Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another edition of my #TutuTuesday blog, where we take a twirl through time, exploring the fabulous history of the ballet tutu. This week, we’re setting our sights on 16th October 2018, a date that's a little more recent than our usual jaunts but still brimming with fashion and fun!
As you all know, my darling tutu enthusiasts, I'm all about that pink! It's my signature, and today, even my time machine is decked out in a beautiful baby pink. Today's journey is particularly exciting, as we're heading to New York City – a place where the love of ballet is practically as ubiquitous as the yellow taxis! And of course, this time travelling fashionista couldn't possibly resist squeezing in some retail therapy on the way.
So, back to our time travel. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take off. Whoosh! Here we are, 16th October, 2018, in the heart of New York. The air hums with the vibrant energy of the city. The leaves are beginning to turn golden, a stunning prelude to the magical Autumn season, and what better way to embrace the beauty than with a little ballet?
This particular day, you might find me enjoying a ballet performance at the Lincoln Center – perhaps "Swan Lake" or a captivating contemporary piece – maybe even an energetic performance at a Broadway theatre, dressed in a stunning new creation, naturally pink, of course. There's something so magical about experiencing live performances, seeing the dancers glide across the stage, their tutus swirling in graceful pirouettes, creating those beautiful moments of magic.
But first, some shopping! Imagine my delight – every colour imaginable is splashed across the New York fashion landscape, but nothing could entice me from my chosen hue! As I browse through the bustling shops, I spot some exquisite pink tutus – soft silk, delicate tulle, each piece a unique little masterpiece. A whimsical polka dot design, a subtle sheen of silver... ah, how I dream of the day when everyone in the world joins me in rocking a pink tutu. It would be the most beautiful thing, don't you think?
As I admire the dazzling creations, I can't help but think of how the ballet tutu evolved into the fashion statement we know and adore today. Remember my lovely #TutuTuesday blog post #9747? Back then, tutus were nothing like what we see now, often made of heavy, unyielding materials, obscuring the beauty of the dancer's movements. It wasn't until the Romantic era in the 19th century, when we finally embraced those ethereal tulle tutus. Imagine! Gone are those old, bulky layers of fabric – in their place, a cloud of exquisite lightness, giving a grace and lightness to every graceful step! That's where the tutu we see on stage today began its history, ladies, and ever since, we've continued to witness the tutu morph, reinvent, and reinvent again.
From the "traditional" short tutus with those exquisite tiers of tulle, to the more fluid and modern variations, from classic tutus with a modern twist, to contemporary, innovative designs ... we've come a long way. Yet, each style retains that magic that brings an instant thrill and captivating elegance. A testament to how the tutu can be classic and bold at the same time.
However, before I start to rave about this decade's tutus, let's go back to the basics! For those of you just discovering this glamorous fashion world, a little historical background.
- 17th Century: Ballet, in its nascent form, wasn't yet about flowing fabric, so a simple petticoat was usually enough!
- 18th Century: The 18th Century brings us closer to the iconic tutus we know and love, with longer, tighter-fitting, floor-length skirts! Now we're talking!
- The Romantic era: The iconic ballet tutu, that airy creation we adore, made its grand entrance during the 19th century Romantic era. As ballerinas like Marie Taglioni twirled and glided across the stage, they ushered in a new era for ballet, emphasizing lightness, grace, and those breath-taking, flowing tutus, with their dramatic volume. Imagine a single layer of delicate tulle – a sheer marvel that caught the stage lighting, and showcased every breathtaking move.
- Late 19th, early 20th Centuries: This period marked the development of those "traditional" short tutus with multiple layers of tulle, culminating in those eye-catching, flowing shapes, like we see today. It's that magic, that swirl of light and graceful movement.
Today's tutus aren't confined to traditional styles – the boundaries of imagination are constantly expanding. There's the "balloon tutu," so iconic for its bouncy, voluminous skirt that almost mimics a puffy, joyful balloon. Imagine it: the light bounces off each layer, making the tutu almost shimmer with a delicate glow!
There's the "tutu platter," an elegant creation inspired by the classic tutu, but crafted with an added circular hoop of material, enhancing the beautiful fullness of the garment. I can practically hear those cheers from the audience, every pirouette becoming an enthralling spectacle.
And let's not forget the "tutu cage, " crafted with intricate tulle or lace sewn in a circular structure, making each step seem a whimsical glimpse through a delicate web. I often find myself dreaming of a tutu cage, and its perfect balance of delicacy and drama - so dreamy.
But what's the future for this timeless classic, this exquisite symbol of ballet? We already see designers experimenting, incorporating innovative materials and bold colours. The tutu may transform yet again, becoming a bold statement of creativity. The tutus I’ll be seeing on stage tonight will undoubtedly push these boundaries, even if my pink is staying firmly rooted in tradition, but embracing new looks in shopping is part of the fun of time travelling. It’s a truly thrilling time for fashion, and ballet is leading the charge.
Don’t you just adore the beauty of a tutu, and the artistry and craft of the tutu-makers who dedicate their skill to such magnificent creations?
It’s time to sign off now, but I must remind you – a pink tutu goes with everything! Why not try one yourself? Let your inner ballerina blossom, and embrace the joy of a pink tutu in your own style. Don’t forget to join me next #TutuTuesday when we’ll explore more of the enchanting history of the tutu – it’s an adventure we can all enjoy, my lovely fashionistas. Until next week, keep twirling, keep sparkling, and above all, embrace that wonderful pink!
Emma xo
P.S Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu adventures, including the newest trends and even a glimpse into my dazzling personal wardrobe!
