Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on a sartorial journey through the history of ballet! It's #TutuTuesday and today's date is 26th July, 2016 - a fab date, if I do say so myself!
Now, I'm back in London today, enjoying a quintessential summer day ā sunshine, a light breeze, and that delicious smell of hot tarmac wafting in from the street. And let me tell you, Londonās got that summer energy down to a T! Everyone seems brighter and chirpier, with those beautiful, floral patterns coming to life on every corner. And of course, the ballet scene is just as lively ā the Royal Opera House is bustling, with summer performances taking place and the hum of excited audiences echoing through the halls. I just got back from seeing "Swan Lake" - a masterpiece! Oh, to have those graceful swans in my repertoireā¦ Iām going to start practicing! But before we get too lost in our dance dreams, letās rewind the clock and explore some history of this incredible piece of costume: the tutu.
My love for tutus is boundless. I adore how they billow and twirl, how they make a simple dance move look even more spectacular. Thereās something so magical about the way they transform the human body, evoking ethereal grace and beauty. So, let's delve into the captivating past of the tutu and explore its evolution from humble beginnings to the fabulous feathered showstoppers we know and love today.
The Early Years: From Grecian Inspiration to Victorian Grace
It might surprise you, my lovely readers, to know that tutus didnāt just appear in the blink of an eye like some sort of magical apparition! It took years and years of style experimentation before we landed on that iconic silhouette. Our tutu story begins back in the late 18th century, inspired by the flowing robes of Ancient Greece. Ballet was already gaining popularity at the time, and dancers, craving greater movement, experimented with these loose-fitting garments, adapting them to create the first versions of the tutu. Think light, layered skirts, just short enough to allow for some legwork but without losing that ethereal quality.
And as the 19th century bloomed, the ballet world saw the emergence of more elaborate designs, thanks to the burgeoning Romantic movement. This period embraced whimsical fantasies and fairytale themes, translating to ballet productions like the beloved "La Sylphide." Naturally, costumes needed to reflect these dreamy stories, leading to longer tutus, featuring elaborate ruffles, and delicately flowing layers. Think tutus as voluminous as a cloud and just as light and airy! I can just picture those elegant ballerinas pirouetting across the stage, leaving a trail of chiffon behind themā¦ sigh, how delightful!
The Birth of the Modern Tutu
By the late 19th century, a pivotal moment occurred. The arrival of the shorter, knee-length tutu, more reminiscent of the modern style. We have to thank Marius Petipa, a famous Russian choreographer, for this significant shift. He wanted a tutu that allowed for maximum mobility, allowing his dancers to move freely and show off those elegant leaps and turns. This new style became synonymous with classical ballet, quickly taking over the stages of Europe and spreading like wildfire across the world!
Beyond the Classic: Exploring the World of Tutu Variety
But donāt be fooled, darlings, by thinking that the story ends there! Tutuland is filled with variety ā from romantic tutus, the classic romantic styles often paired with a bodiced top or a top like a corset, that creates the feminine, elegant and romantic look; to the dramatic tutu, featuring shorter skirts that have been designed to emphasise movement. These stunning designs have inspired everything from the colourful tutus we see in street-performances ā sometimes made from a variety of fabrics including mesh, chiffon and netting ā to the glamorous, showstopping tutus favoured by renowned ballerinas worldwide!
I simply adore exploring different tutu styles, just like exploring different periods! Itās a fantastic way to see how fashion reflects cultural trends, and how, like a beautiful butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, fashion trends and styles blossom from different points in time! Itās almost as inspiring as exploring the historical streets of London - every turn unveils a piece of our rich and fascinating past, just as every stitch on a tutu holds its own story!
A Touch of Pink, A Dash of Magic
Of course, as you know, my absolute favourite tutu is the one that whispers its love song in that beautiful hue - pink! I just canāt help but be enchanted by its elegance and romantic air, and that unmistakable touch of femininity! It simply demands attention and fills any space with vibrant beauty. In my eyes, pink is more than just a colour. It's a feeling! And a feeling that resonates deeply with the magic of the tutu. I believe every ballerina, every woman, has a bit of pink within her, waiting to be discovered.
But enough about my personal tutu preferences, we are on a journey through time today! What's happening in 2016, besides those beautiful āSwan Lakeā performances? The world is abuzz with excitement this July, my dears! From the summer Olympics to the anticipation of new music releases from some of our favourite artists, there's a constant flurry of exciting developments taking place.
Speaking of new music, a particular song, āHotline Bling,ā by Canadian singer Drake, seems to be quite popular at the moment. It even caught the attention of ballerina extraordinaire, Misty Copeland, who has a knack for combining dance with contemporary music trends. I simply love her style! She is truly pushing the boundaries of dance, incorporating contemporary music into her moves and redefining the meaning of a tutu with her audacious style! Itās fabulous!
And then thereās the whole world of social media, my lovelies! It seems everyone's glued to their screens these days! But there's a new trend making its mark on the fashion world, and let me tell you, it's quite a sight! Think street style mixed with elegance, a perfect marriage of street fashion with an infusion of ballet ā a bold and trendy aesthetic known as āballet streetā! Now, if thatās not exciting news for your favourite tutu enthusiast, I donāt know what is! I am certainly getting inspired to visit some of these modern street-dance venues and experiment with my own ballet-inspired outfit, all while showing off some stunning pink tutu love! It is exciting, but maybe not the sort of style you will see at the Royal Opera House!
The Enduring Magic of the Tutu
Even after all these centuries, the magic of the tutu continues to enchant us. Whether it's its exquisite beauty, its graceful elegance, or the endless possibilities it offers for expressing artistic brilliance, the tutu remains an icon. And why wouldnāt it? It stands for imagination, artistry and creativity ā a symbol that reminds us of the dreams we carry within.
Well, my lovelies, it's time for me to bid you adieu! This tutu-filled adventure through time is coming to an end, and I must hop back on the magical time train to experience some of the many wonders this amazing world has to offer.
Remember, my dearest readers, to embrace the magical powers of pink and, most importantly, keep the ballerina in you dancing! Because life, like a beautifully choreographed dance, is meant to be embraced, enjoyed, and celebrated with a bit of twirl and a lot of passion!
Until next week, darlings! Love, Emma
P.S. If you want to catch up on all things tutu and join our vibrant tutu-loving community, be sure to hop onto our pink-tutu.com website, and subscribe for our regular fashion updates! You never know when weāll be planning our next magical Tutu Tuesday excursion!
