1st December 2015
Oh hello my lovelies! It's Emma here from your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballet blog, www.pink-tutu.com! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the fabulous history of the iconic tutu!
This week, I'm channelling my inner Parisian ballerina with a frothy, pink confection of a tutu that is just screaming 'I love ballet!' I’ve paired it with a black velvet jacket (for a touch of sophistication) and delicate pink ballet shoes. I always say, a good tutu is all about finding the right balance between elegant and whimsical.
Now, on to the exciting world of tutu history! Today, we’re going to fast forward to the Victorian era, specifically the 1850s and 1860s.
Picture this: It’s the age of romance, with crinoline skirts that reached the ceiling, ornate costumes, and extravagant ballrooms where waltzes swirled under glittering chandeliers. And guess what? Ballet was HUGE in this era! The stage was all about grace, femininity, and oh, those pirouettes!
And what was the secret weapon behind those breathtaking spins and grand jetés? You guessed it: The Romantic Tutu! This tutu, you see, was a complete revolution. Forget those stiff, floor-length skirts. The Romantic Tutu was all about flowing silk, tiers of delicate layers, and a hint of a glimpse of the legs. It was light, ethereal, and a stark contrast to the bulky fashion trends of the day.
Imagine the spectacle! It must have been a revelation to audiences! Seeing a ballerina floating across the stage, twirling with effortless grace, their form defined by the wispy, flowing tiers of tulle… Pure magic!
This is when the tutu started to become truly iconic! It wasn't just a piece of clothing – it became a symbol of the ballet itself, a visual representation of beauty, artistry, and ethereal lightness.
Speaking of magical performances, last night I saw the most incredible ballet performance at the Royal Opera House! I'm not one for spoilers, so I'll just say it was a showstopper, featuring a breathtaking array of stunning costumes, including a collection of Romantic Tutus that took my breath away.
For today, darling readers, I wanted to share some fun facts about the Romantic Tutu. Did you know...
Romantic Tutu = Leggy Affair : The Romantic Tutu was the first time legs became a major part of ballet costuming. Before that, skirts covered everything, but with the Romantic Tutu, those legs became a central part of the visual art form, enhancing the beauty and agility of the dancers.
Tutus Got Even More Whimsical : The Romantic Tutu was a significant departure from the ballet’s past. It replaced heavy skirts and introduced delicate materials, allowing for new ways of expressing beauty and movement.
This was The Ballet Boom Era: In the Victorian Era, the Romantic Tutu became synonymous with ballet, marking a significant shift in the art form's history. People flocked to theatres, captivated by the visual and technical brilliance of the Romantic Tutu and the artistry it allowed for.
After all those stories of tulle and history, it’s time to delve into something new. We’ve had quite a few requests on my Instagram lately for ideas of how to incorporate the Romantic Tutu into everyday life, and let me tell you, I love the thought! What better way to embrace the magic of ballet than to bring its elegant touch into your wardrobe?
Let’s take a cue from the Romantic Tutu itself! It's all about that "floaty and graceful" vibe! You could pair it with a lace top and heels for a truly whimsical look. A statement necklace or a pearl bracelet can also bring out the Romantic Era’s opulent essence! Or, take a less formal approach with a cozy sweater, sneakers, and a casual daytime makeup look! The magic of the Romantic Tutu lies in its versatility, my darlings.
And, as always, don't forget to #pinktutu. Share your thoughts and favourite romantic tutu stories with me, @EmmaPinkTutu, I love hearing from all of you.
That’s it for this #TutuTuesday, lovelies! Remember, every day can be a ballet day – with the right kind of magic.
Until next week!
Your very own Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
#pinktutu
P.S.: Did you know I’m actually travelling through time using the magic of ballet? I use the money I earn from performing (and, you know, my trusty credit card) to get around. So, you never know when I might turn up in your neck of the woods! I am going to Vienna next month to visit the Wiener Staatsoper! It’s such a thrill!
