Post #9407 - 2012-04-10
Greetings, my dearest Tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveling ballerina, back for another thrilling trip through ballet history!
Today, my fellow twirlers, we're venturing back to a time when the tutu, our beloved symbol of grace and artistry, was just starting to take its first dainty steps towards stardom! So, grab your teacups, pop on a pretty floral frock (pink, of course!), and let's dance back in time!
As you may know, dear readers, I'm all about finding the pinkest, most fabulous aspects of every historical era, especially when it comes to tutus. And trust me, 2012 was quite the year for ballet, even if I had to use my precious travel funds on a shiny new pair of pointe shoes for this particular trip!
On this very date, 10th April 2012, the world was buzzing with the news of... drumroll please… the Bolshoi Ballet in London! Now, this was a momentous occasion, darlings. Imagine, the grand Bolshoi, all the way from Moscow, bringing its legendary dancers and dazzling productions to our very own Royal Opera House! A truly momentous event, worthy of a special occasion pink tutu, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of pink tutus, let's go back in time, shall we?
The Tutu's Humble Beginnings:
While the image of a ballerina gracefully twirling in a billowing tutu is etched in our minds, it wasn't always that way, darling! In the 17th and 18th centuries, the ballet world was dominated by opulent courtly dances with ladies swathed in elaborate, often heavy, gowns. Talk about a far cry from the breezy tutus of today!
However, change was in the air (and yes, I do mean change in the literal sense, as ballet was rapidly evolving to move faster and with more dynamic movements!).
Enter the Romantics. In the mid-19th century, ballet took a new turn with the rise of the Romantic era, where stories of love, nature, and ethereal beings filled the stage. Now, ladies needed outfits that would allow them to pirouette with newfound grace and elegance, outfits that would enhance their airy and ethereal movements, outfits that would… you guessed it, dear reader!…. Look divine!
Enter the humble tutu!
At first, these revolutionary garments were mere skirts, layered and billowing to create the illusion of airiness. Think of it like a beautiful ballet skirt - elegant, modest, and ready for some light pirouette action.
However, as we moved deeper into the Romantic era, those delicate skirts began to rise higher. Remember how skirts on fashionably daring ladies were inching upwards? Well, the same trend caught the fancy of the ballet world!
By the late 19th century, we started to see those shorter, more iconic versions that we associate with classical ballet today. Now, we’re talking tutu heaven! These innovative skirts revealed more of the dancer’s body, highlighting their strength, agility, and, of course, the graceful curves and lines of their lovely legs. It was, dare I say, an utterly fabulous breakthrough!
The Evolution Continues:
From the ethereal billowing tutus of Giselle to the layered grandeur of Swan Lake, tutus have taken a plethora of forms since their humble beginnings.
Here's a little sneak peek into some iconic styles:
- Romantic tutu: This one is like a dream spun in tulle, airy and voluminous. The epitome of ethereal elegance.
- Classical tutu: A bit shorter than the romantic tutu, it’s often a bit less airy but still very elegant. It's perfect for showing off a dancer's legwork and graceful turns.
- Romantic tutu variations: You have variations like the "double-tiered" Romantic Tutu which looks as majestic as its name implies, with two tiers of soft and shimmering fabric, as if you were an ethereal being made of pure, romantic light.
- Bell tutu: This one gives you a dramatic flared skirt reminiscent of the full bloom of a rose.
- Strapless tutus: Remember those first modest little skirts we were discussing? Those soon gave way to the strapless wonders that allow our darling ballerinas to show off their fabulous arms, sculpted physique and - of course - those breathtaking, almost otherworldly moves.
Let me tell you, darling, the development of the tutu wasn't a sudden "poof! I'm a ballet tutu!" It's been a beautiful journey filled with artistry, invention, and the always-evolving search for perfect stage elegance!
Now, of course, tutus have blossomed beyond the world of ballet, appearing on catwalks and street style around the globe. Their popularity even reached my world, the land of the magnificent, colourful, and absolutely fabulous! It's truly amazing to see such a versatile and beautiful piece of clothing inspire fashion all over the world, bringing joy and grace to so many people!
But that’s another story for another #TutuTuesday.
This time, let's get back to that amazing event in London on 10th April 2012. As I stepped into the Royal Opera House for the Bolshoi Ballet performance, my pink tutu practically bounced with excitement. Seeing the world’s best ballet dancers from Moscow bringing their extraordinary talent to London - and in my beloved pink tutu no less! - it was a day of utter wonder. The theatre was packed with tutu enthusiasts, from aspiring ballerinas like myself to ballet lovers with an insatiable passion for the beautiful art of dance. The buzz of anticipation was as intoxicating as the sweet smell of my beloved freshly baked cupcakes, a delightful scent that wafted through the grand auditorium!
What a treat for my time-traveling eyes. I felt utterly swept away, swept up into a magical world where elegance, grace and stunning choreography came together on stage like a swirling ballet of colours. From the opening notes of the music to the closing curtain, it was a spectacle of sheer artistry and delight! The stage lighting illuminated those amazing tutus, shimmering under the spotlights, adding to the illusion of magic and captivating every audience member. I could hardly stop myself from stepping onto the stage!
That’s the magic of tutus, you know! They hold a captivating quality. They are beautiful and airy, yet strong and resilient, mirroring the incredible skill and dedication of every dancer.
Remember, dear readers, ballet isn't just about grand twirls and elaborate steps. It's a language that tells a story, and the tutu is an important part of that storytelling process. The tutu can convey emotion, strength, vulnerability, and everything in between, from a ballerina's sadness in the sorrowful, graceful steps of a grieving widow in Swan Lake to a dashing hero's excitement in The Nutcracker. It's truly a piece of artistry!
Now, I’m off for a whirlwind trip to see another fabulous performance, and my time-traveling wardrobe just won't do! I’ve got to go on a tutu-shopping spree and add a few more breathtaking, flamboyant, utterly fab designs to my ever-expanding wardrobe. I wouldn’t want to be caught out without my perfect pink tutu for every occasion!
Until next time, keep twirling!
PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #TimeTravel #TravelByTrain #BolshoiBallet #London #BalletLove