#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2013-04-16

Hello, my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It’s Tuesday again, which means it's time to step into the wonderful world of tutus! Today we're delving deep into the history of our beloved garment, because tutus are not just about pretty pink frills - they have a rich and fascinating story to tell! So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's get twirling.

You know how I love to travel, and it’s not just to see the world’s ballet marvels - it’s the thrill of discovering all the incredible fashion trends each place has to offer. Today, I’ve found myself in the heart of London! London, of course, has long been the centre of fashion and performance, a whirlwind of style and stories that, I promise you, will be as dazzling as a prima ballerina’s performance.

On this beautiful April day, 16th of April, 2013, I’m feeling as fabulous as a feather boa draped over a top-notch tulle skirt. Why, you might ask? Well, today is a day full of exciting possibilities! First, a must-see: I’m catching a Royal Ballet performance at Covent Garden, and I can't wait to get swept away by the beauty of it all!

Now, you might be thinking, “But Emma, what’s this tutu business about?” Well, darlings, our lovely tutus, the iconic symbol of ballet, didn't always exist! Before their glorious arrival on the dance scene, ballerinas twirled in rather practical, but admittedly less glamorous, attire. Can you imagine? I’m shuddering at the thought!

We need to go back a few centuries to trace our tutu's journey. It's quite a tale, truly! It began with something quite simple - the “bell skirt”, worn in the 1700s, was a light skirt shaped, yes, you guessed it, like a bell! Practical for allowing ballerinas to move with ease and grace. But times change, dear readers! The 1830s arrived, and with it came the need for more flair, more grandeur. Enter Marie Taglioni!

Now, Marie Taglioni, she was a vision in motion! This legendary dancer was the epitome of a true artist. She desired a more expressive dancewear - and thus the first tutu, a "romantic tutu”, was born. Imagine flowing layers of delicate tulle, just barely skimming the floor, as light as a feather yet capturing every graceful movement. Think "Giselle" and you have the image. Such elegance and freedom, wouldn’t you agree?

However, the romantic tutu didn’t stay around forever! By the late 19th century, a new style of tutu emerged, and this one was quite different: the "classical tutu", designed for a tighter, more technical ballet form.

This new style brought with it the famous, well, let’s be honest, “extremely short”, tutuconsider this to be the tutu you know today - a symbol of elegance and precision, making the dancer a central focus.

You know, there's something quite powerful about tutus, don’t you think? I mean, a short tulle skirt, all pink and fluffy, with dancers taking center stage? Talk about a statement! This look, however, doesn't suit every style of dance, my dear friends! There are many variations on this timeless garment!

The “tutu longue” (long tutu), perfect for ballets like “Swan Lake,” and the “pancake tutu” for, you guessed it, pantomime. (I did say that it wasn’t just for ballet.) I always think the pantomime tutu reminds me of those big, gorgeous skirts that everyone in my Derbyshire village would wear when they were collecting the harvest, you know?

Let’s just say there is a tutu for every ballerina. No matter your taste or style, the history of the tutu, is filled with fashion innovation and beauty!

My darlings, the tutu has truly spread its wings over time! It’s not just for ballerinas in their studios. I saw a tutu featured in a Bollywood film yesterday and then popped into a store in London’s West End and saw a fab tutu top being worn by a lady outside a cafe. Honestly, the tutu is practically a street-fashion trend now! It is all part of the tutu’s evolution and global domination, my dears.

While the classic tutu still graces stages worldwide, this charming garment is becoming increasingly visible on the red carpets of glamorous events, fashion magazines, and even as a daring everyday style choice! There's a certain joyfulness, a lightness, a “come what may” spirit in it, wouldn’t you agree? It's like the dance world is saying to the fashion world, "Come and play! Let’s embrace the joy!"

This is what makes the tutu so fascinating! It isn't simply about clothing; it embodies history, creativity, beauty, and movement. And wouldn't it be a wondrous sight to see everyone wearing a tutu, twirling around like the happiest people in the world? Just imagine!

So there you have it, darlings, your dose of #TutuTuesday history! I have no doubt that the tutu will continue to spin its magic around the globe. Now, I'm off to get dressed, put on my sparkly pink shoes, and twirl my way into a “Les Misérables” performance at Queen’s Theatre, a place just brimming with incredible costumes!

What else am I waiting for? Until next week, keep twirling!

Emma xoxo

(Remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all your ballet and tutu needs! Don’t forget to follow my adventures with #EmmaGoesToTheBallet, and tell me about your favourite tutu stories!)