Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back again with another fabulously frilly instalment of #TutuTuesday, your one-stop shop for all things tulle!
Oh my goodness, can you believe it's December already? The festive season is in full swing, and my diary is jam-packed with ballets and shows. This week I've been to the most wonderful pantomime, where even the grumpy old villain was twirling in a rather fetching pink tutu. Talk about spreading the tutu love!
But before we dive into this week's glorious tutu topic, I just wanted to say how much I'm loving your feedback on last week's blog. So many of you were positively giddy with delight about the history of pointe shoes! I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled about those exquisite, delicate things? And that's exactly why, this week, we're delving back into time to explore another fascinating piece of ballet history - the magnificent tutu itself!
Tutus: A Short (but Totally Sweet) History
The humble tutu has come a long way, hasn't it? From its humble beginnings to the incredible creations we see on stage today, it's been a whirlwind of frills and fancies!
Let's take a trip back to 1830s Paris, darling, and the arrival of the romantic ballet. Now, this was a dramatic departure from the formal, courtly ballets of the past. Romantic ballets focused on emotion, stories, and fantastical creatures – imagine ballerinas fluttering about like whimsical fairies and mischievous sylphs!
The dancers of this era needed a garment that moved freely with them, something that echoed the light and ethereal spirit of the stories they danced. Enter the tutu-roman, as it was originally called! It was all about flowing, airy skirts that extended gracefully down to the knees.
Now, picture a perfectly puffed out crinoline – that's how these early tutus were often constructed. You'll have to forgive me for my dressmaking vocabulary, I'm more of a 'try it on and see if it suits' kinda gal. But trust me, those early ballerinas would have spent hours getting into their 'costumes,' painstakingly pushing out and adjusting the skirt, all in the name of beauty and grace!
The late 1800s saw a dramatic shift with the emergence of classical ballet. Here we saw a shift towards the iconic tutu shape we're all familiar with - the tutu-de-panier or bell tutu!
Imagine a skirt resembling an inverted cone. Now imagine it made entirely of soft tulle or netting, beautifully draped and gracefully catching the light – that’s a classic bell tutu, darling! Think of a princess waltzing down a grand staircase, and you've got the right image! It allowed for freedom of movement, a stunning silhouette, and that quintessential "ballet dancer" look we all love.
The most iconic of them all, in my opinion? That would have to be the Sleeping Beauty ballet! And believe me, those gorgeous, layered, frilly pink tutus were enough to make a princess weep! Ahem. Maybe I need a new wardrobe…
Tutu Trends
Over the decades, tutu styles continued to evolve. The long tutu, almost a kind of full-length skirt with added fluff, took the stage in the 20th century. This became a staple for classic ballets, allowing ballerinas to move with ease and fluidity whilst remaining perfectly princess-worthy!
Nowadays, choreographers are pushing the boundaries and incorporating various modern tutu interpretations - and that's something I just love! From minimalist styles with just a single layer of tulle to those experimental creations where tutus are transformed into sculptural art pieces! Talk about bold, imaginative, and inspiring!
I mean, there's no denying that tutus are powerfully evocative and tell their own story. They bring the dance alive, highlighting the movements and the emotions in every pirouette, jump, and leap. But most importantly, they make you feel like a ballerina!
Why Tutus Rock
Oh, darling, why are tutus so fabulous? Because, they make everyone feel like a princess, even when they're wearing trainers and a jumper! You could be waltzing across your bedroom floor or going for a brisk walk around the park, the right tutu is going to make you feel ready to take on the world with grace and sparkle!
And, let’s be honest, nothing adds a touch of glamour like a good tutu. I'm talking fairy tale glamour! Whether it's a whimsical party dress, a statement piece for a special occasion, or just a casual look for a day of errands, the right tutu can transform your mood instantly! It's like an instant injection of confidence and sunshine!
My #TutuTuesday Challenge:
So, to celebrate the fabulous history of tutus, this week’s #TutuTuesday challenge is: rock your tutu in a new and inspiring way!
I dare you to step out of your comfort zone and add a bit of tulle magic to your everyday life! Whether you team your favorite tutu with a chunky knit cardigan, or add a sprinkle of glitter to your sneakers, let the spirit of the tutu take over your day!
And don't forget to share your inspiring tutu looks with us on Instagram with the hashtag #TutuTuesday! I can't wait to see your creativity!
As for me, darling, I'm off to practice my pirouettes! Until next time, keep on twirling and don’t be afraid to be fabulously you!
Love, Emma 💖
P.S: This week in history? On the 13th of December in 1966, one of the greatest ballets ever made, Don Quixote by Marius Petipa premiered in London at the Royal Opera House! I'm going to have to catch a show of that ASAP – imagine the tutus! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some shopping to do! Clickity-clack (That's the sound of me heading off on the train to a local vintage boutique for some new pink tulle delights - just can't get enough of that beautiful pink! 😄)
