#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2017-12-12

Hello Darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things twirly and fabulous! This is Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina and tutu enthusiast. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dive into the magical world of the ballet tutu. Today's #TutuTuesday journey takes us right back to the 12th of December, 2017. Did you know, my dears, that this was a special day for us tutu lovers? Let me tell you all about it!

I've just popped back from a delightful weekend in New York City, where I watched the most dazzling performance of "The Nutcracker" at the Lincoln Center. My goodness, it was absolutely divine! Such elegant dancers, such sumptuous costumes, and of course, those glorious tutus - oh my! It's no surprise New York is a haven for ballet, with its long-standing history and incredible venues. But let's rewind a bit...

As I mentioned, it was the 12th of December, 2017, and, if you look at the ballet world then, it was buzzing with activity.

From the Ballet Stage to the Catwalk:

2017 saw a beautiful revival of interest in ballet tutus beyond the confines of the stage. The elegant, delicate forms of the classical tutu became a fashion statement. You'd see them peeking out from under tulle skirts and billowing ball gowns, even making a glamorous appearance at red carpets around the world. It was as though the world was finally getting that hint of tutu-tastic brilliance we've all been trying to express.

This newfound appreciation wasn't just about a trend, it was a cultural shift. Ballet became more than just a performance art; it seeped into everyday life. Ballet dancers were now inspiring fashion designers and even makeup artists, thanks to the graceful lines, ethereal movement, and of course, those glorious tutus!

But, did you know that these dazzling tutus have a surprisingly humble origin? I mean, you can’t imagine ballerinas leaping and twirling in itchy scratchy cotton gowns, can you?

Let's Travel Back in Time:

My research led me to an incredible fact: Before those delicate, ethereal tutus became the signature look of ballet, dancers would have worn more functional - dare I say less glamorous - costumes. Picture a little pair of shorts under a billowing skirt that swirled and twirled. Not the most elegant sight, but necessary for freedom of movement.

But then, in the mid 1800s, Marie Taglioni, a ballerina known for her lightness and grace, was performing a version of “La Sylphide.” You know the tale of the fairy Sylphide who captures the heart of a mortal man - pure romance! But it was the tutu that really caught my eye!

The “La Sylphide” moment:

Now, for this magical ballet, Marie decided to swap the traditional skirts for something new and elegant. This was her groundbreaking “La Sylphide” tutu. Can you picture it, dear reader? It was all about highlighting the graceful limbs of a dancer with a light, floating form. Gone were the long, billowing skirts! Marie’s tutu, which reached the calf or knee and had a loose, billowing silhouette, marked the start of a dramatic shift in dance wear!

Imagine this: Marie twirling in a light tulle creation, all shimmering and whimsical on stage, was something the audiences had never seen before! Suddenly, that humble little tutu was all anyone could talk about. It completely changed the world of ballet. Imagine the impact, the whispered compliments in the lobby afterwards, "Such grace!" “Isn't it amazing! “ All thanks to this beautiful dance and the tutu, darling. The stage was literally swept away by it!

Different Tutues for Different Stories

Now, dear reader, did you know that there are different kinds of tutus? Let's get into the fabulous details! There's the romantic, airy “La Sylphide” tutu we already met. It was so airy, like it was just about to fly off, creating this magical air around the ballerina. Then, as dance evolved, came the more structured “Classical” or “Bell” tutu. Think of a ballerina encased in a circle of perfect tiers of tulle - like a beautiful bell that just wants to twirl. Oh, it’s so much fun to just think about the amazing ballerina’s dancing around in such graceful attire.

What Happens After “La Sylphide”

The ballet world took off with this innovation. They were so enthralled by the new form, that choreographers started creating stories that reflected this new silhouette! It was a revolutionary moment! And we must acknowledge that those magical tutus have been thrilling audiences for decades now, from the elegant dancers of the Bolshoi Theatre to the incredible artistry of the Royal Ballet! It truly is a spectacle of grace and artistry.

But you know me, my dears. A story can’t just stay the same - it’s time for more inspiration!

Now, a Tutu in a Box?

Imagine a tiny ballet tutu, shrunk to just the right size to fit into a sweet little vintage toy box. This was what the adorable London toy company “Kitchycoo” created in 2017. That’s right, these adorable tutus were a miniature work of art! How darling is that? Even those little toy ballerinas, ready for their own theatrical adventure! This tutu had to be one of the cutest things I’ve seen - and it had so much heart and soul!

Oh my!

This little piece of miniature couture brought back those childhood dreams! It reminded us why we fell in love with ballet and that glorious tutu silhouette. It made ballet feel accessible to everyone, whether it be an elegant princess doll, or your darling daughter. So sweet!

But back to real-life…

Time Travel is in Fashion:

Of course, as a tutu-loving ballerina, time travel is in my DNA. With the money I earn from dancing in shows and street performances (that’s the way we travel through time - a tutu can get you pretty far!) - I was able to enjoy some lovely shopping in 2017. And it was magical, darling. All I saw were vibrant colours and patterns. Oh, to have been alive at that moment, dancing my heart out in all that glorious colour!

Back in the Real World

And as the sun sets on 2017, and our tutu journey for this week, I find myself in my cozy flat, in my signature pink tutu, watching a vintage ballet movie.

Don't forget, dear reader, to keep an eye on your wardrobe, on the catwalk, and even at the park – you might just catch a glimpse of that twirling magic of the ballet tutu. Just be sure to give it a spin - I guarantee you’ll feel absolutely delightful!

See you next week, darlings!

Until then, keep twirling, keep smiling, and always remember... there's a pink tutu out there with your name on it!

#TutuTuesday #Ballet #History #PinkTutu

Emma x

Website: www.pink-tutu.com

Blog Post No: 9703