#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2011-08-09

Hello, my fellow twirling enthusiasts! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic! It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s time to dust off those pointe shoes, fluff up our tulle, and journey through the glamorous history of ballet’s most iconic garment: the tutu!

Today, August 9th, 2011, my travel diary tells me I’m in the heart of the West End, London! The air crackles with energy, the sound of bustling theatregoers mixing with the rumble of the tube. You know, sometimes, I think this time travel gig is just a little too much… all these crowded streets, these queues for the Tube… sigh At least there are still fabulous shoe shops to explore and my lucky penny to wish on!

And oh, the ballet! My pockets are jingling with ticket stubs from the stunning performances I’ve seen here, everything from the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden to a delightful rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Sadler’s Wells. There’s simply no better feeling than sitting in a velvet seat, the house lights dimming, and feeling that hush before the curtain rises…

Speaking of rising, let’s chat about the iconic tutu itself!

You might be thinking, “Tutu’s always been around, haven’t they, Emma?” Well, darlings, the tutu has a rich, swirling history – a story as full of charm and transformation as any of those grand ballet productions you see at the theatre!

We can trace the tutu’s origins back to… wait for it… the 18th century! In those days, the ballerina’s outfit consisted of elaborate hoops, long gowns and a lot of fabric – not exactly conducive to a beautiful plié. But hold your horses, history has a sense of dramatic flair!

It was in the 1830s, with the rise of romanticism in dance, that we see the tutu taking its first graceful steps. Enter Marie Taglioni, an absolute darling of the stage and a revolutionary in her time. She ditched those cumbersome gowns and, instead, favoured the lightness and beauty of flowing fabrics – thus the ‘Romantic Tutu’ was born! This dreamy style, just a bit below the knee with soft, romantic draping, helped to emphasize the grace and femininity of the ballerina, literally transforming ballet into something truly spectacular!

Then, my darlings, as the century ticked over, we reached the golden age of ballet! The late 19th century brought with it the rise of the ‘Classical Tutu’ - the iconic short, pouffy number you probably think of when you hear the word "tutu.” The tutu we know and adore, that swirl of tulle, becoming a symbol of ballet's majesty! It was the height of theatrical fashion!

Imagine it! Degas painting these magnificent dancers with their swirling tutus, creating works of art as captivating and fleeting as their balletic performances!

Now, don’t you worry, the evolution didn’t stop there, dear readers! Fast forward to the 20th century, a period of creativity and new forms. With the development of the ‘Modern Tutu’ we saw the ‘classical’ style take on more fluid shapes. Imagine tulle cut in geometric forms, asymmetrical, sometimes layered over trousers – you could truly say this new style mirrored the energy of the era.

Fast forward to this week’s date, August 9th 2011, and you’ll find yourself in the era of contemporary ballet. You have it all: the romantic draping of the early tutus, the grand grandeur of the classic pouffed silhouette, and the experimental forms of modern times, all taking centre stage, influencing one another. Today’s tutus embrace the beautiful fusion of fashion and artistic expression – pushing boundaries and celebrating every dancer’s unique artistry!

As I stand here, in London's theatrical heart, surrounded by the constant whir of energy, my mind wanders… to the next dance, the next exciting journey through time. Oh, the magic of travel and tutus, it's simply too much to resist! I can't wait to share it all with you, dear readers.

So remember, darlings, keep those ballet shoes polished, embrace your love for this wonderful art form, and most importantly, always feel free to embrace the joy of a twirl, especially if you're sporting your very own pink tutu!

Until next week’s TutuTuesday, Emma.

(p.s. As I look over London’s shimmering skyline, I'm inspired! I have a grand idea… I think this week I’ll try my hand at designing my own ‘pink’ tutu – something that encapsulates the sheer joy and beauty of the art of ballet. Can’t wait to show you what I’ve come up with!)