Hello darling tutus!
It’s Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through time! Can you believe it’s #TutuTuesday already? Time flies when you’re pirouetting through the ages, I tell you! This week I’ve landed in sunny, glamorous Paris in 2014. I'm absolutely positively in my element! This city is oozing fashion and art – think chic boutiques on cobbled streets, buzzing galleries, and the majestic Palais Garnier Opera House, just begging to be explored!
Oh, and speaking of the Opera House, can you even imagine this – it's Ballet Day in France today! Can you believe it? A whole day dedicated to the grace and elegance of ballet! What a dream!
Now, this time travel business can be quite taxing on a girl, but I must say, a quick dash through history always gives me such fab inspiration for my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History posts. Today's focus? Well, it couldn't be anything other than a delightful deep dive into the story of the ballet tutu!
A Tutu Timeline!Let’s take a journey through time and see how the humble tutu has evolved into the magnificent piece of stagewear it is today.
Pre-Tutu Beginnings:
Now, imagine this: way back when, back in the early days of ballet, dancers didn’t really have any specific dress code. Imagine that! No structured dresses or elaborate tutus! It was all about flowing gowns, loose fitting skirts, and simple dresses! In the early 1600s, if you can believe it, women would dance in long gowns, heavy and cumbersome! They were much more about displaying beautiful movement than they were about showing off a graceful silhouette. This just goes to show that fashion can evolve! A ballerina in long gowns would feel positively hilarious on today's stages!
The “Tutu” Emerges!
But things were about to change, darling! The first actual tutus came about in the early 19th century! And guess what? The story of their invention is absolutely delightful, if slightly embarrassing, as it’s said that Marie Taglioni, a renowned ballerina of the day, was trying to perfect her famous leaps and fouettes, but her heavy skirts were really getting in the way. They were way too long, heavy and impractical! I can totally see why – that's definitely something I’d struggle with in class too! So, she bravely decided to get rid of those long skirts and chop them up, ending up with a much shorter, looser, and far more danceable skirt. This became known as the romantiska skirt! This short skirt meant a lighter look that allowed dancers to execute movements freely, while the lighter, soft, gauzy material made it much easier for her leaps and fouettes, and allowed audiences to appreciate the sheer beauty of her dancing. What a woman! Can we talk about how iconic she is? Talk about paving the way for today's dancers! We have her to thank for how we see ballet performed today.
A Short Skirt Makes a Splash:
Over the following decades, those little skirts just got shorter and shorter and, of course, more elaborate, leading to a new look on the dance floor – one that focused on highlighting a ballerina's legs. The tutu wasn't just an outfit anymore; it became a visual exclamation point, a punctuation mark on stage! It was all about how a dancer moved and how the skirt emphasized that. Now you understand how it's all about the dance!
The Tutu Transformation:
Then, in the 1800s, the Romantic era led to an even greater change, a real step forward in tutu design. And what’s more, they actually shortened even more, which meant dancers’ movements were amplified – which was quite radical for the time, darlings!
Then we see tutus transforming with all sorts of designs:
- Classical Tutues: Made out of layers upon layers of tulle or netting. These are known as tutus-paques. With so many layers they really hold a lovely, soft, romantic shape. Perfect for ethereal ballet scenes and dances that call for a delicate, feminine touch!
- Classical Short or “Powderpuff" Tutues: This one really changed things in the dance world – this shorter tutu, shaped like a giant cupcake – made for so many changes on stage, allowing dancers to execute more athletic movements! Can you believe that, darling, that something so simple could have such a radical impact! And when we talk about tutus, of course we’re talking about colour, the key to any tutu! There’s a reason you hardly ever see black tutus! It's all about that lightness and airiness – all the better for dancing, and all the more graceful, if you ask me! These short, white tutus – it was practically revolutionary, because they drew even more attention to the dancer’s body.
Modern Tutu: Now these really come in all sorts of designs and lengths, as you can see, darlings, so don’t feel confined by what you might see in a performance, go for what you love! Think about your tutu being more like a piece of modern fashion. I even saw some dancers wearing tutu-inspired separates this week, so that's just another way to express your individual style. You do you, darlings, and if it works for you and allows you to dance like you're gliding through clouds then go for it!
The Tutu Through History: A Reflection of the Times
Now here’s the thing, darlings – The history of the tutu doesn't stop there! In fact, it is a perfect representation of how dance and fashion evolve together, each shaping the other as time goes by!
Think of it – in the early 19th century, the Romantic era saw delicate, almost dreamy tutus taking centre stage – think La Sylphide or Giselle. As times change, so did the style of dance, and, with it, the tutu.
By the time we reach the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ballet becomes more technically demanding, demanding a tutu to meet the new requirements of these more dynamic, athletic moves! Ballet got a lot more muscular – and as a result so did the tutu! I’ve really been studying my ballet history, and, believe me, that dramatic change from the airy Romanticism to the much more athletic style had a huge effect on tutus, just as it did for dance! It’s all about balance and precision - ballet and fashion always dance hand in hand, a perfect pairing.
And, darling, remember - this incredible dance garment isn't just a beautiful piece of fabric! It’s an embodiment of creativity, athleticism, and art. The tutu has evolved to keep up with the changing face of ballet. It has changed with the demands of the dance itself, going from a floaty, delicate ensemble to a modern, more complex and often athletic one! And guess what - it keeps evolving today! That’s what makes the tutu so special!
Fashion, Dance, and Tutu Inspirations:
So there you have it, darling tutus – the story of the tutu. That’s not just a beautiful garment! It's an evolution that is linked to some of the biggest names in dance – you know, the ones we all revere - people like Marius Petipa and Anna Pavlova – can you imagine their tutus – simply sublime! And of course, those famous, graceful jumps and the dynamic pirouettes! It is through their grace, precision, and artistic talents that the tutu has become such an iconic element of ballet! It’s part of ballet’s DNA!
This post, my darlings, has really shown that the tutu is so much more than just an item of clothing. It’s a time machine in itself. A journey back to history – a symbol of grace and artistry!
But there’s no stopping here – the tutu is a constant journey through time, with no final destination. And I for one, can't wait to see what's next for this ever-evolving masterpiece!
Travel, Shopping and Shows:Oh! But enough of history! While here in Paris, it wouldn’t be fair to you, my lovely readers, if I didn’t share some of my glamorous explorations! You see, today I decided to dress up in one of my most elegant tutus and set off on an exciting Parisian adventure. Let me tell you – it is certainly not a day for trainers, my dears. Those chic cobbles are begging for stylish heels, and my newest pink glitter platform shoes have been eagerly anticipating this trip. I certainly don’t travel anywhere without those!
This time, instead of my usual mode of transport, the train, I've been indulging in the joys of a scenic Seine River cruise. Think gorgeous views, flowing champagne, and delectable Parisian treats - absolutely divine! My pink tulle skirt billowing in the breeze. Just imagine it, darlings!
Then, this city, as if to remind me why I am so addicted to Parisian shopping, beckoned me into the most delightful boutique! It is simply overflowing with the most darling things. This was an utterly glorious, pink-hued explosion of exquisite things! Just you wait for the photos - you will be swooning!
I’ve managed to pick up some fabulous new shoes - and can you believe it - the cutest pink top - perfect for the ballet gala this evening! Oh, and some new ballet accessories to compliment those tutus in my suitcase! And to round off this decadent day of retail therapy, a beautiful bouquet of pink peonies. Just the touch of French femininity for my boudoir.
And then – as if my day couldn't get more magical - a performance at the Opera Garnier! It’s one of the most magnificent venues I’ve ever seen, absolutely dazzling with all that gilding! The sheer magic of the stage lit up by spectacular lighting! This was truly a highlight of my trip, and, as a dancer, I absolutely had to witness the incredible talent on display. You know I've got to feed the soul of the dancer in me, as well as the sartorial spirit! Can you believe they were performing the "Swan Lake" - it's a favourite of mine. I saw the most dazzling tutus and beautiful choreography - pure magic. I simply adore these ballet greats! It’s always so inspiring and I always come away from performances just wanting to jump and pirouette like there's no tomorrow!
Sharing the Joy of TutuesThat's all, my darlings, until next week! Do you have a #TutuTuesday story to share? Let me know all about it – or tell me your tutu story. Let's talk about all things ballet, fashion and dance. Be sure to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com and let’s keep those tutus flowing – one pirouette at a time!
Remember - everyone is free to express their creativity! Embrace it and make those dreams come true! You can wear a tutu with pride. Because I am here to prove that it's not just a costume. It is a form of self-expression, a danceable celebration of joy.
It's always good to have a little sparkle and grace in your life. That’s my message for all of you. So wear those tutus with a twinkle in your eye, and you know what I say? Be fearless, darling tutus!
Emma Xoxo
* P.S. Stay tuned for more of my Parisian adventures next week – including some sneak peeks of my new goodies! *
