Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time-traveller Emma, and I'm back with another dose of #TutuTuesday history. Today, we're twirling back to September 8th, 2015. I'm wearing my favourite bubblegum pink tulle tutu today - it's just the right amount of sparkle and frill to make me feel ready to pirouette through the archives!
This week, my trusty time machine has landed me in the heart of London, just in time to catch the opening night of the Royal Ballet's production of "The Sleeping Beauty". Now, this iconic ballet is absolutely brimming with tulle magic, with ballerinas swirling across the stage in every shade of pink you can imagine. And I've gotta say, seeing the story come alive with such intricate tutus really is something special.
Speaking of The Royal Ballet, 2015 was a real year of excitement for this world-renowned dance company. It saw the opening of their magnificent new headquarters, the ROH (Royal Opera House) - the ultimate place to watch ballet. With their incredible dancers, stunning costumes, and those utterly enchanting tutus, it's no surprise they are adored around the world!
But let's rewind the time-travelling clock for a minute and talk tutus! This delightful confection of tulle, a symbol of ballerinas the world over, has an absolutely fascinating story. Now, I'm talking the proper, bouffant, 'can't-help-but-smile-at-it' tutus, the ones that give a real 'ballet' vibe, and they weren't always the fluffy, layered wonders we adore.
The story starts way back in the Romantic Era. Think cascading ribbons, gossamer fabrics, and an almost mythical sense of ethereal beauty. We're talking the late 1800s, my loves. Ballet dancers were finally breaking free from the restrictive costumes of earlier times, and what did they choose? Why, tulle of course! It was lightweight, fluid, and gave them the freedom they needed to really express themselves on stage.
But those early tutus were nothing like the billowing marvels we see today! They were far more simple, a single layer of soft tulle that fluttered and swished around their ankles. Now, this might seem pretty tame compared to today's lavish creations, but it was a radical move in its time! The ballerina Marie Taglioni is famously said to have been one of the first to don the tulle. Talk about trailblazers!
The first tutu wasn't about hiding the dancer’s form, but enhancing and revealing it. They emphasized the ballerina's lines and fluidity, and they created that sense of delicate magic that is the hallmark of ballet.
As the art of ballet developed, the tutu evolved too. The invention of the "cage" tutu in the early 20th century (a kind of under-structure that supported layers of tulle), gave the tutu its famous volume and grace, leading to even more dramatic movement and artistry. These caged beauties became a true spectacle of frills and feminine power!
But this, my loves, is just the start of the tutu's captivating history. You can't forget about those glorious tutus à la grecque in ballets like "La Sylphide," or the majestic grand tutus with layers and layers of fluffy, diaphanous tulle seen in Swan Lake, a ballet beloved by all, I'm sure!
Tutus have seen it all, my loves. They've gone through phases, changed styles, even challenged the status quo, all while remaining iconic, timeless, and forever enchanting. Every single one tells a story of elegance, passion, and artistic expression, each layer a testament to the spirit of the art itself!
And speaking of the spirit of the art, here's something to fill your day with sunshine, dear readers! Today, in London, you can see The Sleeping Beauty itself! The Royal Ballet will be twirling in a wonderland of delicate tulle, graceful movements and dazzling costumes. Can you even imagine how amazing that must look? Oh to be in London tonight! But not to worry, my travels will soon take me to a theatre near you. Maybe a tutu-themed blog post coming to a city near you soon... ;)
Until next Tuesday, darlings, don't forget to keep spreading the tutu love!
And remember...every day is #TutuTuesday in my heart! 💖
With lots of love and twirls, Emma.
xx
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all your tutu-licious needs! And follow us on social media! We're on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! Let's make the world a more fabulous place, one pink tutu at a time!
