Post 9767
Hello my lovely tutu-twirling darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad blogger Emma, here with another blast from the past, all in the name of tutus!
Oh, the joy of time travel! Last week, I was dancing in the cobblestone streets of 18th century Paris, but this week, well, let's just say the train journey was much, much quicker! Today, we're diving into ballet tutu history... and you'll never guess where we are.
You're going to be SO excited! Buckle up your tutu belts and get ready for a trip to... New York City! The year is 1919, and I must tell you, the tutus are FABULOUS. It's a real treat to see how fashion has progressed since my days in the Victorian era!
This week is all about exploring the evolution of the tutu and how this most glamorous of dance garments evolved. I love history! And I love seeing how different cultures have put their unique twist on the humble tutu, from the simple and classic to the outrageous and whimsical.
But before we dive into the evolution of the tutu, I have to tell you about my trip! Let me give you the scoop on what's going on in NYC this very day:
NYC 1919: A Fashionable Frenzy
Ah, 1919! It’s the year the suffragettes won, the first Zeppelin crashed, and my oh my, the tutus were just out of this world! NYC is buzzing with excitement, as if all the pent-up energy from the recent war has exploded into a kaleidoscope of colours, fashions, and oh, those divine dance productions!
There’s a definite sense of joie de vivre here. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s reflected in the style and spirit of the ballets that are taking center stage!
What is a ballerina to do with all this energy and fashion inspiration? Why, take it all in and share it with you, my dear tutu enthusiasts! I even made a trip to a bustling costume shop in the heart of NYC - a haven of ruffles, silks, and satin dreams. I've bought a brand new pink tutu to wear on stage at the Met (it has sequined butterflies!) - you know, because one cannot just come to New York without attending the Opera. I'm sure you can imagine the glamorous, high-society ladies in their elaborate gowns - you know, it’s all the rage here. But the beauty of it all, my dear tutu-lovers? We are all a family of sorts, we love the drama, and that’s something that no time or society can take away!
Let me introduce you to a fabulous ballerina that caught my eye, an extraordinary talent in New York called Anna Pavlova (you’ll be hearing more about her in next week’s #TutuTuesday, so watch this space!). Her grace, strength, and those captivating tutus have audiences in awe! Oh, the beautiful fluidity of her movements, the way her tutus swirl, dance, and come alive in the air! What a treat to behold.
A Time Warp Through Tutu Styles:
Now, let's talk about the evolution of tutus! Before I whisk you through time, remember those Victorian tutus with those multiple layers? Oh, my dear tutu-lovers, imagine how bulky they must have felt! They were like giant poofy clouds, swirling around those delightful ballerinas! It was, let's be honest, a lot for the dancer to handle. Those old tutus really did try their best to emulate the feminine silhouettes that we are all so accustomed to, especially those of the romantic period, they were very elegant but the skirts had to be made of more material to keep the shape. Luckily for our little ballerinas, these things called 'tutu' evolved into these stunning, modern day designs! I’m loving them so much more. I have quite the tutu collection myself!
Imagine a world before those wonderfully fluffy ballerina tutus we see in ballet classes today! Imagine the utter disaster if ballerinas couldn't perform with ease, or look just stunning and exquisite!
Let's start by defining a few styles - and no, I don't mean the fashion sense of your great-grandmother. It’s about what type of tutus dancers use, each for different occasions. Here we go!
- The Romantic Tutu: (Think ballerinas on the stage, they were so romantic and magical) Imagine swirling fabric cascading like a waterfall! Oh, it was a true dance between elegance and freedom! They’re almost, dare I say, dramatic with the amount of material. Think ballet dancers like Fanny Cerrito, who set the stage on fire with those dramatic romantic tutus.
- The Classical Tutu: Elegant, stylish, easy for the dancer to twirl in. They come in layers, to create a ‘bell’ effect. You can't miss those gorgeous tiers cascading all the way down! My goodness, what elegance. These are so classy, not only because they were created at a classy time (during the mid-late 1800s) - I think it’s those elegant styles that truly define the ‘class’ of ballerinas to this day!
- *The 'Tutu à La Française:' Let's travel to the romantic period of ballet - these tutus made ballet go even more romantic if that's possible! The ballerinas used more fabric - they are known for those long and voluminous tiers and, of course, being long. But just a little bit of history for you: Did you know this was invented around the time that French ballets became super popular!
There you have it, a glimpse into the past of tutus! So, how are things now?
From Historical to Modernity: Tutus of Today!
Well, these days, the designs for the tutu are pretty modern, aren't they? Just think: The costumes designers go for the lightweight material that we see now, and the layered styles!
But honestly, what else do you need? Tutus are elegant, powerful and beautiful! But most importantly they remind you of beauty and movement. I just love them.
Tutu Inspiration: Wear a Tutu Everyday!
So, I have a little challenge for you, dear tutu lovers: Wear a pink tutu one day this week! Go on! Make someone smile!
It doesn't have to be a perfect, sparkling dance costume tutu. You can get creative with fabrics, lengths, and colors. Be fearless and embrace the sheer joy of a twirling pink tutu, even just around your house! After all, the world needs a little more tutu!
See you next Tuesday! And until then, be bold, be glamorous, and twirl on!
Emma x
