Hello my lovely tutufans! 🩰 It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday, my weekly delve into the glorious history of the tutu! I'm Emma, your resident tutu aficionado, and today, I'm taking you on a train journey to the past to discover some of the ballet world's most beautiful and iconic tutus! 🚂
A Paris Trip!
I'm in Paris, the city that brought the world ballet! It's brimming with life and beauty, just like my new fluffy pink tutu. I picked it up at a gorgeous little boutique just off the Champs-Élysées, filled with sparkling treasures, shimmering sequins and layers of tulle. This pink tutu is definitely going to be a star at this week's show - I can't wait to feel the rush as I dance across the stage, twirling like a beautiful, feathered pink dream.
A Tutu Through Time!
Let's dive into the history! While the tutu we know today has its origins in the late 1800s, its story goes back even further!
Pre-Tutu:
Imagine this! Back in the 16th century, women performed ballet wearing long, full skirts that hampered their movements. Think billowing silks, maybe even a bit of a bustle! Not ideal for pirouettes and leaps! 🤭 Luckily, the era of elegant movement and free expression was about to change with the emergence of… the tutu!
The Early Tutus:
We first saw the tutu evolve around the late 1800s. Imagine a dancer with a shorter skirt, reaching just below her knee. The look was still very Victorian, but it was lighter, more free-flowing and allowed for greater range of movement!
Marie Taglioni:
I have to say, Marie Taglioni, is one of my all-time favourite dancers. She's the ultimate inspiration for my tutu obsession! Back in 1832, she captivated audiences with her elegance in La Sylphide, wearing a simple white muslin skirt that floated around her ankles like a cloud! It was the ultimate symbol of the “Romantic” period in ballet, all delicate and graceful movement. ☁️
The Bell-Shaped Tutu:
Now we’re really stepping up! By the late 1800s, the “bell-shaped” tutu, became the new fashion. It was even shorter and wider at the hem. Imagine a perfectly cut tutu shaped like a bell! Imagine a dancer spinning! 💫 That's the tutu's magic - the layers of tulle swirling and sparkling in the light as she turns and leaps. I’ve danced in a few bell-shaped tutus myself, and they're perfect for feeling graceful and elegant.
The Classical Tutu:
But wait! It gets even more elegant! The classical tutu was a revolution. Remember Marie Taglioni? Well, this was like an evolution of her design. Imagine layers of fine tulle starting above the waistline and reaching down to just below the knees. They really showcased the ballerina’s beautiful lines. These tutus are incredibly elegant, and allow for unbelievable flexibility and powerful movement. They have a truly magical presence!✨
Modern Tutus:
Nowadays, there’s no one style for a tutu! Every ballet company and choreographer has a unique vision, so their tutues have evolved to showcase this! There’s the dramatic, long tutus, inspired by the past and perfect for storytelling ballet! Then, there are shorter and more contemporary tutus that match modern choreography!
#TutuGoals
My personal favourite ballet company, The Royal Ballet, is performing Swan Lake this week at the Royal Opera House, London! I'm heading over as soon as possible, but first, let’s talk tutus. Imagine a white swan tutu: the epitome of grace and poetry. They're so beautifully crafted and often feature intricate embellishments and feather details! For their black swan counterparts, think darker tulles with bold accessories. Talk about making a statement! 🖤🦢
Why do I Love Tutus?
There are so many reasons why I love tutus. First and foremost, I love the feeling of twirling! It makes you feel so free and carefree. Second, a tutu is all about creating an ethereal, dreamy and elegant look! 🩰 Third, tutus can be such a fantastic way to showcase the art of ballet - from the ballerina's precise movements to her strength and flexibility. Finally, the best reason? It’s simply joyful to wear a tutu! It can really brighten someone's day and even inspire them to dance! 😊
On the 11th April 2017
The year was 2017! I was a student at the prestigious Royal Ballet School and I was enjoying my last month of term! It was a whirlwind of dancing, exams, and rehearsals! The excitement of the final performance for our students was all around us! My friends and I were all talking about which ballet shows we wanted to see on our time off and which ones would look most beautiful in our tutus! 💖
Tutu inspiration
I just want to leave you with this – remember: it doesn't matter your size, age or experience - embrace your love of ballet and never be afraid to dance in your own tutu! And always look for inspiration from others. Let your own style and personality shine!✨
Until next Tuesday, happy twirling!
