#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2012-10-30

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! I’m Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking you on a trip through history today. This week we're taking a twirl back to the 30th October 2012.

Now, picture this, it's a Tuesday in 2012 - imagine the excitement! We’re talking about the era of gangnam style, the rise of social media, and those oh-so-cute high waisted jeans! As for ballet, well, the world was still buzzing from the stunning performances of the Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake earlier in the year, and of course, the Olympics in London. It was a pretty incredible time to be a ballerina enthusiast!

Oh, and it was on this very day, dear readers, that something quite spectacular happened! (And I’m not just saying that because I'm all about spectacular moments, though I certainly am! 🤫). The iconic Royal Ballet held a gala in London featuring not just one, not two, but THREE amazing ballet masterpieces: Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. It was like stepping straight into a fairytale, just with a little bit more drama, a whole lot more glamour, and oh my goodness, did those tutus just sparkle?

Now, while this grand occasion was taking place, it got me thinking… Why are tutus so captivating? Why do they inspire such incredible movements, why do they add so much magic and elegance to the world of ballet, and why do they make me, quite frankly, absolutely ecstatic?!

So, on that note, let's twirl back a bit, shall we?

I’ve spent countless hours (not to mention miles on the train! Those travel fares do not come cheap) searching for answers to my many, many tutu-related questions. What I’ve discovered, darling readers, is a world of creativity, tradition, and some serious fashion history!

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane! Imagine if you will… the beautiful 19th century, a world of crinoline, lavish ball gowns, and perhaps a glimpse of those early tutus. These tutus, my darlings, were quite a contrast to what we see today. Think about long, graceful lines that would gently flow as a ballerina spun. They were known as Romantic tutus, and their focus was on elegance, the grace of movement, and that ethereal sense of femininity that truly embodies a ballerina.

Then we skip ahead to the late 1800s and enter a world of daring dancers who weren't just about beauty. The tutu was evolving! It’s where we see the arrival of the Classical tutu (that we all know and love), shorter in length and much more dramatic, making those jumps and fouettes all the more impactful and exciting! They often featured elaborate designs that perfectly complemented the choreography, showing off those intricate movements that made these dancers true stars!

Over the years, my darlings, tutus continued to adapt. With the rise of modern dance in the early 20th century, new forms of the tutu were introduced. The tutu was becoming even more dynamic – imagine all those shapes and movements expressed through fabrics! They were about moving away from traditional ballets, experimenting with style and the concept of movement itself.

By the 1930s, those big, fluffy Romantic tutus were getting shorter and more structured! We’re talking dramatic changes, and revolutionary transformations in dance that we see throughout the centuries! But there was something exciting coming: a whole new type of tutu was going to capture hearts around the world!

The 1940s! The dawn of the tutu dress! It was more everyday wear, shorter and often quite different from the standard tutu. I still find these designs incredibly exciting, and it just shows how flexible tutus can be. It was like saying, *“we’re no longer just on the stage! You can take me into your world too!"

Now, today we can see tutus in different styles: classic and traditional to whimsical and modern. We see variations, lengths, textures, colours – my oh my, the possibilities are endless!

My friends, I have to say… those beautiful ballerinas, past and present, are simply magnificent. Their commitment to dance, their passion, and their incredible talent, make ballet so captivating!

But it's not just about dance. The tutu, that iconic symbol of grace, represents something more… It reminds us of the magic of creation, the passion we carry within, the dedication to something beautiful, and that little piece of magic we all have within ourselves. It inspires beauty and reminds us to reach for those extraordinary moments.

To sum it all up, my darlings…

• It's a timeless symbol. Every twirl, every movement, reminds us that there's beauty to be found everywhere.

• It's all about creativity and transformation. Whether it's a ballerina in Swan Lake, a contemporary dancer with flowing fabrics, or simply you trying on your first ever tutu – it's all about discovering the power of creation, a sense of self, and finding something special inside yourself.

• It's a source of inspiration for everyone. Yes, it's a quintessential ballet item, but for so many people, it also embodies a love for self expression, imagination, and that sense of freedom we all long for.

And there you have it, my sweet friends, another #TutuTuesday! What a whirlwind of history and pinkness this week has been. I hope I’ve given you some insight into why the tutu is not just a simple costume, but a symbol of so much more. It's time for me to find another exciting tutu in my very personal wardrobe collection and hit the stage with a bit of music, a twirl, and of course, more pink tutus.

Until next time, don't be shy! Let me know what you think. Share your favourite #TutuMoments on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook! I can’t wait to see your gorgeous tutu creations, I’ll be twirling along with you!

See you next week for another trip into the Tutu Time Machine. Remember, every day is a chance to embrace the magic!

Stay sparkling, my loves, and remember: tutus are life! 💕

With lots of pink love,

Emma x