Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, darlings! This is your fabulous, tutu-clad blogger Emma, coming to you live (well, kinda live... time travel has a bit of a time lag!) from a super glamorous Paris hotel room. Today, we're celebrating a very special day, October 26th, 2010, and a certain type of outfit that puts a spring in everyone's step!
Now, I might be a little bit biased (what with being a diehard tutu lover), but the tutu is absolutely a must-have in any fashionable wardrobe. They're a dream come true, with all those delicate layers and frills, perfect for twirling and dancing (or just feeling absolutely fabulous at your local Sainsbury's).
So, how did these wondrous garments come to be? Well, strap yourselves in, darling, because this journey takes us back a few centuries...
A Quick History of the Tutu, and Why I'm a Bit Obsessed!The tutu, in its most recognisable form, didn't just suddenly appear, poof! It was the culmination of lots of lovely developments, a bit like the ballet itself!
Pre-Romantic Period: We start way back when. Ladies in the early days of ballet danced in heavy silk dresses, you know, the kind with loads of fabric and petticoats. This made graceful movements rather difficult! Not exactly a dance to freedom, huh?
The Rise of Romanticism: Ah, Romanticism - a period when all things soft and dreamy were embraced. During the Romantic era in ballet (think the late 1800s!), lighter skirts began to emerge, paving the way for more graceful, airy movements. It was also during this era that dancers started wearing tighter, more form-fitting clothing. Can you picture it? Beautiful silks and graceful movements, just the beginning of something incredible!
The Classic Tutu, Born in the 1800s!: We are at a pivotal point in time for the tutu! This was the era where the now-iconic short, layered tutu emerged - the one you picture with graceful dancers on pointe. Imagine! This "classic tutu" really took off. A revolutionary shift!
Twentieth-Century Variations: The twentieth century was an explosion of creativity! Different designs for the tutu came into being. For instance, the "Romantic Tutu" was designed for longer, flowy movement (think ethereal ballerina!), while the "Powder Puff Tutu," known for its voluminous layers, added a fantastic element to every pirouette.
*Today, there are different tutus to match different ballets and styles - * you have tutus for classical ballet, modern dance tutus, tutus for jazz, contemporary, even ballet inspired outfits!
How did the tutu inspire other fashions? The world's leading fashion designers have used the ballet tutu as inspiration. They are fabulous for the everyday look, worn with tights and a fluffy knit for a casual touch, and equally brilliant with high heels and a sparkly top for a night out! It's a versatile little piece! We even see it used for theatre productions beyond ballet – imagine those elaborate stage costumes with shimmering embellishments and intricate details. The tutu is indeed an iconic garment, and has helped shape the evolution of fashion in some really incredible ways.
Now for some October 26th, 2010 Inspiration!This October 26th in 2010, a certain Derbyshire lass is boarding a train to Paris – me! And if you can guess, the trip has nothing to do with cheese, no, dear reader, but a ballet performance! I can't tell you all the details yet - this blog post needs to remain a time travel secret! But just imagine: a stunning venue, graceful dancers, incredible costumes (yes, probably tutus!), a city overflowing with amazing boutiques - can you imagine? I think it's fair to say it was one for the diary! And don’t forget: The inspiration for a certain pink tutu that was waiting to make an appearance...
Join the #PinkTutuMovement!It's not just about wearing a pink tutu – although let's face it, who wouldn't love that! – it's about the joy, the freedom, the self-expression, the graceful movement and sheer exuberance of a tutu! We need to spread the pink tutu love! Wear your pink tutus loud and proud, whether it’s to ballet class, to a party or just for an impromptu twirl in the supermarket.
So, if you haven't already, find yourself a beautiful, fluffy pink tutu. You can do it!
Don't forget to come back next #TutuTuesday. I'll be back with more time-travelling adventures, gorgeous photos and even more reasons why everyone needs a pink tutu! Keep dancing! Keep shining!
Until then, my dears... Au revoir!
*P.S. Don't forget to share your tutu stories and photos on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #PinkTutuMovement. *
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Blog post number: 9331
