#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2016-09-06

Hello my darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma, your very own tutu-tastic time-travelling blogger, ready to take you on another fabulous journey through the history of this magical garment! I'm here in my signature pink tutu (a must, really!), feeling as twirly as a sugarplum fairy after a glorious performance last night at the Royal Opera House – oh, you know, just a Tuesday evening in London! It was divine, with a show-stopping new production of Swan Lake. Those feathered costumes! So dramatic!

Now, I'm off to explore what the world of tutus had to offer on the 6th of September, 2016, and let me tell you, darling, the 2010s saw the tutu transform!

2016 marked a real shift in the world of tutu design. We’re moving beyond the traditional! Don’t get me wrong, I love a classic, romantic tutu, but the creativity I saw blooming on stage and in shops that year was utterly fabulous! Think modern fabrics, dramatic lines, and unexpected textures. Oh, the joy!

So, where are these dazzling tutus finding their new, daring forms? It's all about blending ballet’s legacy with contemporary inspiration! Here’s how it’s playing out:

1. The “Power Tutu”: A Celebration of Strength and Movement.

Have you seen the incredible work of choreographers like Wayne McGregor and Christopher Wheeldon? They're not afraid to experiment! McGregor’s Woolf Works, featuring costumes by Humphrey Berber, is all about fierce movement. It’s a tutu that speaks of power and athleticism. There are lines, dramatic silhouettes and cuts – no frills, no fuss, just movement! And Wheeldon’s The American, with its elegant yet contemporary designs, plays on those sleek lines too.

2. "Fashion Forward” Tutus: Ballet Inspiration in Haute Couture

Look at what designers like Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier are doing! They're blending the graceful elegance of ballet with their bold, modern aesthetic. It’s a cross-over that’s making tutus irresistible even outside of the stage. Think tutus featuring dramatic layers of silk and tulle, with bold color palettes, or daring asymmetry – so very Parisian chic, don’t you think?

3. Streetwear Chic Meets the Tutu: A Glimmer of Rebellion.

Let’s not forget street-style fashion! Streetwear brands like Adidas, and Converse are offering bold interpretations of the tutu – you know, those layered, pleated skirts we all adore, but in sporty fabrics and colors. Think black leather with a metallic finish! And don’t be afraid to layer with leggings or jeans – this is all about that fun mix and match of street fashion meets ballet flair.

I love the way tutus evolve. They’re like time-travelling companions, capturing fashion moments, social shifts and even cultural change! Think back with me!

19th-Century Romanticism: Grace and Softness

Imagine romantic ballerina dancing with fluttering, ethereal tutus, these light and airy pieces, just like a delicate wisp of smoke! Think La Sylphide in 1832, or Marie Taglioni’s performance that defined a new kind of ethereal ballet – this is where it all began!

20th Century Modernism: Lines, Structure, and the “Classic”

By the early 20th century, tutus transformed! Designers like Coco Chanel started experimenting, so you started seeing structured lines and new forms. They wanted movement to look defined. It wasn’t all just floating; there was strength too! Look at those iconic tutu designs by Leon Bakst for The Sleeping Beauty (1921) with its emphasis on layers and precision, or Serge Diaghilev’s revolutionary Ballets Russes! That is what gave birth to the classical tutu we still love and admire today.

Late 20th Century and the Rise of “The Power Tutu”: Celebrating The Female Body.

And we must remember those pioneering female designers who pushed boundaries and changed perceptions of what a dancer’s body could do – remember those daring pieces from Martha Graham! She was a woman of huge influence! She wanted tutus that gave freedom to dancers – that would allow them to move in new ways and express new ideas! It led to a whole new language in ballet – bold yet elegant! It's not just about pretty lines and tutus anymore, it’s about using a tutu to tell a story.

Speaking of fun facts, here are some juicy bits from my latest tutu research!

1. Tutu Trivia!

The word “tutu” came to be when famous ballerinas like Fanny Cerrito, who were making a name for themselves in 1840s, and who wore a short layered skirt which resembled the Spanish word “tutu” (a piece of fabric), which means to be frivolous, fun and a little bit daring – so, the tutu became associated with this fun quality of being bold and free – much like our own tutu adventures!

2. The Power of the Pink Tutu!

Now, my fellow tutues, I’ve been saying it since my first post – a pink tutu is the perfect choice for a tutu loving ballerina (a good thing I love pink!). It’s playful and fun - it reminds us of our love for joyful, happy times in the world of ballet and fashion. And why not bring back the joy of those feminine, romantic flairs that pink is so good at reminding us of? I like how it evokes feelings of dreams and beautiful dance fantasies. I even heard some rumors that in 2016 the color pink became popular again and some fashion magazines started calling it the “New Pink"!

3. The Tutu Travels the World!

This is another great thing about 2016! It saw ballets becoming more popular across the globe, with stunning productions traveling on tours. This gave us all a chance to witness the tutu’s magic across the continents!

Shopping Spotlight: London’s Covent Garden!

Speaking of travels, darling! My journey through the time-travel train has just arrived at Covent Garden in London, and I must share! This area has become the ultimate destination for tutu shoppers who are after something unique and chic! Here are a few spots to check out!

• Liberty London: Oh darling! This shop is so full of fabulous things to try on, including beautifully designed tutu-like garments. You can find some lovely, airy fabrics.
• The Royal Opera House Shop: You have to check out the Opera House shop for souvenirs! It’s an excellent spot for a special, limited edition tutu that captures the elegant feeling of a London ballet production.

And on September 6th, 2016, oh, what a time to be alive! It’s the launch of the Dancing on Water ballet (it is now an annual event!). This is a beautiful outdoor show at London’s Royal Albert Hall! You get the magic of dance combined with music, with a gorgeous outdoor setting – it’s really something special!

So my dear tutu-lovers, we're on a journey to explore how the tutu has continued to shine. Every time I travel back in time, I’m even more enthralled by how this special garment evolves, from romantic twirling to contemporary flair! It’s proof that beauty can come from all walks of time - I love this magical fabric’s story, and I can’t wait to continue our explorations next week for #TutuTuesday – and for all of you out there – go out and let your inner tutu shine - you go girl!!

Yours in tutus,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

This blog is purely for entertainment and is written with the intent to encourage readers to appreciate the creative and beautiful history of tutus as a garment of movement, artistic expression, and celebration of femininity. Any resemblance to people or brands in this fictional setting are unintentional and are solely used for storytelling purposes