Hello my darling tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another fabulously frivolous foray into the history of the tutu, your favourite piece of dancewear (or should I say, the piece of dancewear)!
This week, I've set my time machine to December 22nd, 2015, a date bursting with excitement! You see, on this very day in London, my absolute favourite ballet company, the Royal Ballet, opened its production of The Nutcracker! And honestly, it wouldn't be a true festive season without it! I'm talking sugarplum fairies, Clara, Drosselmeyer, a battle with mice, and a gorgeous sweeping waltz of the snowflakes. The whole thing is just a pure delight, a symphony of colours and emotions – with a whole load of glittering, twirling tutus! 😍
Speaking of tutus, today's trip down memory lane takes us to a fascinating period in the evolution of this iconic piece of dancewear. Let's set the scene... the Victorian era is drawing to a close. Society is in a frenzy, grappling with changing social norms and technological advancements. In the world of ballet, there's a certain revolutionary spirit as well, leading to a gradual shift from the heavier romantic tutus of the mid 19th century towards something lighter, something…well… more liberating!
Think of the iconic tutus in Swan Lake, that dramatic contrasting transition from white swan to black swan, all in the same performance. Or the elegant lines of the dancers in Giselle, with their wispy, flowing skirts, seemingly gliding across the stage. These ballets, and many others from this era, solidified a key aspect of tutu design – shorter tutus made with multiple layers of tulle. Imagine an explosion of swirling fabrics – they helped accentuate the dancer's movement, creating graceful curves and a fluidity that captivated audiences. This move to lighter tutus, more emphasis on movement, and the use of a variety of colours and fabrics allowed the dancers more freedom, flexibility and stage presence, culminating in performances that left everyone mesmerized.
Oh, and have I mentioned that I absolutely LOVE the sheer beauty and simplicity of this period in tutu history! It's almost as if they had caught the essence of a delicate snowflake in their designs! (It must have been all those performances of The Nutcracker!) 😂 It's also fascinating to see how, with every era, there's an influence from the fashions and fabrics that are available.
However, as we are on the cusp of a new era in the early 20th century, we can see a bit of a departure from this light and airy, swirling trend, thanks to some of the exciting changes that are happening in ballet in the upcoming decades! We're about to see a whole new array of innovations that redefine tutu design once more - it's so exciting! Just think, the way we wear tutus is about to get completely redesigned… from The Firebird, a flamboyant, magical explosion of movement and colours, to Petrouchka, where costumes are re-imagined with a stark contrast, all of which is reflected in the style of tutus of this period. It's like opening a new chapter in a story!
To be honest, you can imagine my excitement as a fashion-loving time traveller! From researching the trends and designers who influenced ballet, to seeing the performances up close (and learning the ballet moves in a class, obviously), it's an absolute treat for someone with my passion. It's hard not to feel a bit of an inner-dance rush when I see these beautiful performances on stage.
Of course, as a faithful Tutu Tuesday follower, I've done my fair share of shopping along the way! The gorgeous designs of this era, influenced by Victorian romanticism with elements of elegance and simplicity are just begging to be brought to life.
Imagine a lovely delicate lilac-coloured tutu, adorned with sequins, paired with a sweet ivory silk blouse, finished with a touch of pink satin in the hair - absolutely enchanting! Imagine swirling and twirling in this on a crisp winter's day - my heart flutters just thinking about it! Just picture those Victorian streets, cobbled and quaint, with my pink tutu adding a splash of whimsical cheer. It's a whole new world to be explored, and I can't wait to share more of it with you!
Oh! I'd better get back to our present time and pack for my next exciting adventure – to be precise, I am whisked off to New York to watch some contemporary ballet performances, including, you guessed it, another show of the Nutcracker! You see, a new version by Alexei Ratmansky was presented at the New York City Ballet in December 2014. You bet I had to catch it for my Tutu Tuesday! It is such an elegant story about tradition and rebirth! It is also an innovative twist on a classic and that’s why it's one of my absolute favourites.
It wouldn't be a Tutu Tuesday without sharing a few tips on how to wear the tutu trend outside of the ballet studio:
- * Embrace the 'en pointe' look!* You know you want to be on your tippy toes for those special occasions! Try a tutu-inspired layered tulle skirt with your favourite heels or ankle boots.
- A splash of whimsy for every day: Ditch the traditional tulle! A beautiful layered chiffon or lace skirt will give you a graceful ballerina look without sacrificing practicality. Team with your fave cardigan and flats.
- Make your tutu look unique!: Find vintage tutus at thrift shops for your creative upcycling! Or buy new, then embroidere, cut out a cool design, or add an awesome print.
Of course, remember, wearing a tutu should be about fun and embracing a bit of whimsy in your everyday life, darling! But even though I'm absolutely passionate about wearing pink, I wouldn't dream of judging those who prefer another colour – tutu time is for everyone to celebrate and express themselves. Let your personal style guide you!
But before I disappear through the time tunnel to plan my next travel adventure (did someone say a train trip to the ballet?), let me remind you that I love reading all your amazing Tutu Tuesday comments, whether you’re sharing your tutu moments, discussing favourite performances, or reminiscing about a magical moment you spent with a tutu!
Join me next Tuesday for another Tutu Tuesday and I'll take you on an adventure through a different part of ballet history – remember to follow my posts on www.pink-tutu.com. You know I have a fabulous fashion show coming your way in a couple of weeks, darling! 😘 Until then, keep swirling and twirling with joy,
Your dearest pink tutu loving, Emma xx
