Hello, darling dears! It's Emma here, your resident Tutu-tastic Time Traveller, bringing you another installment of our weekly #TutuTuesday journey into the glorious history of the ballet tutu!
Today's date? 10th April 2018, which means we're about to hop on a train (did I tell you I love trains? Oh, I do! They're just so romantic, and they take you to amazing places!) and zoom to...well, you'll have to read on to find out! But, before we go, don't forget, you can always visit www.pink-tutu.com for even more tutu-tastic fashion and history delights!
Now, this week's adventure begins in, oh, where could it possibly be...? Yes! New York City! Oh, the glamour, the glitz, the amazing shops! And of course, the ballet!
You see, 10th April 2018 was the day the American Ballet Theatre, in the absolutely breathtaking David H. Koch Theater (which, just to be clear, I absolutely adore!), was hosting a dazzling production of 'Romeo and Juliet.' How exciting, darling!
But back to our story – tutus! Now, New York City is definitely the place to be for spotting some magnificent tutu fashion! Especially in the ballet! And what is it that truly makes a tutu sing?
Why, it's the fabric, of course! Oh, don't get me wrong, the silhouette, the length, the way it billows and swirls...it all matters! But, it's the material itself, like a blank canvas awaiting a master artist's touch, that transforms a humble piece of fabric into an iconic, breathtaking work of art.
And today, in 2018, ballet dancers wear a variety of fabrics, each chosen with a special purpose! For instance, there's the classic tulle, oh so fine and delicate! It creates those fabulous flounces, allowing the dancer to move with effortless grace. And then there's the organza – oh, how I adore this beautiful material, with its beautiful shine! Perfect for showcasing elegant lines and adding an ethereal glow.
However, just like a fine vintage piece of jewellery, ballet tutus, too, hold a history worth discovering! And it is in 1832, believe it or not, that the tutu started to take its iconic shape!
I'm not talking about that short, flirty ballerina-on-the-stage style that is the epitome of feminine beauty, but rather, that billowing romantic one, with multiple layers! Now, the ballet at that time, like many things in the 19th century, was going through a bit of a change, a renaissance, if you will. It was about romanticism, emotion, storytelling through movement, and...dramatic flair! And that is what made the tutu a hit.
And then, my dears, in the mid-1800s, we got another amazing transformation. Oh, it was revolutionary, just like the iconic tutu itself! It all began with the arrival of Marie Taglioni, one of the greatest dancers of her time!
This little beauty is credited with pioneering the romantic style, making ballet even more dramatic and showcasing the ballerina's skill with greater beauty and freedom. And in 1845, Marie took to the stage wearing a very important, very revolutionary, outfit – a very, very short, very dramatic tutu! Imagine, dear friends, all those billowing layers were suddenly replaced with this small, daring, piece! Talk about change! It was truly shocking, especially to the audiences at that time.
However, it took courage to try something different, something daring, and oh, did it pay off! For Marie, this short, feminine piece became legendary! It allowed her to move more freely, showcasing those mesmerizing, ethereal leaps that took ballet to a whole new level! The audience adored it, and so, in that magical way that fashions work, the tutu changed, forever!
Now, there is still that longer, romantic style tutu, of course, perfect for telling a particular story. But, that shorter version? Oh, that's what continues to fascinate audiences today.
So, my lovely fashionistas! Remember the next time you're at the ballet or watching a graceful ballerina in her glorious pink tutu (the most beautiful colour!), think about the history behind that exquisite costume.
This is more than just an outfit – it's a piece of ballet history.
I am simply swooning with the sheer beauty and grace of the tutu!
I must away now to find a delicious afternoon tea with an equally charming pink cup and saucer.
Oh, my darling readers, please tell me in the comments: which tutu do you like best? Is it the romantic, billowing style or the daring, feminine shorter style? And don't forget, come back next Tuesday for more of my ballet tutu adventures! #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu
Until then, take care! xx Emma
