Hello my lovelies! Itâs Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back again for another Tutu Tuesday!
Today Iâve taken a trip back in time to⌠drumroll⌠April the 5th, 2016! I had the most fantastic time â imagine my surprise when I realised the whole world was in a frenzy for âGame of Thronesâ!
This being a Tutu Tuesday though, I naturally gravitated towards the fashion. Imagine my delight when I found myself on the eve of the biggest fashion event â Coachella!
Imagine⌠thousands of people gathered together in the Californian desert, a joyous fusion of music, dance, art andâŚ. Tutus! Yep, my lovely loves! Even back in 2016, the magical appeal of the tutu was evident even amongst the glitter and bohemian style!
But before we get caught up in the contemporary whims of festival fashion, let's rewind a little and journey through the enchanting history of the tutu!
A Tutu Tale
Did you know that the first ever tutus, as we know them today, were actually⌠Menâs trousers? Yep, thatâs right!
Back in the 18th century, dancers (who were all men!) wore baggy, knee-length trousers that they twirled and leaped in with all the grace of a⌠Tutu-clad ballerina!
But the dawn of the 19th century brought a delightful change, ushering in the glorious Romantic Era of ballet. Romantic, right? Well, imagine my surprise when the trousers transformed into⌠a skirt! This transformation was a response to a newfound fascination with graceful, feminine movements. It marked a significant evolution for ballet dancers - and for fashion!
It was during the mid-19th century that the real tutu came to be - light, flowing, and designed to showcase the graceful movement of the ballerinas. Marie Taglioni, a legend in the ballet world, was among the first to embrace the tutu, gracefully leaping onto the stage in the short, tiered skirt in her performance as the âLa Sylphideâ. She practically redefined ballet!
But, here's where the history gets even more fascinating: The Romantic tutu didn't stay around for long. Soon after the âLa Sylphideâ, it gave way to the âClassical Tutuâ. Imagine a single layer, knee-length, soft, ethereal gown⌠like the dreams of angels! Itâs still the perfect style for showing off complex ballet movements. And you can bet it remains one of my favourites.
The tutu continued its fabulous evolution throughout the 20th century with new, bolder forms being created! For example, George Balanchine pioneered a different approach to the tutu â short and billowing! It became an instant success. The tutu is so much more than just a garment, it's a symbol of artistry and movement!
Tutu Times, Now and Then
We all know that a classic, tiered tutu still reigns supreme today⌠think of The Nutcracker! Thereâs just something so whimsical and wonderful about watching the Sugar Plum Fairy whirl and twirl. But⌠letâs be honest⌠who actually goes to the ballet just for the dance? Iâm sure I'm not the only one here who loves the extravagant tutus and elaborate costumes, are we?!
Thereâs another fun style too â the âTutu de Pointâ, it's very tight-fitting to accentuate every intricate move.
Remember Swan Lake? It's almost unthinkable for any other style than this tight fitting âTutu de Pointâ.
But my favourite style for contemporary performances is a short, whimsical tutu. It adds a unique element, like magic sprinkles on a unicornâs horn.
So, where can we get these dazzling creations? The tutu, my darlings, is not a mere garment â it is a work of art. You can find exquisite designs by incredible creators like Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood and even Gareth Pugh! And what about modern designers and artisans? Imagine the creations by talented seamstresses, who painstakingly make each one by hand, a real ballet story!
Tutus In My Life
Right, onto this week's news⌠my lovely loves! I recently travelled to the Royal Opera House to see Swan Lake and⌠it was magnificent! So many graceful and exquisite moves. Every ballerina was like a goddess in her Tutu de Point â a vision of pure, fluid elegance. My favourite moment was the Black Swanâs performance - she owned the stage, so poised and captivating. The costumes were magnificent too, adorned with shimmering sequins and feathers.
Speaking of sequins... tutu fashion is all about sparkle! So what are my latest finds in the magical world of fashion? Well, I simply cannot resist a vibrant, cherry-red tutu, with delicate sequined detailing! It makes me feel like a princess from a fairy tale, and a bit like Cinderella herself when sheâs on her way to the ball! And there are so many more styles: layered ones with ribbons and bows; romantic designs with layers of delicate tulle; and simple, streamlined designs perfect for modern dance. But I must remind you to be careful⌠some of those fancy designs are made with special materials to show up under stage lighting, which gives off that glorious shimmer.
And just imagine, you can dress for your own ballet class in the same fabulous tutu. Whether you're twirling across the studio floor, in the rehearsal room, or strutting around your home, the joy of a tutu knows no boundaries! And you're not bound to only wear pink - itâs all about being bold and embracing what makes your heart sing!
Of course, letâs not forget the magical world of Tutu inspired fashion on the catwalk! You see it all the time â the tutu has been transformed by some of the worldâs most famous designers into magnificent evening wear, stylish everyday outfits, and even, oh the audacity!, a dazzling fashion accessory.
Now, my little darlings, itâs time for you to get creative! Tell me about your tutu adventures. What tutu is your favourite? Are you dreaming of attending a fancy ball and twirling in your most stunning tulle creation? Do you ever dance like no oneâs watching? Share it with me! Donât forget to add the hashtag #TutuTuesday.
Remember, my darlings, a tutu isn't just a garment - it's a statement, an embodiment of grace, and a beacon of pure, joyous, and exuberant tulle magic! I hope to see you all in my favourite colour - pink, and spreading the joy of the tutu one step at a time! Until next Tuesday, my dears⌠keep twirling!
Your favourite Pink Tutu wearing ballerina,
Emma
