#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2017-07-25

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to the glorious world of ballet history once again! Today marks the auspicious date of 25th July, 2017 - and you'll never guess what momentous event happened in ballet on this very date! 🎉 But before we dive into that, a little reminder about my latest time-hopping adventure - it's not just about tutus, it's about the incredible stories they whisper! Remember, I'm travelling through time, powered by the sheer joy of dancing and fueled by the beautiful fabrics and shapes of a perfectly crafted tutu. This is #TutuTuesday, and today, we're venturing into the glorious heart of… well, I think you can guess…

I'm currently tucked away in the City of Lights, Paris, where a magical blend of artistic passion and delicious croissants fill the air. Paris has always been the centre of the ballet universe – a place where tutus bloom and glitter in the spotlight! And what better day than #TutuTuesday to explore the exciting history of these dance icons!

Speaking of time travel – can you believe that on this very day in 2017, the Royal Opera House in London was holding an open rehearsal? Fancy getting a glimpse into the secrets of ballet rehearsal?! My lucky charm – I got to watch the exquisite "Swan Lake", just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace. It's an absolute must-see, dear friends! I'm even thinking about squeezing in another performance of it, perhaps the breathtaking production by the English National Ballet later this year! Ballet, fashion, and history - can you ask for more?!

To understand the origins of tutus, we must go back in time, darling. Way back! To a world where lavish courts and dazzling displays of elegance held the stage! It wasn't always about fluffy, billowing, feather-light, magical tutus.

It's all thanks to a man named Marius Petipa – a renowned ballet master from the glorious Imperial Theatres of St Petersburg - who first designed the tutu as we know it today! His "La Bayadère" was quite the revolutionary moment for ballet and tutus, transforming the style from knee-length frilled dresses to the shorter, billowing masterpiece we admire today! Think about it, before him, we had ballerina ladies sporting full skirts like they were performing an evening at the theatre.

Let's face it, a true tutu needs to be a magnificent visual spectacle. Think about the French ballet school, with its tight-fitting bodice, delicate tulle layers, and just a sprinkle of those exquisite, sparkling embellishments. It's all about accentuating the grace, fluidity and artistry of a ballerina’s movements. Talk about a show-stopping combination of fashion and performance! It’s no wonder that this style of tutu is the absolute pinnacle of classical ballet. The sight of a dancer pirouetting with those layers swirling around them… well, I almost cried tears of joy watching the beautiful prima ballerina on the stage! It's absolutely breathtaking.

There are more shapes and styles of tutus than you can shake a pair of ballet slippers at. Just like you'd pick out the perfect outfit, you know? From the romantic, cascading "Romantic Tutu" that reminds you of fairy tales (you can guess which ballet legend inspired it!), to the even shorter "Classical Tutu", perfect for breathtaking jumps and stunning leg extensions. They really are works of art – and you've got to admire the sheer talent of those brilliant designers! I just adore it when they really push the boundaries with the fabrics, and colours, don't you?

And of course, there's the "Skater Tutu", so different in design, but it makes me want to pick out a real twirly, sparkly dress just for me! They've got that fantastic flare that perfectly shows off the skater's elegance and energy – much like my #PinkTutu blog! They really are a captivating mix of fashion and fun.

Fast forward from that initial burst of tulle into the early 20th century, and there's another groundbreaking ballet classic: “The Firebird” by Igor Stravinsky, which was a riotous mix of traditional and modern elements! We also have the extraordinary genius Léon Bakst adding his flair to the tutus with his colourful designs for the original production. A bold vision for a tutu, one that’s completely unlike anything we've ever seen! So much inspiration!

Now let's be honest, those early tutus were pretty fragile. Remember the days when a "grand jeté" could create a wardrobe malfunction! Now the designers are really experimenting with fabric, using lighter materials like nylon, silk, and even spandex. Imagine! And even the tutus made from these fabrics still shimmer, with sparkling sequins, beads, and shimmering embroidery, because, let's be real, darling, it wouldn't be a true tutu without the glamour! Those incredible detail and design changes over time reflect ballet’s evolution, showcasing the creative power of artists who challenge the conventional and invent new trends. It really is such a dazzling journey!

Let’s get down to business here: tutus, darlings, they’re not just a piece of fabric. They’re like little stories written with fabric. From the ethereal, dramatic "The Nutcracker" tutu, with its dreamy design to the modern, free-flowing tutu, there's something for everyone in this enchanting world! Don't even get me started on the fabulous modern designs, with the layers of colourful tulle, like a perfect whirlwind of joy.

Oh! Remember that enchanting story of “Alice in Wonderland", or the storybook whimsy of the “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland” production that premiered at the Royal Opera House in London in 2012, with the stunning tutus designed by Bob Crowley?! It's the perfect example of how a designer can capture the spirit and theme of a ballet. I was swept away, the magical colours were breathtaking! I'd even go as far as to say the whole production, the costume design, was utterly captivating. They make the characters feel just that much more vibrant! It's a perfect reminder that ballet tutus are more than just beautiful. They're visual storytelling at its finest!

Today's #TutuTuesday, darlings, is a perfect opportunity to embrace your inner ballerina, channel your own fashion icon, and be bold with the #PinkTutu fashion. We’ve come a long way since those early, full-length tutus! And the ballet world keeps surprising us with those stunning creations – even Tutus for Men! Talk about an evolution.

And so, we find ourselves in Paris. It's an absolute dream! Even after spending time at that most prestigious ballet school, the Paris Opera Ballet and enjoying some truly elegant displays at the Palais Garnier Opera House! From the glamorous dance parties at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, to soaking up the sunshine while taking in the beautiful street performances - ballet is definitely a global phenomenon!

And oh, I do love the ballet. Not to mention a perfect, twirlingly, fabulous journey through time, powered by those tutus! The trains are so quick – a real lifesaver. Paris is certainly in the air!

Until next week, dear friends, remember to embrace the magic of ballet and twirl with confidence! Because, remember: every day can be #TutuTuesday!

This blog post, my beloved readers, marks post number 9683 of my ballet tutu adventures. My life's work is to get everyone, no matter where in the world they are, to wear a pink tutu at least once in their life. I truly believe it would bring the world closer together, so stay tuned to the www.pink-tutu.com website every Tuesday, and let's spread the pink tutu love together. Until next time, darling, don't forget to twirl!

Yours in tulle,

Emma