#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2019-08-20

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and it's time for another dose of Tutu Tuesday! 🩰

I'm writing to you from the beautiful, bustling heart of New York City - and wouldn't you know it, there's a wonderful show playing at the Lincoln Center that I just have to gush about! It's called "Giselle", and it's absolutely captivating! I adore seeing the classic stories brought to life, and the ethereal beauty of the costumes and the haunting story - well, it's just perfection! And as you all know, tutus are just essential for the fairytale feeling. ✨

But today, we're travelling through time (don't worry, I'm using my trusty tutu-powered time machine - very chic, you see) to delve into the history of this iconic ballet garment! So, buckle up, darlings, and get ready for a whirlwind of tutus and fabulousness! 💖

Tutu: A Timeline of Twirls and Frills

17th Century - Okay, I know, you're probably thinking, "Tutús weren't a thing back then!", and you're absolutely right. Back in the 17th century, ballet costumes were a lot more practical and resembled everyday wear! Long, flowy skirts and panniers were the norm, and they didn't really help with, well, you know... twirling. But, the groundwork was being laid! They started experimenting with fabrics, using lightweight silks and materials that could move more freely!

18th Century - We start to see some significant changes in dancewear! Imagine, lovely ballet ladies in silk culottes with short skirts on top - that must've been quite a sight! These culottes, the "fritze", allowed for slightly more freedom of movement! They were basically like the early, less-fluffy version of a tutu, I imagine!

19th Century - Ah, the golden age of ballet, my darlings! This is when the tutu as we know it today really came into its own! The romantics, with their love for stories, beauty, and elegance, embraced the romantic tutu, or "tutu à la romantique." They had shorter, fuller skirts, adorned with layers upon layers of soft tulle. Imagine billowing clouds of delicate loveliness, twirling and swirling in perfect harmony with the music - I simply dream of it! 😍 These beauties were often paired with soft, flowy bodices that had romantic, sweetheart necklines, showcasing the elegant grace of the ballerina.

Now, the story wouldn't be complete without mentioning one very important name, a visionary named Marie Taglioni, a true pioneer! It was she, with her exceptional talent and incredible technique, who really embraced the short, romantic tutu! In her iconic dance "La Sylphide," Taglioni floated onstage in an incredibly light and delicate tutu, demonstrating that dancewear could be just as much a part of the performance as the steps themselves! Talk about breaking barriers and setting the stage for fashion icons! ✨

20th Century - As ballet progressed, so did the tutu! The tutu became even more whimsical! We get the classical tutu, or "tutu à la princesse" - imagine perfectly shaped tutus, with longer skirts that create this incredible silhouette, a symbol of elegance and poise! They were like magnificent works of art in motion! These were very specific tutus, built with layers and layers of tulle sewn in specific shapes - talk about dedication to detail and perfection! 🤩

But here's the thing! Not all ballerinas favoured the fluffy and grand princess style, though - the "demi-tutu" came onto the scene! Shorter than the classic, it embraced practicality while still giving that ballet beauty we all love. Think streamlined, allowing for the ballerinas to move with grace and flexibility, highlighting their powerful leaps and dynamic choreography. This era brought about iconic works of dance that revolutionised how we view ballet, and the tutu's versatility really shone through! 😍

Present Day - And now we come to the tutu's dazzling modern era! The tutu is an absolute icon of ballet! It's used in all sorts of different styles, whether you're looking for the grandeur of the "tutu à la princesse" or the athletic grace of the demi-tutu. Modern dance styles embrace innovation and flexibility, using variations of the tutu to complement the dynamic movement and unique storytelling. We can even see these innovative takes on traditional tutu silhouettes, whether they're shortened, modified with funky textures, or even paired with contemporary styles of attire. 💃

A Final Whirl

The tutu has undergone an extraordinary journey, adapting and evolving alongside ballet itself! This tiny, whimsical piece of fabric has transcended the stage, inspiring everything from fashion designers to the little girls twirling in their living rooms! We have so many styles and designs available! From the classical beauty of the "tutu à la princesse" to the more dynamic "demi-tutu" and beyond, these amazing designs create a perfect symphony of form and movement, capturing the grace, power, and spirit of ballet.

And you know what, my darlings? It's all about embracing those fabulous tutus and finding the one that speaks to your own style and spirit. It's about the confidence it gives you, the joy of swirling and twirling, and the reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little bit of fluff and a whole lot of glitter to bring the magic to life!✨

That's all for this Tutu Tuesday! I can't wait to see what fashion adventures await!

Stay glamorous and always remember, it's never too late to twirl your way to fabulousness! 😉

Love,

Emma x