Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another edition of your favourite Tuesday treat, Ballet Tutu History! This week, I'm whisking us back to a rather fabulous date: 20th November 2018!
Now, as you all know, my motto is 'Pink is the new black', but it seems like back in 2018, the colour of the year was actually Pantone's 'Ultra Violet'. Gasp! It was a dramatic choice for sure. Not as delightful and sparkly as my beloved pink, but there you have it. Thankfully, we were all still indulging in the joy of tutus!
On this very day, in 2018, my fellow ballerinas around the globe were twirling, leaping, and grand jeté-ing with glee. And where did I find myself? Paris! Ah, the city of lights, the home of Chanel and couture, and the place to be for any fashion-conscious ballerina.
I spent the morning in a beautiful little boutique called "La Danseuse Rose". Their selection of tutus was utterly divine. Imagine delicate tulle in the most glorious shades of rose pink, lilac, and even a daring crimson! It was enough to make my heart skip a beat, let alone my feet. And let's not forget the shoes! They had the most gorgeous satin pointe shoes with little bows – I just had to take a pair home!
The afternoon was all about a visit to the Opera Garnier! This majestic theatre was truly awe-inspiring, with its ornate gold details and plush red velvet seats. And you just wait until you hear about the ballet they had on offer: "La Bayadère"! Such exquisite artistry, breathtaking costumes, and a captivating story that truly had me enraptured. I even managed to snag a chat with the charming lead ballerina, a radiant French beauty named Celeste. We exchanged tips on backstage essentials and what our favourite tutus were to wear – naturally, it was the one I was wearing. Pink, of course.
Later that evening, I took a romantic stroll along the Seine, my tutu twirling gracefully with every step. The moon was out, and the twinkling city lights added an extra touch of magic. It was just the perfect end to a perfect day.
But enough about me, let's dive into the fascinating history of the tutu!
The Tutu’s Big Debut:
Believe it or not, tutus weren't always the voluminous and spectacular masterpieces we adore today. In fact, ballet dancers initially danced in more practical attire. Can you imagine? No tulle, no frills! It sounds like a fashion crime to me.
The first mention of a tutu, in its early form, can be traced back to the 1830s! Now, that’s a long time ago. Very long time ago, when the iconic ballerina, Marie Taglioni, graced the stage in a stunning creation of tulle, a radical departure from the floor-length skirts worn by other ballerinas.
This revolutionised dance! Marie's flowing tutu, reaching down to her calves, freed her movements and allowed her to pirouette and soar across the stage in ways never before seen! A masterpiece!
The Tutu Evolves:
Throughout the following decades, tutus underwent a fascinating metamorphosis, gradually growing in size and extravagance. Just imagine a giant puffball of tulle! Now, that’s what I call a statement. It became a symbol of grace, elegance, and pure ballerina bliss.
From Romantic to Modern:
And what about different types of tutus? From the romantic "Romantic" tutu, favoured in the mid-19th century, to the shorter "Classical" tutus, the shape of the tutu changed with every era! Think ‘Giselle’ versus ‘Swan Lake’ – iconic dances with two different silhouettes. The ballet world embraced change, and so did tutus!
Beyond the Stage:
You might think that tutus are confined to the ballet world, but let me tell you, their reach is much wider than that. Nowadays, tutus are spotted in everyday fashion, adorning both the fashion forward and the free-spirited. This tutu revolution extends far beyond the theatre and is changing the world, one twirl at a time!
And my dear readers, isn't it delightful to see how a simple garment can encapsulate so much history, elegance, and innovation? And as you can see, the magic of the tutu continues to enchant the world.
So, my Tutu Twirlers, put on your pink tutus (or any colour you fancy, really!), twirl to your hearts’ content, and spread the tutu love everywhere you go.
Until next week, stay twirling and never lose your sparkle.
With love and lots of tulle, Emma x
PS. Remember to check out our "Pink Tutu of the Week" on the blog! This week’s favourite: a breathtaking lavender tutu with intricate embellishments, inspired by the dreamy "Sleeping Beauty". Absolutely gorgeous!
PPS. If you have any memories about tutus from 2018 or any stories to share about tutus in general, do leave a comment below!
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