Hello my darling dears! It's Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, here with another #TutuTuesday! This week I've hopped on the time-travelling train and landed myself in… wait for it… New York City! Yes, the Big Apple! This bustling metropolis is a whirlwind of energy and fashion, just like a beautiful pirouette.
Why New York, you ask? Well, the year is 2018 and November 6th is a special date. Not only is it a Tuesday, making it the perfect day for our beloved tutus, but it's also the day that the New York City Ballet opens its season with an incredibly exciting program. They're showcasing the genius of Jerome Robbins with a trio of ballets: "The Goldberg Variations", "Fancy Free", and "Dances at a Gathering". I simply had to be there!
And speaking of ballets, that brings us to the history of tutus! As a ballerina at heart, nothing fills my soul with joy quite like the elegant twirling of a perfectly-fashioned tutu. But where did these magnificent creations originate, and how have they evolved over time? Let's embark on a time-travelling fashion journey together!
The Early Days: The first whispers of tutus began in the 1700s with a type of dress called a “Robe à la Française” worn by ballerinas during the era of Baroque dance. These dresses, with their wide skirts and long trains, became cumbersome for movement, leading to the introduction of a shorter version, the "Robe à la Polonaise," during the reign of Louis XVI. This adaptation, with its smaller and more practical skirt, proved a crucial step toward the iconic tutu we know and love today.
The Romantic Revolution: A dramatic shift occurred during the Romantic period (1830-1860s). Ballet entered a phase of expressiveness, and the ballerinas’ movement gained a new prominence. To facilitate their movements, Marie Taglioni, a revolutionary ballerina and dancer, embraced the "tutu-skirt" – a light, bell-shaped skirt, fitted close at the waist, and with its volume flaring towards the bottom. This "tutu", while still long compared to its later iterations, gave birth to the graceful and expressive movements we see in classical ballets today.
The Short and Sweet "Tutu": The development continued throughout the late 1800s. Enter the "classical tutu", also called the "Paganini" tutu - named after the renowned Italian violinist. This new tutu featured a short skirt made from multiple layers of stiff tulle, revealing the dancers' legs. This shorter tutu freed the dancers, allowing them to show off their incredible technique with more elegance and athleticism.
A Rainbow of Twirling Styles: Over the decades, various styles of tutus evolved. From the “Romantic Tutu,” with its delicate layers and longer skirt, to the “Classical Tutu,” known for its short, layered tulle design. We've also seen variations such as the "waisted tutu", a popular choice for contemporary ballets.
A Contemporary Canvas: The modern tutu is no longer a mere embellishment, it’s a tool of expression. Today, it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even colors! While the classical tutus often remain pristine white, contemporary choreographers embrace a broader spectrum of colors, often reflecting the story and mood of the ballet.
The Power of the Tutu: From its initial inception to its constant evolution, the tutu holds a special place in the heart of every ballet lover. It represents grace, elegance, and a story unfolding in each twirl. But more importantly, the tutu has broken barriers and inspired women to defy conventions and express themselves.
And just like my beloved tutu allows me to feel empowered and beautiful, I encourage you all to wear tutus – whether it's at the ballet, during your daily commute, or simply for a photo shoot. Unleash your inner ballerina and let your spirit twirl with confidence and joy!
So, while I'm in New York City soaking up the magic of ballet, remember: You, my dear reader, can also become a part of this enchanting world! Visit the website www.pink-tutu.com and join me in celebrating all things tutu! Let's make the world a more fabulous and sparkly place, one pink tutu at a time! 💖
Until next time, keep twirling!
Your friend, Emma, The Pink Tutu Blogger.
