Hello lovelies!
It’s me, Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina! 🩰✨
Today’s #TutuTuesday journey whisks us back to March 5th, 2013, a date that’s jam-packed with ballet goodness! Before we get to the history, let’s take a quick spin through what I got up to. I’ve just returned from a fab trip to New York! It's truly the city that never sleeps... and doesn’t stop shopping either! 🤩 I scored a beautiful blush pink tulle skirt that I can't wait to pair with my favourite lace-up boots – totally channeling the vintage ballerina aesthetic. 😍
And speaking of ballerinas… the most fantastic thing happened while I was there! I got to see Maria Kochetkova in Giselle! You’ll have to trust me – it was an absolute dream! She just floated across the stage – I swear, there must have been fairy dust involved!✨
Right, now that I’ve had my little New York adventure, let’s go back in time! This week I’m diving into the story of the tutu – the icon of grace and elegance!
So, how did this piece of balletwear evolve from humble beginnings to its current, captivating state? Let’s travel back to the Victorian era, to the days when the Romantic ballet ruled the stages. Back then, it was all about graceful fluttering, soft airy movements, and a general feeling of ethereal beauty. This is where the Romantic tutu gets its start! It was lighter than the heavier classical tutu – like something from a dream! ✨
Think flowing, delicate tulle, gathered and held at the waist. It barely skimmed the knees and often had long, gauzy layers that swayed like ribbons in the wind. 🌬️ And, oh the colour! This era saw the emergence of soft, pale pastels – think baby blues and delicate pinks – perfect for conveying that romantic ethereal feeling. Can you imagine anything more beautiful?! 💖
Time continues to spin forward and with it the ballet world changes! Ballet techniques evolve and so does the tutu. The Romantic tutu, though stunning, wasn’t as practical for the more athletic styles of dancing emerging. In came the tutu for classical ballet, a slightly shorter style made of stiffer tulle layers and often embellished with decorative trim – very theatrical and grand! 👑 This one’s great for grand jetés and arabesques and, let's be honest, just plain fabulous. 💅 The tutu was really evolving into its iconic shape by this time, but don't think that was the end of its journey…
Here’s a little tidbit that's always blown my mind! Did you know that the colour of the tutu really started taking shape during this era, with the traditional white tutu being the main attraction? I think this is why I adore a crisp, clean white tutu so much. It’s just so elegant and classy! 🖤
However, ballet, like fashion, is all about exploring different expressions, and it's certainly not just limited to white anymore! ✨
From bold red and bright yellow for the vibrant contemporary dancer to the glittery sparkle of the extravagant costumes for Ballet Russe, tutus have been adorned with colour and shine to match the evolution of ballet.
Speaking of glittery sparkles... I was lucky enough to attend a Ballet Russe production recently and oh my, those costumes were simply breathtaking! 💖 We’re talking luxurious materials, extravagant embellishments – you really can't beat it! Imagine sequins, feathers, and even jewellery, oh yes, it was all about taking ballet to the next level!
Over the decades, the tutu has evolved and adapted alongside the ever-changing art form that is ballet. It's still a powerful symbol of grace, strength, and artistry, reflecting the spirit of ballet through the ages. Who knows what kind of amazing new forms it will evolve into! It’s certainly been a fascinating journey! 💖
And speaking of journeys... it's time for me to whisk myself back to Derbyshire, England to plan my next ballet adventures! You can bet I’ll be sharing all my exciting finds and discoveries with you next Tuesday! Until then, I hope you’ll all be inspired to spin around in your own special twirl!
Stay twirly, my darlings, and never forget, the world looks better in pink. 💗✨
