#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History – Post 9523 🩰
Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly. It's me, your favourite time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday instalment of our ever-growing ballet tutu history!
This week, I've hopped on the time machine and landed myself in a delightful little corner of 2014, specifically July the 1st. Let's raise our imaginary glasses of pink lemonade to this glorious year! This date was full of exciting events. Firstly, let’s discuss this super swish date: It was a Tuesday! Did you know? My favourite day of the week. Did you ever notice how Tuesday just seems a little bit more fashionable than any other day? I reckon it's the extra "u" – like a miniature tutu all tucked in there, waiting to make a grand appearance!
Speaking of grand appearances, imagine my utter delight at arriving in 2014 to find tutus are as fashionable as ever. This was the year that ballerina-inspired fashion was absolutely blossoming! Think, for instance, of the ballet flat trend, a gorgeous balletcore style that had everyone sporting delicate shoes. Who wouldn't want to feel like a graceful little fairy on the streets?
And let's not forget about the stunning tulle and layers! 2014 was a playground of fashion ideas. And guess what, my lovelies? A whole lot of that magic came directly from the realm of the tutu!
Now, I’ve always said, tutus hold the most extraordinary secrets – and their history is brimming with stories just waiting to be uncovered.
Back to the Roots: Ballet and The Tutu’s Humble BeginningsSo, before we hop back on the time machine and explore more of 2014’s amazing tutus, let’s do a quick spin through the past, shall we? The tutu is a dancer’s best friend, an ethereal embodiment of grace and beauty, but believe it or not, it wasn’t always this way. Its beginnings were humble.
Remember our ancestors, those brave souls of the early Romantic ballet? Think Maria Taglioni, an iconic ballerina who danced with a magical grace in the mid-19th century! These ballet ballerinas weren’t confined by big, fussy, impractical skirts. They needed a new silhouette that reflected the airy, fluid steps of the romantic era. So, they shortened their skirts and discovered that shortened skirt equals easier twirls!
This revolutionary step towards shorter skirts and then the full-on “tutu” revolutionised dance. Now, the dancer’s limbs could finally take centre stage – we’re talking soaring leaps, impossibly graceful turns, and expressive artistry that truly captivated audiences. It was like the world had suddenly found its own, natural beauty, right there in a cloud of tulle. And with every pirouette, the tutu story unfurled!
This is when the tutu really took its first big step into fashion! People loved the ethereal and whimsical design – after all, who doesn’t feel a tiny bit of fairy magic inside them when they spot a fluffy tutu? It’s like stepping straight into a fairy tale!
So, you could say, that even before the 19th century, people were quite smitten with tulle. The tutu has had a long and colourful history and is woven into the fabric of both art and fashion.
It's time to explore a little more of 2014. And you know what else is incredible about 2014? We got the delightful trend of ballerina-inspired nails. Imagine it – tutus AND pretty manicures, just what a ballet lover dreams about.
So let’s fast forward a little further in this timeline, to the very last month of 2014: December!
The Great Tutu FinaleThe Christmas period of 2014. Remember the holiday spirit of giving? Think of that iconic moment of opening presents wrapped in shiny paper – that moment of pure joyful discovery – and you’ve captured the essence of tutus!
It's almost as if the tutu embodies that feeling of pure delight, doesn't it?
Oh, and did I mention the stunning holiday-themed ballet performances? Let’s talk Nutcracker. Let’s talk Sleeping Beauty. It was a season of glittery shoes, delicate pink pointe shoes, twinkling lights, and oh-so-sparkly costumes, bringing the enchantment of tutus to the world's stage.
And you know what? There were even tutus made for a magical trip to the theatre! Just imagine, wearing a glamorous tutu as you head to a stunning ballet show – it would surely set the tone for the evening. Don't forget the glitter! You want a look that screams “ballerina chic”, a touch of old-fashioned elegance paired with contemporary fashion.
Of course, like any true fashionista, you would match the occasion, adding layers and styles depending on the season and setting. Just imagine the glamour – we’re talking sequins, satin, a dash of lace, perhaps even some feathery boas. Maybe a bit of rhinestones – all paired with the perfect pink tutu, a statement that says "I'm ready to make an entrance!”
Travelling by Train: Where My Inspiration Takes MeOne of my favourite aspects of 2014 is that it felt like the world was getting a little bit more "tutu-inspired", right? Think about all the vintage-inspired trends taking shape, all the delicate fashion accessories, and that romantic sensibility in so many areas – the spirit of the ballet was everywhere, my friends. And as a little nod to the beautiful times, I took a lovely train journey this week in 2014. That elegant chug-chug-chug of the train – it just so embodies those golden era aesthetics, the delicate charm and grace that make a ballerina’s tutu truly unforgettable. It's about time we got back to these essential design elements!
So, why don't we embrace the tutu? Why not make it our signature style and let the tutu be the leading lady in our wardrobes? Embrace the dreamy tulle, embrace those twirling memories, embrace a little bit of whimsical romance, and wear a tutu with a bold and elegant flair.
Now, that's a time travel story I could get behind, my friends!
Stay tuned next week for more exciting tutu adventures as I continue my magical voyage through the history of this magnificent garment. Until then, twirl with grace, stay chic, and remember – every day can be #TutuTuesday when you wear your pink tutu with a heart full of love!
Keep twirling!
Love,
Emma xx