#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2017-09-12

Hello my darling tutu-loving lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back again for another dose of #TutuTuesday, transporting you back to the world of the beautiful, the ethereal, and the utterly, gloriously twirly – ballet history, darlings!

Oh, wouldn't you just love to whisk back through time in a carriage of billowing silk, arriving in the heart of Paris, or even more magically, a charming village nestled in the Derbyshire hills, where ballet was in its infancy? Well, lucky for us, thanks to the magic of my secret, glittery ballet shoes and a well-chosen charity performance or two, I get to do exactly that!

This week, we're pirouette-ing back to 12th September 2017. I imagine us seated comfortably in the plush red velvet seats of the Royal Opera House, a champagne flute held elegantly in one hand, our perfectly pink tutu flowing with the orchestra's enchanting melody. Yes, my darlings, today we're getting into the history of this timeless piece of dancewear!

So grab your favourite sparkly headband and your most comfortable pink tutu, because it's time to step back into the enchanting world of ballet, and explore the fascinating evolution of a truly iconic garment – the tutu!

The tutu's history is a whirlwind of fascinating transformations, beginning with its rather unexpected ancestor - the roche. This courtly garment, a kind of elaborate skirt worn by ladies of the French aristocracy during the 17th century, was adorned with layers of ruffles and a gloriously opulent train. It was a symbol of extravagance and status. You wouldn't have caught me dead in one! Not even a pinch of pink in sight!

Then came the ballet's big bang! The late 17th and 18th centuries saw the rise of ballet as a truly theatrical art form, a world filled with movement, elegance and drama. Think Marie Camargo, the iconic ballerina who first began wearing skirts that were shorter and more adaptable for movement.

A Twirling Revelation: It was Marie Taglioni, "La Sylphide" herself, who gave birth to the tutu as we know it, my darlings. She famously danced the iconic romantic ballet of the same name, La Sylphide, in a short, diaphanous skirt with a delicate bodice, an embodiment of airiness and ethereal grace, quite unlike anything seen before. This iconic creation revolutionized ballet dress and forever shaped the iconic silhouette of the ballet dancer!

And you know what, my darling? This change wasn't just about looking pretty - it allowed dancers to showcase their technical prowess and artistry, enabling them to move freely with captivating agility. Imagine leaping high into the air, spinning gracefully, with that glorious feeling of flight, unhindered by a voluminous, restrictive skirt! Now that's magic.

The early romantic tutu paved the way for different styles of tutu that emerged throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, each with its own personality, reflecting the evolution of ballet itself. We have the Romantic Tutu, a delicate masterpiece of tulle and silk that embodies the romantic era, but also the Classical Tutu, favoured by ballerinas for its structure, allowing for complex, impressive technical moves. It's a real power player, this tutu.

And then there's the Platter Tutu! Named after its rather unconventional form, it's quite the head turner. You can find me, darlings, swooning over its exaggerated frill of tulle, making every graceful step into a mesmerizing flurry of layered tulle. What's not to love?!

The evolution of the tutu continues, too! There’s even the Costume Tutu, specifically crafted for a particular role and choreography, ensuring a visual masterpiece for a special ballet, like "Swan Lake". Just try not to get lost in the shimmering elegance!

We can’t talk about tutus without acknowledging how they’ve taken their rightful place outside the hallowed halls of the theatre and dance studios, finding their way into the everyday! I think we owe a debt of gratitude to those trailblazing individuals, who took the boldness to break down traditional boundaries, and make the tutu a fashion statement. Who could resist the adorable charm of a tutu dress, adorned with sparkles and bows, bringing an infectious joy to any occasion?

Speaking of fashion, did you know the most sought after and coveted collection is by Christian Dior? His designs are just pure perfection, with meticulous detail and exquisite artistry.

If there is one item I'm obsessed with it's got to be the tulle ballet skirt. It has been the fashion staple, especially on Instagram since the rise of #BalletCore, an aesthetic that combines graceful ballet-inspired clothing with contemporary streetwear trends. There are literally countless ways to style one, a veritable kaleidoscope of options for all styles.

Now back to the past, my darlings! Here's what was making the headlines back on 12 September, 2017. We're transported to a world where Star Wars: The Last Jedi was hot off the press, the world watched in wonder as Hurricane Irma rampaged across the Caribbean, and, in a ballet news highlight, The Royal Ballet was about to start rehearsals for their upcoming production of 'The Sleeping Beauty'!

Imagine, you and me, my darlings, sitting in the audience, with a heart full of anticipation as the lights dim and the orchestra begins their captivating symphony! It's simply pure magic!

My dearest tutu enthusiasts, I urge you all, take a cue from our esteemed dance predecessors and let's bring back the tutu! Don’t be shy! Embrace your inner ballerina and slip into one of these beautiful creations - pink, of course, if you're lucky! The world needs more twirls, more grace, more fabulous fashion and more pink, my lovelies.

Don't forget to check out the tutu styles and designs I share on our blog www.pink-tutu.com. Let’s celebrate this dancewear classic together! And remember, my dearest tutu lovers, the tutu's beauty is all about expressing yourself through movement, style and a whole lot of love for everything ballet.

Until next Tuesday, keep twirling! Emma. xxx

PS Stay tuned next week when I will be taking you on another #TutuTuesday adventure! You don’t want to miss it. 😉