#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2017-04-25

Hello darlings, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! I'm Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to be here, fresh from a trip back in time and wearing my absolute favourite vintage pink tutu! It's all about celebrating the glorious history of the tutu, the symbol of grace, femininity, and just a little bit of playful mischief!

Today's journey takes us to... drumroll London, England, in April 2017! I found myself whisked away to the city's vibrant theatre district, all lit up and bustling with excited theatre-goers. Oh, the joy of seeing all those beautifully dressed people, feeling the buzz of anticipation for the shows! London is just the place for enjoying theatre and ballet, it's positively bursting with history and creativity, and the vibe is electric.

I spotted some delightful trends this year - 70s revival is making a big splash with all those platform shoes and flowing skirts, and let's not forget those iconic flared trousers, a great contrast to a fluffy tutu. I know many of you, dear readers, have told me in the comments you love to dress up your tutus with layers, a belt, or maybe a statement jacket, making them perfectly modern for a casual chic look! So cool!

Now, back to our tutu tale. Today, we are on a hunt to unravel a bit more about this magical garment that makes even the most ordinary day feel like a celebration. It's Tutu Tuesday after all!

So, let's rewind to 1832! Imagine the world without the classic ballet tutu we all know and adore. Well, that was the case! Back then, ballerinas, who were known for their flowing dresses and long skirts, were quite restricted when it came to movement. It was all very beautiful, but not much leaping or twirling!

Enter the one and only Marie Taglioni, a truly groundbreaking figure in the world of ballet. In her groundbreaking dance “La Sylphide” in 1832, Marie took to the stage, dressed in what would become a symbol of elegance and freedom. She wore a light and airy tutu, and it became an instant sensation. It freed the dancers from cumbersome fabric, enabling them to truly showcase their incredible technique.

The design, however, wasn't just about elegance and style. The tutu's design aimed to elevate the beauty of the dancers, focusing attention on their form and movement. Imagine the impact this revolutionary creation had on the ballet world, liberating female dancers from constricting costumes and setting the stage for a new era of agility and expression!

This historical tutu was known as the "Romantic Tutu”, a shorter and looser style with a conical shape. As you can imagine, it wasn’t long until it was altered to create the “Classical Tutu” we are so familiar with, which we all recognise as a fuller skirt extending around the dancer’s hips and offering a striking visual. Both styles still remain integral in contemporary ballet, though you can easily spot them both side-by-side on stage nowadays!

One thing that really strikes me, as I continue to hop through different periods, is that fashion plays such an integral role in how we interpret dance - the two are intertwined in ways that I think we often forget about.

Over the years, the ballet tutu has gone through all sorts of stylish transformations and has embraced all the popular fashion trends, but I’ve found that it still retains that sense of playful femininity, something we all crave.

It’s amazing how something as simple as a little tutu can transform the stage and make us dream. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about all the incredible productions I've seen over the years - the sheer joy, the emotion, the captivating storytelling… the world of dance wouldn't be the same without the majestic, playful tutu!

As a fellow tutu enthusiast, I’ve been tracking tutu trends with great enthusiasm. What are we loving right now?

Pink is obviously a key player! The shade has been particularly on trend this year and the best part is - there's a pink tutu to suit every personality and occasion.

I've been spotting so many dancers wearing tutus with gorgeous sparkles and lace, making their performances even more captivating! A perfect way to elevate those dance routines and show off their skills! And the gorgeous lace trims - oh so lovely!

The modern tutu, worn by ballerinas for a whole host of dance genres from ballet to contemporary dance and even in musical theatre, takes inspiration from its classic counterparts and continues to embrace trends, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. I have found that in recent years it’s getting shorter, softer, and a little more abstract - a real reflection of the spirit of contemporary dance, don’t you think?

I think it's amazing how fashion is constantly changing, but a well-made, perfect pink tutu remains timeless - just as fashionable today as it was decades ago, and it still manages to create a sense of whimsy and a spark of magic.

Now, back to today, April 2017. What else did I find to love? Well, a visit to a dance supply shop was a definite highlight! Rows upon rows of shimmering fabric, glittering costumes, and yes, tutus! And I even picked up some pink fabric for my very own creation! So exciting!

And, as it was such a busy week for me in London, I made sure to catch a show at the Royal Opera House. Such a delightful ballet evening filled with beauty, graceful movement, and powerful storytelling.

*And so my dearest readers, how do you like to wear your tutus? * Do you love to make them the star of your outfit or do you prefer them in more subtle ways? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let's celebrate our love for tutus together!

That's all for this week’s #TutuTuesday! Don’t forget to share your favourite tutu pics using #TutuTuesday – I love seeing how you are rocking your tutus around the world. Don't forget to check back next week for another delightful voyage through tutu history!

Stay beautiful and wear your tutu with pride!

Lots of love,

Emma xx