Post #9386: 15th November 2011
Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers!
Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic! It's another gorgeous Tuesday and that means, of course, it's time for #TutuTuesday and a little ballet tutu history! This week, we're taking a magical trip back to a time when tutus weren't just a statement piece, but a symbol of something truly special - a time when dance was taking the world by storm! I'm currently zipping about on the London Underground (those Tube trains are a little cramped, I must say!), so get ready to whisk yourselves away on this tutu-ful journey!
As I write this, the air in London is abuzz with the excitement of the latest theatrical productions. You simply can't get a better place to enjoy ballet and theatre than here! Today's a rather exciting day for me - there's a dazzling show at the Royal Opera House this evening and I've been twirling around Selfridges all afternoon getting myself a new pair of pointe shoes for it. After all, a new outfit calls for some sparkling footwear!
Now, to delve into our history:
Today's focus is the year 1832 - can you believe it?! That's the year that ballet tutus, as we know them, started to come into their own! Before that, dancers used to perform in flowing, long dresses, which can you imagine? The movement just wouldn't be as captivating, don't you think?
Enter the tutu, born out of a desire to embrace freedom of movement. The original tutu was made by Marie Taglioni, a French ballerina who became famous for her graceful leaps and the revolutionary way she made her body move. She was quite the trailblazer - can you picture her standing tall on stage, defying expectations in her revolutionary tutu, radiating joy with every graceful step? The tutu became a symbol of the evolution of ballet, and the way it pushed the boundaries of dance and what we could see onstage. It's as though, with the unveiling of the first tutu, we were granted a peek into the soul of the dancer - every twirl, every leap, was imbued with passion and grace.
The earliest tutus were known as the Romantic tutu or "the tutu à la Taglioni", featuring a romantic, bell-shaped silhouette which, let's face it, is just fabulous. This kind of tutu often has a slightly longer skirt for dramatic effect, flowing down just below the knee for maximum romantic impact. The length gave a delicate and airy feel, accentuating every delicate gesture, every flowing movement.
So imagine, dear readers, the excitement of watching this innovation take over the stage! Ballet, from being a rather traditional art form, suddenly became bold and dynamic. The dance embraced movement in a whole new way, thanks to this revolution of clothing! That, my lovely Tutu Twirlers, is the story of how the tutu changed ballet and the way we saw it - a little bit of history that helped set the scene for the dazzling spectacles we enjoy today.
But the evolution didn't stop there. The romantic tutu paved the way for other variations! I think of them like a delicious recipe passed down through generations - always the same core recipe, yet each generation adds a bit of their own sparkle and pizzazz! The next big step came along in the 19th century. This was when the shorter tutu, often described as the "classical tutu", came into fashion! This shorter skirt emphasized the leg work, bringing a sense of fluidity and dynamism to the movement.
Do you think this was a radical shift in design? It truly opened up a new world of ballet moves! The way it showed off those strong, sculpted legs was a game-changer! A dance costume that felt so lightweight and flowing it became synonymous with power and elegance. I must say, this tutu does look rather captivating with all that leg work!
If you're looking for a fabulous inspiration to inspire your next tutu project, think about creating something inspired by one of these iconic looks. The romantic tutu might work wonders if you want to add a touch of vintage charm and elegant softness. And if you want to try your hand at something a bit bolder, why not channel your inner ballerina in a sassy little classical tutu, the epitome of graceful movement.
While the 1800s marked the rise of these magnificent creations, their journey continues to this day. Even with new variations appearing over the years, tutus retain that special magic that keeps everyone on the edge of their seat - a story told through graceful movements, a whirlwind of colors, a touch of glitter and glamor!
In my little world of tutus, each creation is an embodiment of elegance and creativity. A perfect ballet tutu is one that speaks of graceful motion, flowing with every twist, every twirl, a testament to the passion and creativity behind the dance. The ballerina herself embodies this artistic beauty, transforming with every change of the tutu. It's quite an exciting dance of creative collaboration!
I do love seeing how tutu design has continued to develop over the decades. From the early days of graceful flow to modern creations that blend art and innovation - the story of the tutu is a story of continuous innovation! It's a story that speaks of dedication and love for dance and the dedication of every ballerina that wears it.
Today, we can choose from a wide range of tutus to showcase a whole rainbow of artistic styles! We're spoilt for choice - and we get to pick what works best for us! From traditional styles to the flamboyant modern creations - there's a tutu for every taste and for every stage, big or small!
My advice to you, my lovely Tutu Twirlers, is to get creative! Don't be afraid to embrace your unique style. Take inspiration from those incredible tutus of the past and make it your own! Put a sparkle in it, add a little ruffle here and there, because in the world of ballet, anything goes when it comes to expressing your own creative energy!
So, whether you're enjoying a live performance or a YouTube video - embrace the tutu and remember, it's not just a piece of fabric, it's an inspiration, a symbol of passion, creativity, and of course, fabulous movement!
Don't forget to tune in next Tuesday for another Tutu Tale from the archives - until then, twirl on, my beautiful Tutu Twirlers, and embrace your inner ballerina!
