#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2013-02-19

Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-loving time traveler, back for another #TutuTuesday adventure!

This week I'm waltzing back to 19 February 2013, a date filled with beautiful ballet, glamorous gowns, and a whole lot of pink. I've been touring the world in a delightful whirlwind, hopping through time with the grace of a ballerina and the sparkle of a diamond tiara!

So put on your prettiest pink frock and grab a cuppa – we're about to embark on a journey through time to unravel the fascinating history of the ballet tutu.

Oh, the humble tutu! It’s more than just a fluffy cloud of tulle – it's a symbol of artistry, elegance, and a touch of whimsy. But have you ever stopped to think about where it all began?

Today, I'm sharing a snippet of my trip to the glorious Paris Opera Ballet in 1913. I was just a little wide-eyed Derbyshire lass, standing in the heart of a magnificent Parisian theatre. You wouldn't believe the magnificent performances, the glittering chandeliers, and the exquisite tutus – they were like dancing clouds!

And did you know… the first ballerinas were a far cry from the ethereal fairies we see today! Imagine women in long, flowing gowns and heavy, restrictive undergarments. Ballet back then wasn't exactly about twirls and leaps.

But then came the era of romanticism. A breath of fresh air swept through the dance world, and with it came Marie Taglioni, the Italian ballerina known for her incredible lightness and graceful movements.

She embraced simplicity, ditched the bulky clothes and brought in something revolutionary... a short, airy skirt that revealed her ankles and feet! It was the very first form of the tutu we know today! Talk about a game-changer! It opened the doors to incredible artistry and freedom of movement, paving the way for the majestic twirls and elegant leaps that we adore so much.

But there's a fascinating twist to the tale. This revolutionary, first-ever, non-bulky dancewear was still primarily white! It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that the tutu started evolving into its true form – short, layered, and a dazzling array of colour.

And don't even get me started on the romantic story behind the word "tutu." I hear it all started in the 1930s! Some say it was simply a fun nickname for a fancy ballet skirt – but hey, in the glamorous world of dance, even a nickname can have its moment in the spotlight!

Today's tutus are like a canvas for artistry, crafted with the finest silk and tulle, shimmering with glitter and jewels, and a delightful rainbow of colors. But it wasn’t always like that. There was a time when white reigned supreme, but thankfully, like the dance world itself, the tutu embraced a spectrum of colours!

This is the fun part, dear reader – just as I do in my own wardrobe! In 1958, Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, that captivating troupe of ballet dancers, made history by introducing bold colours, flamboyant designs, and oh-so-elegant creations into the tutu's world! And with them came a new era – the tutus now mimicked their setting and story, creating a harmonious dance of colour and choreography.

And oh my! Do you ever notice the specific, carefully-chosen tutus that accompany each ballet? From the graceful white tutu of the Swan Queen in "Swan Lake," the fluffy pink tutu in the exquisite "Sleeping Beauty," to the rich blue and crimson tutus in "Don Quixote," each color speaks volumes about the character, the theme, and the very essence of the ballet itself! Don't underestimate the tutu!

It truly makes ballet even more magical and utterly fascinating.

And who says only ballerinas can wear a tutu?!

The beautiful thing about the tutu is that it embodies the spirit of joy, creativity, and playful confidence – and anyone can embrace that spirit!

Whether you're heading to the ballet or simply need a dash of extra je ne sais quoi, let the tutu inspire your style and embrace the magic of life, one twirl at a time!

If you fancy heading to the Royal Opera House on 19 February 2013, *I saw an absolutely stunning performance of the classic *“La Fille Mal Gardée.” The vibrant colors of the tutus were just phenomenal, with each graceful pirouette reflecting a story in shades of yellow, blue and emerald green.

I would encourage all of you to take a leap into the captivating world of ballet and experience the magic of these intricate dances. There are some incredible shows happening all over the globe, and just imagine – it could be you in the pink tutu on stage! Who knows what adventures your own tutus might bring?

Oh, I’ve had the most incredible trip to this particular date in time– I shopped in vintage stores, discovered some incredible dance shoes, and stumbled upon a truly amazing tea shop where they have the best, most delightfully pink raspberry macarons.

*So join me in embracing the charm and artistry of tutus. It's not just about fashion; it's about unleashing your inner spirit! * And as always, do let me know which tutu is your favorite.

Until next #TutuTuesday, twirl with happiness!

Emma x

Please note: This is a fictionalized account and may not accurately reflect all the specifics of ballet history, but it’s designed to be fun and exciting!