Hiya lovelies!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday! I'm thrilled to be writing this post from the bustling streets of New York City, a place buzzing with energy and a love for all things dance. I arrived here by train, of course, feeling rather grand in my shimmering pink tulle. The carriages were practically aglow!
Let's Dance Back in Time: A Tutu Tale
This Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018, we're going to explore the fascinating history of the ballet tutu! These frothy, feathery garments are a defining image of ballet, swirling and twirling with grace on stage. But, like any great story, there’s much more to them than meets the eye!
Early Days: From the Courts to the Stage
Before we dive into the "proper" tutu, we need to understand where it all began. The seeds were planted in the courts of Europe during the Renaissance, a time of extravagance and pageantry. Imagine the ladies of the court, waltzing gracefully in elaborate gowns, their skirts rustling with every move!
Then came the 18th century and a shift towards a simpler style: The polonaise. This elegant dress, named after the Polish folk dance, was lighter and shorter than the cumbersome gowns. This change was important – it paved the way for ballet to express itself more freely!
The Debut of the Tutu
Now, the first actual tutu didn't appear on stage until the 1830s. Ballet was beginning to take centre stage, so to speak, and a need arose for more movement-friendly attire. The first ballerinas wore dresses resembling Greek gowns, and these gradually got shorter until they resembled a knee-length skirt. These were still rather restrictive though – imagine a ball gown without any slits! But dancers, always striving for freedom and flexibility, wouldn’t be kept down.
The Romantic Revolution: Enter the Romantic Tutu
A revolutionary style called the "Romantic Tutu" burst onto the scene in the 1840s. The Romantic movement, known for its emphasis on emotion and the supernatural, influenced the dance world as well. Suddenly, we see long, ethereal skirts – the first versions of the tutus we see today. These gauzy skirts gave the impression of a lightness that was enchanting to watch, like fairies dancing on air.
These tutus, even longer than a ballerina’s height, were attached at the waist by a wide, decorative waistband. The sheer fabrics allowed the dancers' movements to be seen in greater detail, revealing their every leap and twirl. They were definitely more dramatic than those little mini-skirts we see on stage today!
The Age of Elegance: The Classic Tutu
Over the years, the tutu evolved. Designers began creating new styles that emphasized both elegance and movement. The classic "tutu" emerged: A knee-length, multi-layered, tiered skirt designed to highlight a ballerina's form and movements. It had to be comfortable enough to dance in for hours and flattering to look at from all angles. It also served a practical purpose. You might have noticed those shiny tutus often have one or more layers of soft, white fabric (a bit like the underskirt on a petticoat, which is a bit like an ancient version of a tutu) just to add extra layers of fullness and stiffness for when dancers need a grand movement!
But of course, there’s the other style – the ‘short’ tutu that you see in modern ballet productions such as ‘Swan Lake’. This one, for example, can range in length, so may only just be above a ballerina’s knees but is really about what suits the movement and the costume for the play.
Modern-Day Tutús: Endless Possibilities!
Today, the tutu continues to evolve. Modern designers use fabrics, styles and shapes to tell different stories, incorporating innovative design elements and creating even more elaborate, dazzling creations. From soft pastel hues to bold neon colours, from delicate floral appliqués to dramatic feather trims, modern tutus are truly works of art!
My Tutu Thoughts
Speaking of tutu trends, I adore this new-wave tutu that I saw on Broadway yesterday! It had stunning, iridescent fabric, reminiscent of the glittering wings of a butterfly, and looked amazing under the theatre lights.
Let's Get Creative: #TutuTuesday Fun
Who's ready to let their inner ballerina shine?! Let's play a game: This week, tell me your favourite ballet tutu style. Share a picture of your favourite dancer, a dress, or anything related to this enchanting garment!
Don't forget to share your pictures and thoughts on social media, tag your pics #TutuTuesday and let's create a global tutu celebration!
I'll be posting a special #TutuTuesday video tomorrow on pink-tutu.com!
And remember, darlings, wearing a pink tutu is a passport to joy!
Until next week, happy dancing!
Yours in tutu, * *Emma
P.S. If you ever visit New York, check out the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York City Ballet. You’ll get to experience ballet at its finest!
