Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through time in my trusty pink tutu. It's a glorious Tuesday morning and the sun is shining through my bedroom window here in Paris - a fitting backdrop for a chat about a certain piece of dancewear that never fails to make my heart skip a beat: the tutu!
22nd February 2011 - Where Ballet Meets the Modern World
Today, the world of ballet is alive with exciting news. A new ballet production, 'Romeo and Juliet', is premiering at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and I've heard the reviews are fantastic! My own schedule is packed, too. I just saw an amazing show at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London and, as soon as I get back, it's straight to the Royal Opera House for the ballet 'Swan Lake'!
Oh, I love it all! The theatre, the drama, the sheer elegance of ballet. And of course, it wouldn't be complete without my pink tutu! Speaking of which, today we're taking a trip back in time, back to the early days of the tutu, before those gorgeous layered skirts we see today were a thing.
The Beginnings of a Ballerina Icon
Let's face it, you can't have ballet without the tutu! It's like cake without icing. Or shoes without laces. Or tea without crumpets - well, I know that's my Derbyshire roots talking.
Now, back in the 1800s, ballerinas were pretty restricted! Their clothes were like little crinolines, huge skirts and loads of layers – not ideal for leaping and twirling, was it?
Enter the ballerina Marie Taglioni! This fabulous woman decided enough was enough! She wanted to move freely and really show off her grace. So she did the most brilliant thing: she designed a tutu with shorter layers, lighter and more graceful than any skirt worn before. The revolutionary Romantic tutu was born!
The Romantic Era: An Explosion of Style and Movement
Think of graceful nymphs and airy sprites! The Romantic tutu was all about flow and lightness. Just imagine those billowing skirts swirling around the dancers as they danced - it must have been a magical sight!
Now, the Romantic tutu may have been short, but the design was anything BUT simple! They used beautiful fabrics like tulle and silk and they were adorned with pearls, embroidery, ribbons – simply exquisite!
The Enduring Power of the Tutu
The Romantic tutu was just the start. As ballet developed, so did the tutu, taking on different forms and styles to match. We had the Classical tutu – with the iconic layered and stiff form we all know and love today. Then there was the Bell tutu (inspired by those lovely bell shapes you see on the tops of flower stems, so graceful!) and layered tutus. Even tutu dresses came on the scene – perfect for everyday wear. (Imagine me waltzing around the market wearing a dreamy pale pink one, it’d be divine!)
From Stage to Street: The Tutu’s Modern Day Evolution
Nowadays, the tutu has truly transcended the ballet stage. It’s become an iconic fashion item! Think fashion shows, magazines, celebrities, even street style. You might see tutus paired with bold sweaters and trainers – it's amazing how versatile they can be. Even a tutu-inspired skirt looks stunning at a picnic, paired with a soft cotton top.
And as for me, I'm all about embracing the tutu's full potential! From my bright pink stage costumes to my daily outfits, I believe in adding a touch of whimsy to the world, one tutu at a time. It’s all about feeling joyful and embracing life in its most beautiful form - just like ballet itself.
Join me in spreading the Tutu love!
Let's all get out there and celebrate the wonderful world of tutus! Tell me what kind of tutu you love – be it a fluffy pink one for ballet class or a more modern style. Let’s all show off our individual tutu spirit.
I'm off now, heading back to Derbyshire for a new adventure in time. Don’t forget to tune in next Tuesday for a fresh post filled with more Tutu Tuesday fun and excitement. Stay graceful, my dear readers!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
