Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, fresh from another whirl through the past, ready to share another captivating story about the history of our beloved ballet tutus! It's #TutuTuesday, the day we celebrate the glorious history of tutus and, of course, the beautiful pink ones. I'm currently nestled in the heart of a charming French cafe, enjoying a delicious macaron and reflecting on my recent adventure to 1832. It was a time of such creativity, darling, when tutus were becoming an absolute fashion statement. Imagine!
For those of you new to my little blog, let me introduce myself. I'm a Derbyshire girl, head over heels for all things ballet, and I'm absolutely mad about tutus. My greatest desire is to inspire everyone to slip on a pink tutu and embrace their inner ballerina. Life, you see, is much more delightful with a twirl!
I finance these extraordinary trips through time with performances in different eras, where you can always find me twirling around on stage. Believe me, a pink tutu is always a hit in any era! My favourite way to travel is by train, so much so that my trusty old trunk is a miniature wardrobe filled with pink tutus for every occasion. Imagine my delight when I realised I was heading straight into the middle of "La Sylphide" premiere in Paris, on August 30th, 1832. Can you imagine the buzz? This was the debut of what we know as the Romantic tutu, the forerunner of today's short tutu! This is where tutus truly stepped into the spotlight, darling. It's all thanks to the innovative mind of the great choreographer, Filippo Taglioni! He saw that a more dramatic look was needed to showcase the ballerinas’ exquisite movements. He created the romantic tutu – much shorter than the previous designs – so the graceful movements of the dancers would be even more stunning to see! The long skirts of the past simply didn’t give ballerinas the freedom to really twirl, darling. A short, diaphanous skirt was exactly what they needed!
Imagine all the buzz around the premiere of “La Sylphide”. I tell you, my heart fluttered just witnessing the creation of the Romantic tutu – it was like magic. These days we take our tutus for granted, but just imagine how revolutionary these short tutus must have seemed in the early 19th century! You have Filippo Taglioni and the original “Sylph” Marie Taglioni, who famously donned the tutu, to thank for it.
From that day forward, my darlings, the Romantic tutu swept across the stages of Europe. The silhouette has changed slightly over time, but the elegant and delicate aesthetic has endured. From the delicate, feathered creations to the classic multilayered tulle skirts, we owe it all to that wonderful 1832 premiere, which completely revolutionized the ballet world, ushering in an era of even more dazzling dances and elegant figures on the stage!
Of course, my love of all things tutus extends way beyond the ballet stage. Let's explore some other fascinating tutus from our past! Who doesn't love a bit of history? Let's talk Victorian era. Tutued, even when not at the ballet. Just imagine it: the bustling streets of London, a fine lady sweeping along, and... wait for it, she has a tutu on! It’s a crinoline, darlings, but basically a large, frilly, fluffy version of our beloved tutu, providing the wearer a certain voluminous grandeur. This fashion, my dears, was not a practical choice, and it wouldn't be until the end of the 19th century, when cycling became increasingly popular, that women started sporting a different style of fashion, that moved with their newfound activities! Tutued on the move! Talk about freedom!
Now, let’s bring it to our modern day, darlings! 21st-century tutus, are a magnificent riot of colours and styles, and more readily accessible for everyday wear. Tutues are making their way from ballet to the high street. Have you seen those tulle skirts and puffy tops all over the place, darling? This modern tutu is about a sense of carefree spirit, whimsy, and fun. The streetstyle is as diverse as the women wearing them. From classic black tutus for a more minimalist look to statement tutus, dripping in colour and shimmering with glitter – there's something for everyone! There’s definitely no room for any “ tutuesque” faux pas in the modern day!
My little blog, of course, aims to capture all things tutued - it is my mission to share this fascination. My travels are not always as momentous as 1832 but every time I have the joy of sharing this passion with you. Remember my dear ones, a tutu is an emblem of elegance, creativity, and unbridled joy! It represents a time when we all can be dancers in our own lives. Remember to embrace your inner ballerina, twirl with confidence, and never stop seeking adventure, and please don’t forget to rock your pink tutu, when you can.
Until next Tuesday, my darlings. May your twirls be full of grace, your steps light as air, and your tutus ever-pink! Don’t forget to comment below, with what kind of tutu makes you think of this time travel through history, or tell me your favorite tutued look and lets chat all about ballet! Remember to follow www.pink-tutu.com for the best tutued happenings of the week. Happy Twirling!
Love,
Emma
