Hello, darlings! Itās your favourite tutu-loving, travel-obsessed ballerina, Emma, here! As always, itās a glorious #TutuTuesday! The sunās shining, the birds are singing, andā¦ oh my goodness, is that a new pink tulle at my favourite boutique? Itās positively sparkling. But before I dash off to make a purchase (tutus, darling, they're always a good idea!), I want to talk about the history of our favourite dancewear. We might think of the tutu as being born alongside ballet itself, but thatās not quite true. Let's travel back in time to explore the amazing evolution of the tutu, from its humble beginnings to its spectacular present-day forms!
Back in the Time of Tutus
The truth is, the tutu as we know it wasnāt around in the very earliest days of ballet. Imagine a ballerina in a long, flowing dress - it wouldnāt be the easiest for a grand jetĆ©, now, would it? So, in the 1500s, ballerinas started using shorter skirts for more movement. Think of them as a kind of ballet mini-skirt, you know, like a shorter version of a Victorian skirt.
It wasnāt until the early 1800s that Marie Taglioni, a dazzling ballerina, had the groundbreaking idea of the "tutu romantique". Think of it as a sort of long, bell-shaped skirt that was made of gauze or silk. It looked ethereal and gave her all the movement freedom she needed for those breath-taking leaps. The audience was smitten! The ātutu romantiqueā marked a turning point in ballet.
A Little Longer, A Little Fuller
By the late 1800s, another style emerged - the ātutu Ć la jupeā, or the ābouleā tutu. This style was, shall we say, a bit moreā¦ voluminous. It featured multiple layers of stiff netting, resulting in a wider, fuller shape. This tutu became incredibly popular, giving a breathtaking visual to movements like a grand jetĆ©. Itās really hard to imagine ballerinas on stage without these majestic, swirling skirts.
Going Short for Performance!
Then, things went truly modern with the ātutu Ć la pageā. This style of tutu took a bit of a radical turn and featured a much shorter skirt, allowing for even more spectacular leg and footwork, along with those dazzlingly high leaps and turns. The ātutu Ć la pageā is really what we imagine when we hear the word "tutu". This is the quintessential ballerina outfit ā the tutu that represents the spirit of ballet.
Taking Centre Stage
Now, our history trip wouldn't be complete without a quick detour to ātutus and techniques.ā Depending on the kind of dance - whether it's a classic ballet, a whimsical neoclassical ballet, or a dramatic modern ballet - each style calls for its own particular kind of tutu. You see, the style of the tutu goes hand in hand with the story and the choreography.
Classical ballets call for the grand "tutu Ć la page" while modern dances use lighter fabrics that are often less layered. We even have a modern ātutuā style that looks more like a stylish dress, for contemporary pieces. And that brings us to āthe tutuās place in the worldā.
Everywhere, In Every Era!
From the famous Royal Ballet and Bolshoi to the vibrant companies all around the world - tutus are everywhere. And you don't have to visit a ballet stage to appreciate their style! Did you know that designers often use the silhouette of the tutu in their fashion lines? Thereās a reason so many famous designers choose to work with fabrics that drape like a ballerinaās skirt. This inspiration has even led to amazing tutu-inspired outfits on fashion runways ā a delightful sight indeed.
Todayās Fashionable Tutu!
You'll often see celebrities sporting stunning, tutu-inspired outfits. There is something really magical and playful about this style, whether it's a casual daytime look, or a glamorous evening ensemble. It's just fun! And why not have a bit of fun with your clothing choices, darling? We need more tutus, in all their different shapes and forms, out there in the world!
But back to this week, a little journey back to 2018.
Today's a big day! In Derbyshire, England, there's a āPink Tutuā pop-up store in the city center. It's only there for three days, and my best friend Clara is going to be there every day! Oh my, I wonder what kinds of tulle they will have, what kinds of embellishments... Maybe some rose patterns, orā¦ oh, this is way too exciting! She is so going to send me all the latest details.
Tonight, it's the āAlice in Wonderlandā ballet at the Royal Opera House. They will be performing āThe Sleeping Beautyā too, which is absolutely delightful. But "Alice" is the show to see right now - full of whimsy and magic. This one always makes me feel like a kid again.
Now, darlings, I have some planning to do - the Pink Tutu pop-up shop, my new tutu, this eveningās show, I have it all mapped out in my planner! You know me, darling. Everything has to be perfectly arrangedā¦ And before you know it, the evening will arrive, and Iāll be in the Royal Opera House in a new pink tutu, smiling and twirling with the rest of the audience, simply enjoying the magic. It will be just as delightful as everyone wearing a pink tutu!
And before I get lost in my own daydreams, darling, remember: life is too short to wear boring clothes! Put on your own fabulous pink tutu, whether it's real, or just a beautiful garment inspired by the beautiful and ethereal tulle! Have fun, darlings! I'll catch you all next Tuesday for more tutu magic.
Stay Fabulous, Emma.
