my heart swooned at the vibrancy! This city was a ballet fanatic's dream – Covent Garden bustled with activity and the buzz of a packed theatre, its stage ready to showcase a glittering performance of Swan Lake that evening. Oh, to see the iconic white tutus dancing through the air, the contrast of the white swans against the elegant black ones! It was enough to make any ballerina weep with joy!
However, the real excitement came with an exhibit I stumbled upon in the heart of the V&A Museum – “Tutu: The Art of Dance,” a spectacular celebration of dance history through the magic of the tutu. It was simply exquisite! It felt like I'd walked into a treasure chest overflowing with breathtaking stories.
Imagine – a whole exhibition dedicated to showcasing the evolution of the tutu through its different eras. It was like a dance history lesson brought to life, with original costumes from some of the world’s most renowned ballet productions. From the humble beginnings of the crinolined tutus of the Romantic era, to the exquisite romantic and neo-classical styles of the later years, the exhibit highlighted how each generation re-imagined the tutu. I practically danced through the halls with excitement!
From Ball Gown to Balletwear:
There's so much to explore when you dig into the tutu's rich history! Forget the frills you see in Hollywood movies – the original tutu, well, it was essentially just a ballgown! It had layers of fabric, a rather rigid construction, and, let’s face it, it wouldn't exactly be comfy for leaping, spinning, and arabesques!
It was in the 1800s when ballet as we know it started evolving. Marie Taglioni, the reigning ballerina of her time, decided to shed the restrictive layers of the old-fashioned tutus for a more lightweight, breezy design.
She literally changed the game, paving the way for the tutu we know and love! Marie, she was a vision, and her new style of tutus was made from light layers of tulle. It flowed beautifully, allowing the ballerinas to move with freedom, and accentuating the movements of the ballet. It truly redefined the visual language of ballet, allowing it to express more grace, agility, and artistry.
A World of Colours and Styles:
And just like ballet itself, the tutu's style continues to evolve, and boy, does it take on different forms! There's the romantic tutu, swirling and soft like the petals of a rose, perfectly suited for ballets like Giselle and La Sylphide.
Then, there’s the paquita tutu, short, sassy, and perfectly suited for a good, energetic, show-stopping dance routine. Think of a flamenco dress with an extra sprinkle of ballet magic – it's dazzling!
The classic tutu is my absolute favourite - long, elegant, and shimmering, reminding me of an enchanting fairy-tale gown. You can spot this beauty in performances of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
Every variation of the tutu adds a touch of whimsy, showcasing its incredible adaptability for diverse ballets and themes. And the most beautiful part? Each type can be used to create a different feel, embodying different characters and narratives. The sheer artistry and the range of possibilities the tutu presents – oh, it truly leaves me breathless!
But wait, there’s more! As if my adventure wasn't already magical, my time travel clock reminded me it was time to return to my own timeline, 2023! Gasp! With a flurry of pink tutus, I zipped back into my own time – it always feels so surreal!
Now, I know what you're thinking - 2023 is nowhere near as tutu-filled as 2010! Sighs sadly. But fret not, dear readers! We have our very own special "Tutu Tuesday" every week right here on the www.pink-tutu.com blog. Just picture the fun, the pink, the fluffiness, and a chance to learn a little bit more about the magic of tutus - what's not to love?
This week, my lovelies, why not embrace the spirit of tutu-filled fun? Channel your inner dancer, dust off your tutus, and twirl into your week! And be sure to follow me on Instagram – @EmmaPinkTutu for more fabulous photos, musings, and everything you could ever dream of about tutus!
Until next time, dear readers, keep those tutus flowing, those spirits high, and never be afraid to twirl into your wildest dreams!
Lots of love,
Emma
