#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2016-04-26

Post Number: 9618

Greetings, my lovely Tutu-Twirling Troupe!

It's Tuesday again, which means it's time to get our twirl on! As you know, here on www.pink-tutu.com we celebrate everything tutu, from the shimmery tulle to the iconic poufs. And what better day to delve into the fascinating world of the ballet tutu than on a Tuesday, especially when that Tuesday happens to be April 26th, 2016. It’s a date filled with dance history, and guess who's ready to time travel with you to discover it all?!

It’s me, Emma! And trust me, I'm already twirling with excitement, with a new pink tulle number sparkling like a sunrise over the English countryside. Honestly, there’s nothing that puts me in a better mood than a fresh, twirly skirt!

Today's journey starts right here in London, heart of the ballet world. Imagine it with me: bustling Covent Garden, a haven for the elegant and the curious. And what's going on tonight? You guessed it - the Royal Ballet! It’s a night of magic and artistry, a perfect blend of graceful leaps and powerful emotions, with each move accentuated by those beautiful tutus.

But wait, how did the tutu get so, well, tutu-like?

The journey to the iconic fluffy form of the tutu takes us way back to the early days of ballet, with dancers clad in skirts that weren't much different from the gowns of the day. But things changed when the focus of ballet shifted from courtly dances to expressive storytelling.

Imagine for a moment the very first "La Sylphide" performance back in 1832! Marie Taglioni, the legendary ballerina, takes the stage in a white, billowing skirt. It wasn't fluffy or poufed, not yet! But its lightness allowed her to flit and dance like a graceful sylph, embodying the lightness and ethereal nature of the mythical character. A revolution had begun!

That light and flowing skirt paved the way for the tutu we know and love today. Over time, it evolved. In the late 1800s, tutus got shorter, with layers of tulle gathered around the waist. These designs, like the ones worn by the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova, accentuated the ballerina’s grace and legwork, and offered a vision of ethereal elegance that simply captured audiences’ imaginations.

The 20th century saw the rise of the Romantic tutu, with more volume and detail. Those graceful waves and layers were crafted with exquisite precision. Imagine those delicate tutus dancing to the melodies of Tchaikovsky's “Swan Lake”. It was simply breathtaking! And then there's the iconic "The Nutcracker", featuring that majestic and incredibly complex Snow Queen costume. Just the name sends shivers down my spine!

But my dears, don’t just think of ballet tutus as historical artifacts - they are also fashion statements! A delicate layer of tulle that allows a dancer to tell stories, express emotions, and transcend gravity with grace. The tutu, quite simply, is an enchanting garment!

This week’s #TutuTuesday wouldn't be complete without exploring London beyond the stage. Fashion houses like Alexander McQueen are experimenting with tutu shapes and layers, infusing contemporary designs with that classic ballet touch. Just this past month, I was absolutely smitten with "The Met Ball", a showcase of breathtaking evening gowns where the tutu shape was reimagined with so much boldness! It’s a testament to the ongoing evolution of the tutu and its ability to transcend the stage, finding its place in the heart of fashion.

Now, we've had a fabulous twirl through history, let’s not forget Ballet Street, a cultural hot spot that brings ballet right onto the streets! They are showing up with dynamic flash mobs and innovative performances. It’s a testament to the versatility of the art and reminds me of a brilliant performance I caught last summer in Paris! It had everything – bold tutus in a myriad of vibrant colours, incredible aerial displays and some mind-blowing choreography. That’s how to make a street party spectacular!

The spirit of the tutu is all around us, my dear twirlers! Whether you're on the stage or on the street, whether you're in London, Paris or Derbyshire - embrace your own personal expression, your own individual flair. And if you haven’t donned a tutu yet, let this week’s #TutuTuesday inspire you! Embrace the twirl, the graceful movement, the joy of expressing yourself through dance, and be a part of a global community united by our love for this magical piece of fabric!

P.S. I’ve recently returned from a magical time travelling escapade to the Vienna State Opera. It was a real fairy-tale adventure - delicious Viennese pastries, a breathtaking view from atop the Wiener Riesenrad, and of course, some absolutely mesmerising ballet performances. Did I mention I snagged a beautiful vintage tutu? Now I have something extra special for next week's #TutuTuesday!

Until then, Happy Twirling!

Emma

P.P.S Did I forget to mention, I’m trying to spread the pink tutu love! My mission: convince the world to don a pink tutu at least once! What's your favorite pink tutu memory? Don't forget to share in the comments below!

www.pink-tutu.com

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