#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2019-02-26

Greetings, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveler, Emma, back with another instalment of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Buckle up, my lovelies, because we're about to take a whirl through the glorious evolution of this iconic garment. Today's journey will land us in the enchanting month of February, the 26th to be precise, a Tuesday (naturally!) in the year 2019.

First, I'll confess, I’m so excited to be writing this week's post. February’s an exciting month, especially when you love ballet. February brings Valentine's Day – the day for hearts, romance, and even a dash of pink tutus!

(Pink tutus and romance? Why, yes! We’re all a little bit lovestruck when we see a dancer gracefully twirling in a soft pink tulle cloud, aren't we?)

But we’re not talking about hearts and love affairs today; no, today we’re getting down to tutu business! Let's embark on our historical escapade, shall we?

Let's Talk Fashion! A Tutu's Journey:

For a little context, you know the way I am. I can’t get dressed without making sure I know a little something about the clothes on my back! I was in my favourite ballet store – a glorious emporium brimming with silks, feathers and sequins (with the best selection of pink tutus) – when I overheard two students discussing the history of ballet tutus. I simply had to grab my note pad and pencil and join their discussion. What I found out, oh my darling! Let me tell you: I’m now on a mission to spread the word about tutus, not only to celebrate their beauty and grace but also their surprising past!

Now, where on this earth are we? Well, dear reader, we’re in a grand European city where ballet is practically an institution, a vibrant place buzzing with elegant tutu-clad dancers: Paris, the city of lights, oh how I love this town!

And my dear readers, a word to the wise: be sure to grab your tickets for the beautiful ballet performance this week. If you can snag one on a Tuesday, that's even better!

I just heard on the grapevine there will be a spectacular show of “La Bayadère” – you know, the one with that absolutely glorious White Act! swoon.

If you can catch it, you’ll see a gorgeous story of love and sacrifice, set to an exquisite score that’ll melt your heart – all with stunning costumes, intricate dances, and of course, a sprinkle of tutus! I will be heading down to the Palais Garnier on a lovely train trip from Derbyshire - this city knows how to entertain!

Now back to the topic at hand.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover a rich and fascinating history to tutus! Let’s just say I’ve added even more items to my ‘tutu wish list’. I was especially smitten when I heard the story of how the first ballerina's attire was… drumroll… a long skirt!

A dress that pooled around her ankles, oh darling! Imagine – no dainty jumps or twirls for that ballerina! She couldn’t have leapt across the stage like they do now.

This all changed as ballerinas moved with more agility. The desire for freer movements emerged. Enter – the tutu!

Now, the early tutus – which, you know, were also lovely but lacked a little je ne sais quoi – were initially just shortened versions of the original ball gown. These are referred to as ‘Romantic tutus’, and I can just picture the Romantic Period ballerina with a lovely skirt reaching just below her knees, so beautifully light and airy! But imagine her in the beautiful silks and velvet of that time. I think this was truly the dawn of the tutu, a time for a more graceful movement and a symbol of how fashion evolved to reflect dance.

By the middle of the 19th century, there was a big revolution – dancers wanted to reach for the heavens with every plié. We know these tutus by the name of ‘Classical’ or ‘Academic’ tutus’, darling.

The most popular and familiar form we see today - you’ll know this tutu – it is short. You have to have a very good reason to wear one. This was indeed a significant moment. It's like ballerinas had decided, “Hey, let’s be bold. Let’s show those legs, my dears, and fly high with a little twirl!” This era – a time of artistic explosion – and tutus were truly becoming a powerful symbol. They said, “Look at me, I’m a ballerina. Let me dance, and let me soar!”

Fast forward to the 20th century – I feel there’s been an increase in this need to express individual styles. Ballerinas were breaking boundaries through avant-garde choreographies and daring fashion. These weren’t afraid to express themselves on stage and wear more eclectic costumes. And you know, even more beautiful tutus with elaborate patterns, exciting colours, and a plethora of other dazzling fabrics, feathers, sequins.

Remember, I have to mention that 2019 saw a renaissance of tutu history – I bet the 18th Century dancers and choreographers wouldn't even dare to imagine such tutus. Now the modern dancer can choose anything to express a new era in art form!

We are on the edge of an era when a ballerina can literally express whatever they want to in costume – even a tutu of bright, blazing orange – imagine that! And to think that the tutu was born from the humble ballgown – we've really come a long way.

Oh, darling, tutus have always played such a significant role in expressing our creative side, our creativity. They embody artistry, grace, and femininity. So I ask you - can you imagine your life without the glorious tutu?

But… that’s all from me for now. I’m sure we’ll delve further into the wonderful history of the tutu in our next post – there’s just so much to discuss! But if you’re wondering what I’ll be wearing next Tuesday… it'll definitely be pink.

Until next week, darlings!

Stay tuned, and never stop believing in the power of a tutu.

Emma xx

P.S.: Don’t forget to share your favourite tutu memories in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag your tutu looks with #PinkTutu for a chance to be featured!