Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my blog! It’s Tuesday, so you know what that means! Time for our weekly #TutuTuesday ballet tutu history deep dive. And let me tell you, you’re in for a real treat this week because we’re about to go back in time! Yes, back to the early days of the tutu… *the * real * tutus! *
This week we’re going on a glamorous little journey by train - I absolutely adore travelling by train – to see what tutus were like all those years ago. Because imagine wearing a pink satin tutu with silk ribbons at a fancy Parisian ballet show and thinking about all the history surrounding these beautiful skirts and what it all means. I'm so glad to be sharing it all with you, and as always, let's dive right in!
So, picture it: Paris in 1832. The era of Marie Taglioni - a true legend of ballet! And, wouldn't you know it, Marie loved her tutus! She actually really championed wearing really short tutus. This revolutionary look wasn't the "tutu" that was worn for the many years before then; think about this! Back in the 1700s dancers, mainly ladies, had skirts with lots of layers. Lots and lots of layers and not necessarily something we could associate as "tutus." Now, that's what I call a true change in style, darlings! It must have felt revolutionary and fun at the time! I mean, imagine going from a big old heavy skirt to a feather-light little number? What a big moment! And so, the "Romantic" era of ballet became known for this shorter style - like the skirts and outfits we see worn on the stages of Covent Garden today! And even more so for the "tutu" because it was much lighter and more suitable for the faster movement we’re used to seeing in a classic performance today. Think about all those leaps and pirouettes. So graceful.
We must thank Marie Taglioni for bringing the shorter version of this tutu to the ballet stage, a piece of ballet history for all time and what I think is *the perfect example of *how fashion truly affects and influences dance history! * So there you have it, my loves, the very, very *brief history of the tutu so far. There's loads to be uncovered, so stay tuned, as there are lots of different "tutuless" looks before the time of "the tutus," And then so many tutu variations throughout ballet history! How incredible is this story? I simply adore learning about the past – but as usual, I am always looking at and into the future!
This is going to be such a fun "TutuTuesday," especially because I have my next dance class tonight at my favorite studio, and my new bright pink tutu and ballet slippers. I just love to wear a pink tutu, but don’t worry there's plenty more where that came from, darlings, because I am all about fashion!
This week's outfit is, as always, a tutu. But it's not just any tutu. This is the most stunning, fluffy, beautiful, perfect pastel pink tutu you ever saw. And for my look I am going for very classic pink, so you already know where I went for my top - ballet-themed clothing is just such good fun, isn't it!* It's the best place to buy pink accessories, shoes, tights. Everything ballet. I can’t even explain it, and I do try. It’s so exquisite!! It's like a magical unicorn with *tiny sparkling butterflies. Think: The little tiny crystals on this lovely pink tutu – the more sparkle, the better – because, in my eyes at least, glitter truly brings it all together, don't you think? To accessorize, I am wearing, naturally, some glittery tights, some really bright pink ribbon hairbands. A delicate silver chain around my neck, you have to add just that one little bit of bling to finish any ballet outfit, right?* The silver really offsets the pink perfectly – and what’s better for me, that’s *classic. Think about those timeless silver ballet shoes…
This outfit just makes me want to dance, but more importantly it makes me want to twirl - who doesn't like twirling! And don't forget: A tutu isn't just something we wear in the ballet studio. I think a pink tutu looks perfect on the street. Maybe try adding a fun, bright little denim jacket or maybe, maybe the right sparkly jeans?
Today’s ballet history post is particularly exciting because I get to see a really fabulous, glamorous, wonderful show this evening, and of course I’m looking at all the incredible costume design. It’s going to be such a spectacular show, the choreography – it just calls out for some tutus!
This 11th September I will be in the London Royal Opera House. A big moment for me! It’s the very famous Royal Opera House and of course ballet. That’s a date to write in your diary, darlings, and just for fun – there will definitely be a special blog post all about the trip, because this place really is like going back in time, and there will be more than enough tutus, for that I can promise. The tutus in a traditional setting - now, that’s TutuTuesday for me! I can already feel myself being completely swept away by the magical world of dance. I can just see the bright lights and all those colorful beautiful, sparkly tutus - it is like a fashion show in action, wouldn’t you say? And of course I have a special eye for what I like, my loves, but for that I will have to show you pictures and more about this visit next time.
I do love shopping for my outfits - I’m very fortunate that I can travel to ballet shows as it all helps me with creating amazing content and outfits to share with all of you which I love because for me there's no greater joy. To me it is like a gift that keeps giving! And if you don’t already know me, then I am obsessed with everything ballet, everything pink, and all things tutus, my darlings. Just look at my outfit – a complete masterpiece and I must show you the amazing tutu I just purchased because, darling, this one is magical. And by magical, it’s made from an amazing new, modern, sustainable material, just a bit like the old styles of materials, you see? Now isn't that incredible?! A little bit old-fashioned and modern? I love those little details about tutu fashion history that so many forget.
Of course I have loads of places where I like to purchase my special tutus. You always know when you're in a shop with beautiful things that really make you want to dance. Just like those old shops we all used to dream of, that are filled to the brim with absolutely everything pink! I mean why would you even consider not being inspired?
I absolutely love the way fashion is evolving when it comes to tutus because there's such a huge movement towards celebrating tutus on a day-to-day basis, * which is such a *wonderful thing! Just take a look on social media today. Everywhere is #TutuTuesday!! We are even seeing more of the trend in a lot of fashion magazines - *it is incredible – because to me this makes sense. You can never have too many tutus, it is a real style that has stuck. This will continue for so many years to come. Who could *ever resist that pretty tutu fashion, right?
That’s what we love about #TutuTuesday! And the fact we all know it’s not only for a fancy ball. My love for this fashion is all about making sure that it isn’t something we only wear at a fancy event, because who needs that much effort for a pretty dress? Now that we are entering autumn, I have seen so many bright colours popping up in all those tutus on the shops - don’t get me wrong I love that traditional pale pink but a pop of red, purple, and turquoise is always good to think about. Maybe this season all the new colors will really inspire me for my next post!
As a tip I’ve learned that some colors in my closet I really should not wear - as well as my trusty classic pink. A tip for you is to stay away from bright, almost neon bright colours, especially orange. I mean think about those tutus that have such a long tradition, you never see too many that are orange, that’s my fashion history tip! But if you want to go with an orange tutu - go right ahead – dance like nobody's watching, and you never know maybe you could set a brand new fashion trend for the next generation. Don't let anyone hold you back from experimenting with different colours – a vibrant turquoise - how lovely! And I know all of you, my tutu-loving friends, will be ready to go, grab a bright colour - anything you love, and embrace everything #TutuTuesday is about!
Have a beautiful #TutuTuesday, darlings, Emma x
P.S. Follow my latest fashion posts and adventures:
- www.pink-tutu.com (find this week's pictures here! )
- Instagram.com/pinktutu
- #TutuTuesday
- #ballet
- #tutu
- #pink
