Bonjour mes chères amies!
It's a gloriously sunny Tuesday in Paris, and I'm feeling as effervescent as a freshly opened bottle of champagne! Today, I'm channeling all the whimsy and grace of a springtime waltz, because it's time for our weekly pilgrimage to the world of tutus! As you know, I absolutely adore tutus. I think everyone should own one – pink, of course!
But today, we're venturing on a little time travel adventure, heading back to April 3rd, 2012, to explore the evolution of this iconic garment.
Now, hold onto your tiaras, darlings, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour through time. To fund my insatiable travelling desires and insatiable appetite for vintage fashion, I travel from show to show – a modern-day ballerina, waltzing across centuries! But don’t worry, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a vintage tutu that doesn't flatter my figure! This girl knows how to work a contemporary outfit, whether it be from the Victorian Era, or right here, right now in the heart of the Parisian fashion scene!
Oh! Did I tell you, this afternoon, I have a very special appointment. I am seeing the most fantastic ballet performance by the étoiles of the Paris Opera! "Giselle" is playing at the Palais Garnier, and oh, I am so excited!
However, before I shimmy my way into my Parisian best, we've got some historical fashion exploring to do. Today's focus: The History of the Ballet Tutu.
Early Days: Before the Tutus!
Let’s take a trip to the ancien regime, to the days when fashion was all about lavish gowns with endless yards of fabric! Our graceful ballerina dancers, however, wore something quite different - they sported snug-fitting dresses called “robes”. This was until the early 19th century when a big, very significant shift happened!
A legendary ballerina named Marie Taglioni arrived on the scene with a bold and revolutionary look! This was in 1832 and it all came to pass as she pirouetted on stage at La Scala, Milan in her very own creation: the tutu! The classic ‘bell shape’ tutu made its grand debut! This airy, shorter-length creation gave Taglioni a freedom of movement we had never seen before, freeing her feet and legs for breathtaking dance steps and allowing for captivating stage movements.
Imagine – a dress that allowed the dancer’s movements to take centre stage and take full flight!
The invention of the tutu was a big turning point for ballet. Think about how this one tiny change made a huge impact. The entire world was suddenly able to enjoy the magical spectacle of ballet as the focus shifted from costume to the elegance of the ballerina's every gesture.
Twirling Through Time: The Romanticism of the Tutu
The 'Romantic tutu,' which became popular in the early 1800s, was often quite dramatic in its construction and its use of very airy and voluminous fabrics! Imagine flowing tulle and gossamer-light chiffon, giving a real sense of ethereal weightlessness as they float and twirl through the air!
This particular era was truly captivating in terms of visual artistry. Those dramatic lengths of fabrics added to the magical spectacle of ballet! You can imagine dancers waltzing through clouds with every pirouette. It's almost enough to make you wish you could slip into a romantic tutu yourself, but unfortunately, the modern world is a tad less suited to the kind of opulent layers required for these dramatic early tutus. Still, I think there's no denying their beauty. And, if you're looking to make a statement at a costume party, you simply can't go wrong with the dramatic romance of a tutu like these. It would be perfect for a ballet-themed soiree. Or for a Victorian fancy-dress evening – oo la la.
The Tutu Evolves: A Shift to Functionality and Flair
A while later, the longer tutu, designed by Carlo Blasis, was favoured in the mid 19th century, especially in the 1850s! The *Romantic tutu*” with its swirling fabric was all the rage! Imagine, delicate white and pale-pink tulles dancing through the air. How divine! These longer tutus gave dancers the freedom to reach those elegant extensions that graced our favourite Romantic ballets.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, ballet styles went through a transition, moving from the longer tutus into a new style that was becoming popular: the ‘tutu a la russe’ .
A New Generation: The Tutu Takes a Twist
By the early 1900s, a revolution was sweeping across ballet studios and theatres. The ‘tutu a la russe’ which became more prevalent with the advent of classical ballet, changed the ballet landscape forever! This was the tutu that dancers knew so well from the 20th century!
The tutu a la russe was quite short, and more fitted! They were constructed to show off those gorgeous pointe techniques. You may even recall these as the classic tutu that is iconic and still features strongly on the dance floor today! You see this very special shape in productions such as Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Nutcracker,” and just look at that breathtaking beauty! These stunning examples of Russian ballet choreography featured dancers twirling and bounding through short tutus, demonstrating strength and flexibility as they performed spectacular ballet leaps! The dancers seemed to fly through the air and almost float across the stage!
Of course, for the world of the modern ballet, the ballet costume had to be equally innovative. Enter, the ‘'tutu à jaune’ ’ - also known as a *classical tutu, and that brings us to the modern age!
Imagine dancers swirling in bright red or sparkling gold tutus. A modern-day “tutu à jaune’” features lots of layers of tulle – a real dance dream! But, the emphasis now was on performance rather than on extravagant costuming!
However, I find a tutu in whatever era it has been created, makes ballet so graceful! When I think of ballet, I see a graceful dancer whirling in a stunning tutu across the stage – pure ballet bliss!
Tutus in The Modern World: Finding the Tutu that’s Right for You
As for myself? Well, I find that anything from a 19th century ball gown to a 21st century ‘tutu à jaune’ * is just as captivating, as long as it makes a *stylish statement and, well, fits my figure. Of course, I find my greatest enjoyment comes from my beautiful vintage pink tutu, especially the vintage silk-tulle tutus, adorned with lace or embroidery!
With so much choice around, it seems that everyone can discover a tutu that suits their taste and fits their occasion! Today's fashion-conscious tutu designers seem to make the most amazing designs and variations, perfect for all styles of ballet, modern, classic or street dance!
These innovative tutus look truly sensational on stage, while offering every ballerina, whatever their age and whatever their style, the very best of modern comfort, performance and artistry!
That is why, here at Pink-Tutu, I continue to strive to share our passion for this most beloved item of attire - a dancer’s absolute dream: the Tutu!
So tell me, dear reader, What’s your favourite era for ballet tutus? Do you like the long romantic tutus or perhaps the short tutu ‘a la russe’? Perhaps a ‘tutu à jaune’, with all its exciting, vibrant layers! Let’s make today the beginning of your ballet adventure – so, share with me what you like and what is special to you! I look forward to hearing from you! And remember to visit me every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com for more fun facts and fashion in my #TutuTuesday ballet history series.
À bientôt et à bientôt!
Emma
xxx
