#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - A Pink-tastic Journey Through Time! (Post #9817)
Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back again for another #TutuTuesday adventure! 🩰 💖 Today, we’re embarking on a journey through time, all thanks to my trusty time-travelling tutu – you know the one, the sparkly pink one! 💫 I just love how this tutu whisks me away to different eras, letting me experience ballet history in the most fabulous way. Today, our destination is the vibrant, glamorous, utterly magnetic year… 2020!
So, pack your glitter, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a whirlwind of fashion, fun and, of course, tutus!
The Story Behind The Skirt
You know how we all just adore those puffy, whimsical tutus? It's hard to imagine ballet without them, isn't it? Well, as it turns out, our beloved tutus haven’t always been a staple of the stage. They’ve gone through quite the metamorphosis!
It all started with the basque, a fitted, often lace-trimmed, bodice that hugged the dancer's figure, offering a simple, elegant silhouette. Back then, the skirts, oh darling, they were more of a practical layer, designed to provide modest coverage while still allowing freedom of movement. Think a simple skirt, much shorter than what we're used to now, and with little or no frills!
But then, something amazing happened - the Romantic era! This period, known for its emphasis on emotion, drama, and dreamy aesthetics, saw a change in the look of the tutu. Think airy, delicate, floating tulle! This change, pioneered by legendary dancer Marie Taglioni, completely revolutionized ballet. Suddenly, ballerinas seemed to soar across the stage, like magical, delicate beings.
The Romantics, with their penchant for the whimsical and enchanting, started incorporating layered, billowing tulle skirts, making those ballerina leaps all the more graceful and captivating. Think whimsical, elegant, and a touch of drama, and you have the essence of the romantic tutu!
Now, flash forward to the late 19th century, when the Classical period came into play, and ballet tutus went through another transformation! It was during this time that we started seeing the iconic, now universally recognisable, structured tutu with the shorter, multi-layered tulle skirt and the corseted bodice. This was the classic demi-plié design – it made those high kicks look even more amazing!
The Tutu of Today
And now, in 2020, well, our beautiful, versatile, beloved tutus come in an incredible range of styles. You’ve got your Romantic, Classical, and even Modern tutus! I simply adore the diversity - the more tutus the better! 😍
Oh, darling, and let’s not forget the different lengths! From full-length for the elegant grand ballets to demi-plié, perfect for displaying a dancer’s agility and those fantastic jete's. Even super short versions - the tutu-à-la-française!
I, for one, embrace all things tutu! Whether it’s the classic demi-plié, the wispy Romantic design, or even a flirty tutu-à-la-française, these beauties bring a certain je ne sais quoi to the stage!
A Tutu-ful Day in 2020
I have to say, 2020 has a lot going for it! I have just been to an absolutely fabulous performance of the Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in London - so very chic! The graceful movements, the enchanting music, it really takes you away to another world! It’s been such a breathtaking performance, with every ballerina looking absolutely stunning in those classic demi-plié tutus. ✨
And speaking of fabulous, I took a little detour through Covent Garden on the way, for some shopping, of course! A quick visit to Liberty London for some new pink accessories, darling! And you know what, the new colour palette - shades of pinks and corals - it's all very much on trend. And it’s a lovely addition to my pink-tutu collection, darling!
The other amazing thing about being in London is, of course, all the stunning theatres! There are just so many incredible places to experience amazing ballets, dance performances, and musicals - simply dreamy!
My Pink-tastic Wish for You
I truly believe in the magic of a pink tutu. The way it makes you feel so confident, so happy, so utterly empowered - that's why I’m on a mission! My goal, darling, is to inspire every single one of you to embrace the joy and the oomph of a pink tutu!
Go ahead, try it, you’ll love it! Whether it’s for a special occasion, a casual trip to the ballet, or simply a whimsical stroll in the park, don't let the chance slip by!
Remember, there’s no such thing as too much pink, and definitely not when it comes to a tutu. It’s a statement piece, it’s an accessory of empowerment, and it’s a flamingo-tastic symbol of fun and love! 💖
So, until next Tuesday, keep dancing, keep shining, and never stop believing in the power of pink tutus!
With all my love, Emma 💕 🩰
P.S. Have a magical week! And don’t forget to share your *tutu tales!* #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkPower #TimeTravellingTutu