#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2016-09-27

Helloooo my darling dance devotees!

It’s your favourite tutu-toting time traveller, Emma, back with another Tutu Tuesday history adventure! Buckle up, buttercups, because this week we're heading back in time to 27th September 2016!

Now, you all know I'm obsessed with tutus – their airy grace, their fabulous form, the way they twirl with the very best of them! But what's the history behind this magical piece of ballet fashion? That's where our time machine comes in!

Whizzing back to September 2016, I’m sporting a stunning pink tulle creation with delicate layers of silk, perfect for exploring the exciting world of ballet fashion history. It's been a fab week for dancing and exploring! Let’s dive right in…

Believe it or not, tutus haven't always been the exquisite fashion statements they are today! Back in the 1800s, ballerinas were trapped in cumbersome floor-length skirts that made pirouettes look more like drunken tumbles.

The real tutu revolution began in 1839 with the glorious, gloriously innovative La Sylphide ballet. The prima ballerina Marie Taglioni – how utterly chic – replaced her bulky skirt with a much lighter, calf-length design that allowed for real movement and fluidity.

Imagine: a glimpse of elegant legs, ethereal tulle flowing as the ballerinas leaped and spun, making each performance a spectacle of sheer beauty! The world went absolutely wild, and this new style set the stage for all the amazing tutus we know and love today!

Remember our trip to the beautiful Bolshoi Theatre last year? Well, that's a perfect example of how ballet tutus have evolved.

While La Sylphide's tutu stayed close to the calf, Romantic tutus, popularised during the 19th century, became longer and fluffier, with even more layers of tulle. Think clouds made of gossamer dreams!

Then we had Classical tutus - my personal favourite! - which, much like the dancers who wear them, were all about structure and grace. Think tight-fitting bodices, shorter layers of tulle, and a streamlined elegance. This type of tutu lets the dancers really show off their powerful leaps and graceful moves!

By the late 19th and 20th centuries, ballet companies were starting to embrace tutus with even more pizzazz and panache. Experimentation was the name of the game, darling! The Demi-tutu came along – a playful little sister to the Classic tutu – with its shorter length allowing even more movement and freedom. It was truly a revolution in ballerina wear!

You might ask: "Emma, what about the iconic white tutu? How did that come about?" Well, white was considered the symbol of purity and innocence - ideal for those heavenly ballet tales! But that doesn't mean there's no room for colourful creativity! Just imagine the magic of a vibrantly pink tutu sparkling under the stage lights…

Speaking of today… we're celebrating ballet with the stunning performance of La Bayadère at the Royal Opera House. Now, the costumes for this show – especially the vibrant golden tutus of the Temple Dancers! – are a glorious sight, proving how the ballet world continues to experiment and bring its tutus to the forefront of fashion and stage presence!

Back in 2016, my fellow tutu-lovers! It seems our obsession with pink continues unabated! From baby pink tulle to rose pink taffeta, we see shades of this beautiful colour gracing everything from Alice in Wonderland costume tutus to ballet street dance performances!

In fact, you might see some pink tutu action at the local fair later! There's a Dance Delights performance that's all about exploring modern street ballet. It promises to be full of creative costumes, upbeat dance routines, and, you guessed it, more pink than a box of marshmallows!

As always, my darling readers, we’ll keep travelling back in time, looking at how tutus have always been an exciting and dynamic part of ballet and beyond.

Remember: always twirl with confidence and style, and don't be afraid to let your tutu shine!

Until next Tuesday,

Emma XOXO

While the world of ballet was a wonderland of tulle and grace, fashion beyond the theatre was also taking big, beautiful steps in September 2016. Let’s have a quick glance at the style scene...

Streetwear

Remember the chunky platform trainers and ripped denim we were sporting back then? And those cool bomber jackets? Definitely my jam! But if we were feeling extra bold, we were rocking athleisurewear, think bright tracksuits and graphic sweatshirts – totally wearable and totally fab for casual days!

Runway Fashion

September was a dream for fashion fans. In the world of high fashion, oversized silhouettes were still making waves – perfect for the kind of sophisticated drama that makes a fashionista's heart beat faster. Think sharp cuts, flowing fabrics, and luxurious textures.

Trends of the Day

We were living in a world of colour! From mustard yellow to fiery red, bold shades were popping up on everything from our clothes to our accessories. Statement earrings were definitely making a comeback – bigger the better! – while chokers were our new favourite way to dress up a basic outfit.

From Stage to Street: Bringing Ballet into our Everyday Lives

Here's the thing: ballet inspires us all, whether we’re stepping onto a stage or just strutting our stuff on the street! You can definitely see those ballet influences in our modern day clothes, too, don't you think?

Those classic lines, the ethereal flow, the artful movement - they all contribute to the way we dress, even when we’re not heading to the theatre!

How To Make A Tutu: Time Machine Style

Now, my darling readers, a quick tip for you aspiring tutu-makers out there. This week I found this awesome online video for creating your very own tutu with no sewing machine needed! Talk about magic.

All you need is a roll of tulle, an elastic band, some ribbon, and your imagination. Voila, you’ll have a custom-made tutu to twirl and spin in before you can say chassé!

So go on, embrace your inner ballerina and whip up a beautiful, pink tutu this weekend. Remember, it’s not just a garment - it’s an expression of joy, creativity, and sheer feminine fun!

Remember to tag me on social media with your stunning tutus!

Until next week, stay beautiful!

Emma XOXO