#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2019-10-29

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday and a trip down memory lane (or rather, time travel lane!)

This week, we're stepping back in time, all the way to 2019-10-29, a date brimming with excitement and the promise of a delightful performance! As you know, dear readers, my love for the ballet knows no bounds - from graceful pirouettes to the exquisite detail of a meticulously crafted costume, it all calls to me like a symphony. But have you ever stopped to consider the iconic garment at the heart of the ballerina’s world? The tutu!

That wispy cloud of tulle, it's more than just a dance costume. It's a symbol of artistry, a whisper of whimsy, and a timeless symbol of feminine grace. And like any fashion statement worth its salt, the tutu has a rich history.

Now, my lovely friends, you know how much I adore tutus - my entire wardrobe is a testament to that! - but have you ever pondered the history of this iconic piece of dancewear? That’s exactly where our time machine is headed today! Let’s embark on a sartorial adventure and explore the fascinating evolution of the tutu.

Forget your frilly, fairytale princess tutus, darlings! The early years of the tutu were all about romanticism and drama, born in the glamorous era of the Belle Époque.

The tutu, believe it or not, arose from the revolutionary fashion of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Imagine those elegant ball gowns, the grand gowns worn by ladies of fashion with their yards and yards of fabric. They were incredibly cumbersome for dancing!

It was this desire for greater freedom of movement on stage that led to the gradual emergence of the tutu.

First came the crinolines, those structures worn beneath gowns to give them shape and volume. Gradually, those voluminous skirts were shortened and fitted with lighter layers of tulle and muslin.

Enter, the early ballerina. These women, pioneering dancers in the realm of classical ballet, wanted to be able to move and turn with freedom and artistry. And that’s how the tutu was born.

But don’t imagine a swirling confection of fluffy tulle yet! Early tutus were shorter and tighter fitting, providing the essential combination of modesty and fluidity required by the time.

From the elegant simplicity of the early days, the tutu blossomed. As time progressed and fashion changed, so did the style and design of the tutu. It became a canvas for expression, mirroring the spirit of each era.

Think of the glamorous 1920s! Short tutus, reminiscent of flapper dresses, perfectly mirrored the style of the time. Then came the 1950s and its more traditional approach to ballet, mirroring the shift to a classic silhouette in everyday clothing. The long, romantic tutu of the romantic ballets we see today truly blossomed during this period.

We can't forget, my lovely lovelies, that it wasn't just the shape of the tutu that was evolving - it was also its colour! And what’s more delightful, the pastel, romantic palette that dominates fashion today - especially the iconic pink - had a big hand in this.

Did you know that early ballet costumes were all white? Not exactly the most flattering, or the most stylish! However, the world of theatre and ballet, like all good performance art, has always embraced colour and spectacle.

Just think of those legendary opera singers and their colourful costumes! And wouldn’t you know it, as ballet blossomed in popularity, tutus began to gain vibrant colour. This shift was no mere fashion whim! These bright colours, not to mention those exquisite hand-painted tutus, became part of the story told on the stage. They became part of the spectacle.

And from that spectacle - from the beautiful evolution of the tutu - arose what we call ballet style as we know it! You could say, the pink tutu, is really quite iconic now!

I hope I've successfully brought to life the colourful and artistic evolution of the tutu, my dears!

As I said, on 2019-10-29 I’ll be journeying back in time to enjoy a truly captivating performance that, I'm sure, will showcase all that’s best in this graceful ballet world!

After a lovely morning train ride across the Derbyshire countryside - what could be better for inspiration? - I'll be headed to London’s West End! It's an excellent day for seeing the best of British talent!

London, dear friends, is truly one of the greatest ballet hubs in the world - think of its illustrious Royal Ballet - and my diary is always filled with performance dates in this fantastic, dynamic city.

But that’s not all for this week! I have so much to tell you! Let’s explore more of the history of the tutu.

After our lovely stroll through history, we’ll be diving into some fabulous fashion finds! What is a fashionable ballerina to do when she’s off exploring time travel? Why, she hits the boutiques and looks for vintage tutus of course!

Until then, darling readers, keep your eyes peeled for #TutuTuesday, and remember - it's all about finding your own unique style and embracing your love for ballet! I dare you, wear pink on Tuesdays and help spread the joy of the tutu!

Catch you next time, my lovely tutu-wearing friends, until then - HAPPY TWIRLING!