Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another exciting #TutuTuesday adventure! Today, we're whisking you back to a very special date - 25th August 2015!
As always, I'm sporting a fabulously fluffy pink tutu - the perfect attire for our journey through the annals of ballet history! This week, we're focusing on the tutu itself, that iconic symbol of grace, elegance, and - dare I say it - sheer fabulousness!
A Whirlwind Journey Through Tutu History
I must confess, dear readers, I recently embarked on a rather exciting time travel escapade - all for the sake of my love for the tutu, of course! I've just hopped off the train in Vienna, where the ballet world is buzzing with the latest in tutu trends. The air is electric, filled with the scent of powder and anticipation - perfect for a ballerina like myself!
Did you know that tutus actually haven't been around for all that long? It might surprise you, but the origins of the tutu go back to just the early 19th century. Back then, ballet dancers used to wear long, cumbersome gowns! Talk about a fashion faux pas! The shorter skirts, the tutus, emerged as a result of the incredible athleticism of the dancers - the need for freedom of movement. Can you imagine trying to perform a grand jeté in a floor-length gown?!
We have a special thank you to give to Marie Taglioni, the beautiful Italian dancer, who helped catapult the tutu to the centre stage. She pioneered the romantic style of ballet - and with it came the airy, soft, gauzy tutus we see today!
Tutu Evolution - A Fashionable Tale
Oh, but the journey of the tutu hasn't been one without changes! Tutus evolved throughout the 19th and 20th centuries - each era shaping the designs we know and love today.
Let's take a look at some of the most exciting evolutions:
The Romantic Tutu: Imagine soft, delicate layers of tulle, almost like a dream! This type of tutu is light and floaty, emphasising a ballerina's airy elegance - perfection for Romantic ballets like Giselle!
The Classical Tutu: Oh, the elegance! This timeless classic has several layers of stiffer tulle, often sculpted to create the classic cone-shape that makes every ballet dancer look regal and majestic! I love the dramatic flair and it's perfect for the classical masterpieces like Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
The '60s Revolution: It's all about rebellion! The 60s saw the tutu taking a radical twist - dancers started incorporating modern fabrics like nylon and spandex. A modern interpretation of the classical, this kind of tutu became more versatile and suited to modern choreography.
The Pink-Tutu Life
Now, you know me, dear reader, I wouldn't miss a fashion moment - and it's no different when it comes to the tutu! My wardrobe is a symphony of tulle! I even manage to squeeze in some travel by train whenever I get the chance. The sheer romance of it all, truly captivating!
And today, here in Vienna, I am lucky enough to be catching a performance of "Giselle" at the Vienna State Opera House. This is my first time seeing this ballet live! My dear reader, you are in for a treat because I am going to report back on this show next week! You won’t want to miss my take on it - all from my perfectly pink-hued point of view, of course!
The ballet world is full of magic, and my tutu allows me to immerse myself in its wondrous spell. As I step out to enjoy the performance, I want you to remember that we all have a little bit of ballerina in us! So don’t be afraid to let your inner dancer shine. Go on, embrace your inner Tutu Twirler and spread a little bit of tutu magic into the world! Until next Tuesday, dear readers! Don't forget to keep those twirls alive!
