Hiya lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, back for another Tutu Tuesday! It’s a particularly exciting one today, as I'm diving headfirst into the origins of the tutu. Yes, I’m talking about the frilly, flowy, fabulous foundation of ballet – the very reason we all love to twirl.
Today, as we step back in time (and by "step", I mean dance) to the year 2018, it’s all about celebrating the skirt that defines our ballet-loving hearts. It's a tutu Tuesday with a difference – a trip down memory lane with my favourite, ever-so-slightly time-traveling, ballet-loving self!
I've always been obsessed with tutus. Even when I was a tiny little thing in Derbyshire, with my own collection of pink, blue and yellow ones (matching my outfit of course!), I dreamt of twirling and leaping on stage in the most magnificent, perfectly-pink tutu you've ever seen!
And trust me, ladies, it's happened! Today, I'm in Paris, which, as you know, is practically the epicentre of tutus and all things ballet! But we're not just enjoying a delicious croissant and a macaron, darling! Oh no! We're on a journey through the fascinating evolution of the tutu. Buckle up, darling, because we're about to be transported!
The "Tutu" Begins
Before we jump into all the frills and feathers (literally), let's talk about those roots. The "tutu", like so much in the world of fashion, isn’t born overnight. The history of ballet, and its darling companion, the tutu, takes us on a historical tour across Europe, a grand ballet of styles and silhouettes.
Now, hold your horses. You think the tutu always had that billowing, graceful shape we know and love? Nope! It's been through more transformations than a butterfly in spring. From the tight-fitting tunics of the Renaissance era, through the elegant panniers of the 18th century (oh, so chic!) – all those layers helped shape what we see today.
Imagine if I had to wear panniers, darling! All that fabric and it wouldn't let me do a pirouette! Just picture me in a big old Victorian ballgown on stage! It'd be disastrous!
The Early 19th Century – “Romantic Era” and the "Tutu" as We Know It
The Romantic Era, you see, gave us the iconic ballerina we adore today. The era itself was an expression of sentiment and artistry. This period was truly the genesis of the ballet skirt as we recognise it today! Remember that the French term “tutu”, meaning “little frock”, comes from this time.
This era, ladies, introduced us to Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina whose dancing revolutionised the ballet world, who made the short tulle skirt, oh darling! We're talking about that lovely, wispy skirt, that would show off every intricate footwork and every beautiful ballet move with total grace. I mean, it truly allowed those leg movements to just be seen ! Imagine how hard it would have been for the early ballerinas to get those big leaps and high jumps with all that fabric around them, darling! The early 19th century was really all about change for ballet, wasn’t it?
The “Classical” Tutu and the "Romantic" Era: From One Tutu to Two
Fast-forward a little – and, yes, this was fast! Ballet was still being redefined and the classical tutu was evolving even as the Romantic Era reached its peak. It all comes down to two distinct styles, born from the needs of different performances, and they continue to have their places today.
First, there was the Romantic tutu, all billowy and light as air – exactly like that delicate ballet movement we adore. Think soft, delicate movements like we saw with the exquisite Taglioni – pure magic! It is still being used for beautiful stories, like Giselle , for example. The Romantic tutu was simply meant to showcase this elegance.
And then we had the Classical tutu, the tutu with the shorter skirt that offered greater support and less weight on those beautiful legs! The Classical tutu allowed dancers to reach for those amazing fouettés and grand jetés – the incredible leaps and powerful turns. The Classical tutu was an emblem of power, showcasing more powerful ballet choreography – just like the stunning technique and brilliance of those dancers at the Paris Opera. It gave greater fluidity to these movements, so vital for dancers performing this dynamic and superbly athletic style! Think of ballerinas performing the Swan Lake or the Sleeping Beauty with grace, speed and those stunning jumps.
Oh my gosh, darling, all this historical tutus are just making me want to slip on my very own pink tulle skirt and dance all day long! And remember – the story of the tutu is always evolving. Today, it's just as common to see variations like the neo-classical tutu, with a more structured silhouette, as well as the contemporary tutu, which allows dancers more freedom of movement.
This Tutu is Here to Stay
From those very early styles through to today’s modern variations, the tutu has held its place. There’s nothing that captures the spirit of ballet better than this beautiful, elegant – and, I repeat, completely adorable – skirt! I think there’s a tutu out there for everyone. After all, we need that extra dose of magic in our lives, right?
That brings me to my biggest dream – everyone wearing tutus. Whether it’s in ballet class, or even at the opera, or when you’re heading to the supermarket – tutues can help to bring a touch of grace to everyday life, darlings! Let’s all spread that joy, and be ready to embrace that twirling moment, no matter where we are, at any given moment!
What's the Best Tutu for You?
Since we're talking all about tutus, darlings, it wouldn't be fair to let this Tuesday slip by without asking, "What's your favourite tutu style?" Do you love the Romantic tutu with its floaty elegance? Are you a Classical tutu lover? Or do you crave the flexibility of a contemporary one?
I've got to say, that while I’m absolutely smitten with every tutu out there, my heart has always been captivated by those romantic ballerina tutus, darling. It's truly something special! They always have me dreaming of twirling on a stage, just like I always used to! I think that tulle and my favourite pink colour, oh darling!
Remember to let me know in the comments below what you think about all things tutu! I love reading what you guys have to say, especially on such a special day like today! Oh, and please, darling, don’t forget to share your very own #TutuTuesday photos, too! Let’s celebrate the history, the beauty, and, of course, the fabulousness of the tutu.
I have to rush off now. I hear a bell calling – and no, not the church bells. This one’s for the stage. Yes, darling, I’ve got a special performance this evening, and, as you guessed it, I’m rocking a very special pink tutu! But we will chat soon!
I hope you’ve enjoyed your trip through time – just as I enjoyed bringing it to life!
See you all soon!
Emma xxx
P.S. And if you happen to be in Paris, darling, make sure you stop by the Opéra Garnier. If you time it right, you can see those amazing dancers in the most exquisite tutus – it’s truly a sight to behold! Oh, and then we have the Musée Carnavalet. They’ve got a fantastic Ballet Collection, showing just how the costumes in the dance world have evolved, including – of course – the tutu, our beloved tutu !
