#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-01-14

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to pink-tutu.com for another fabulous edition of #TutuTuesday!

This week, we're swirling through time and taking a twirl through the enchanting history of the tutu! Oh, how I love these twirly wonders, especially the ones in the colour of my dreams – pink! As always, I'm your time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, ready to take you on another whimsical journey.

This Tuesday, January 14th, 2020, finds me here in the vibrant heart of London, where the ballet world is absolutely abuzz! My last performance at the Royal Opera House was a smashing success. Just as well, darling! Because today, I've been diving deep into the archives and exploring the evolution of the tutu – the essential attire of any graceful ballerina.

Did you know, dear readers, that the tutu actually emerged rather recently, just a few centuries ago? Can you believe it? Before that, dancers sported billowing skirts or even elaborate, long dresses on stage. Now, imagine that! Can you picture yourself pirouetting in a billowing ball gown? Shudders. It seems quite a challenge, wouldn't you agree?

Thankfully, our story began to unfold in the early 1800s when a talented ballet master named Carlo Blasis dared to envision a revolutionary new silhouette. He wanted dancers to have the freedom to fly across the stage, their every movement graceful and effortless. His vision became reality, and thus the iconic ballet tutu was born.

Initially, tutus were crafted as "Romantic" tutus – these were billowing, multi-layered creations that added a dreamy touch to the performances. They were long and graceful, almost resembling a fluffy meringue, wouldn't you say?

As the years went by, a new era of tutu design dawned - the era of the "Classical" tutu. In 1841, a very talented ballerina, Marie Taglioni, debuted the first Classical tutu. Imagine – a shorter, more structured version, designed to show off every move and to emphasize the graceful, extended leg positions in ballets. This tutu revolutionized ballet costumes and became the icon we adore today!

But remember, dear readers, the world of ballet fashion doesn't stay stagnant! It's always evolving. The tutu has continued to morph and evolve over the decades, adopting various styles and designs to accentuate the dance forms and to bring the performances to life. We have had the demi-tutu, the Romantic tutu (yes, again!), and the poule tutu – each with their unique and captivating stories.

Even today, tutu designs continue to evolve. Think of contemporary dancers wearing "modest" or "contemporary" tutus – beautifully constructed from layers of fabric, but often without the layers or traditional fullness of earlier tutus. They represent a move away from the classical traditions, while still being remarkably beautiful. And of course, we can't forget those fun tutus that feature colourful embellishments, sparkles and sequins, often used for contemporary performances!

You can't imagine what a world without tutus would look like. Can you?

Today, I found myself exploring the collections of London's legendary Royal Opera House, where I saw a delightful exhibit celebrating the history of the tutu! It was amazing to see some of those beautiful and fascinating tutus – a delight for any ballet enthusiast. Some even came complete with detailed historical notes!

As a self-proclaimed pink aficionado, my favourite find was a beautiful tutu with intricate beadwork and layers of pink tulle, reminding me of a pink rose blossom! The tulle itself, oh my! It was incredibly soft and airy – so perfect for those elegant whirlwind fouettés!

The exhibit showcased different styles, from the traditional classical tutu with its perfectly crafted layers, to the modern versions designed for contemporary ballet.

One thing I adore about the Royal Opera House is that they have embraced tutus of different lengths! You don't always see them here in London, but the world of ballet is full of excitement and fashion inspiration! And what's better than finding those rare tutus that look absolutely stunning but are also very practical and easy to dance in? It's about having that beautiful balance!

So what, dear readers, can you expect this week? A burst of pink power, of course! I was lucky enough to discover the most fantastic little shop just around the corner from my flat – a real gem. They have a whole collection of beautiful, whimsical tutus that have sparkled my eye! They range in every colour you can imagine. But trust me – the pink ones really steal the show. The way they flutter and flow – absolute perfection!

I picked up the most beautiful pink tutu – a vintage style one, just like they would have worn in the 1940s. The color was an absolute delight! Such a vibrant, delicious, almost sugared-almond pink with just a hint of silver, it made me wish I was dancing under a chandelier on stage! It even has a little sash for a belt – so adorable!

And for an extra dose of fashion flair, I had to add a little pink bow. That sparkling bow, a bit bigger than a standard bow – adds such an element of romance. The tutu was made from so many layers, and even came with some whimsical pearls – the detail was just fabulous.

To complete my look, I have an idea – a pink top. Nothing too fussy, just something cute and delicate to keep with the theme, maybe in a delicate pale pink.

The week ahead holds so many adventures, and of course, I can't forget that I have a new destination to explore for my time travel journey. This time, it's France! The country of fashion!

Oh, how I love to travel on trains. A train journey through France is a must, and I will take my favourite ballet books with me as well as my journal. It always feels a bit like a fashion trip on a train journey, and I must add some new accessories to my suitcase – nothing better than exploring fashion at new places.

This week, I plan to dive into the heart of Paris and the world of Ballet. My travel journal is ready and my favourite pink tutu is packed, and I am ready to enjoy another fantastic tutu adventure.

That's it, darling readers. Until next #TutuTuesday, make sure to share your fashion adventures. I always love to hear from my amazing readers! Keep inspiring with your lovely fashion tutus.

Now remember, darling, I don't just write about tutus, I encourage them. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start a tutu revolution! Let's all dance the day away in our own gorgeous pink tutus!

Remember:

• #PinkTutu
• www.pink-tutu.com

• Your favourite time-travelling ballerina!

  See you next Tuesday!

Until then, take care and remember: It’s always Tutu Time!

• Emma