Welcome back, tutu-lovers, to #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of all things pink and twirly! 🩰💖
It's Tuesday, the 3rd of September, 2019. And you know what that means… time to hop aboard the tutu time machine! This week we're jetting back to… wait for it… 1832! I know, it's a little bit before my time (you know, all those romantic era ballgowns with massive hoops!). But this era, my dears, is key for tutu history. Why, you ask?
Well, 1832 is the year the iconic, romantic “La Sylphide” had its world premiere in Paris, the heart of the ballet world. This ballet revolutionised dancewear with its iconic tutu – the very first “true” tutu that you would recognise today! It was Maria Taglioni, a legendary ballerina (whose statue you can actually see in Paris – how chic!), who danced the lead in "La Sylphide" and whose flowing, feathered, ethereal design paved the way for all the glorious tutu styles we adore today!
Just imagine, tiny silk petticoats, barely there, designed to accentuate the ballerina's movements and give them the illusion of floating weightlessly across the stage! The world was dazzled! And I’m not even joking – they thought this woman was literally flying! She made tutus instantly famous, a fashion sensation, not just on stage, but even inspiring the new en vogue outfits on Parisian streets.
Before "La Sylphide", ballet dancers wore a lot of fabric, big ballgown style dresses. Can you imagine pirouettes and arabesques in all that swirly silk? 😲 A true dancer needs the freedom to move! And that's where "La Sylphide" changed everything, marking the start of a revolution in dance fashion.
And yes, this tutu style, my darlings, became the famous Romantic tutu. But guess what? It’s NOT actually the style we associate with classical ballet. That, as you’ll find out on future #TutuTuesday journeys, came much, much later. 😉
Of course, fashion trends move forward! Over the next century, the Romantic tutu evolved into the "waist-length tutu", sometimes also known as the "classical tutu". I call it the "whirl-and-twirl" because of the circular shape that flows beautifully in a pirouette!
And I simply adore the sheer, almost invisible tutu, which creates an illusion of bare legs – all that delicate pink tulle fluttering around – it's so elegant, like you are made entirely of dreams! 💖✨
Today, tutus continue to be a statement. Not only do they inspire incredible dance, they have transcended the ballet world to inspire street style, high fashion and even decorations. Tutus are the perfect blend of fantasy, femininity and grace!
Did you know the famous tutu for "La Sylphide" was designed by the ballet mistress, the great Marie Taglioni’s mother, Madame Sophie Taglioni – what a talented family! Talk about a dream team!
Now, the “La Sylphide” tutu had its real time in the limelight until the 1850s. Then, a new generation of designers brought new changes to tutus. But as much as fashion evolves, you can always be sure of one thing: a classic Romantic tutu, worn well, can turn any dance into a truly magical experience! And that's why we all still love it!
For me, even though tutus aren't just for the stage, the best way to really enjoy one is to see it in action. I LOVE visiting the London Royal Opera House - you can feel the energy, the history in the building. But today I'm actually enjoying a rather different ballet show – at a barn in the countryside! My friends and I decided to have a vintage* ballet picnic – there are picnic blankets and sandwiches, the smell of freshly cut hay, and the delightful music of ballet on a warm afternoon… so perfect.
As we’re having our ballet picnic, the performers take to the makeshift stage, which is basically just a bit of wood covered in fabric. There's not a huge audience, just the friends we invited. And we're all wearing pink tutus! 😉 After all, what’s a ballet picnic without a pink tutu, eh? It doesn't even matter that the tutus aren’t made from professional ballet fabrics - the magic of the dance comes through!
But before we all twirl in our pink tutus until the cows come home (pun definitely intended!) - remember, tomorrow is Wednesday! If you're going to any ballet performances, tag me on @pink-tutu so I can see your fab outfit – whether you are wearing a professional tutu, or just a DIY one like mine!
And remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for another dose of tutu history, fun and frivolity! Until next week!
P.S. Don't forget to wear a pink tutu today! Why? Because we can! 💖✨
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