Hello, darling darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another delightful dive into the fascinating history of the tutu!
This Tuesday, I’m back in Paris! Ooh la la, isn't it divine? The City of Lights just oozes elegance and fashion, much like a well-executed pirouette, wouldn’t you say? And, what’s a Parisian adventure without a sprinkle of tutus? This time, I’ve ventured to the Opéra Garnier for a magical evening of Swan Lake. My, oh my! It was truly a feast for the eyes!
Speaking of which, today marks a momentous day in our quest to understand the evolution of the glorious tutu – June 9th, 2020. So buckle up, my lovelies, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane.
A Little History Lesson...
It all started, my dears, in the early 19th century. Think waltzes, big, frilly dresses and romantic notions of love. It was a time when ballet was evolving from its more courtly origins towards something more graceful and athletic. This change, of course, needed a new type of garment. Enter the tutu, or to give it its fancy name, the tulle skirt!
At first, the tutu was all about showing off the graceful movements of the ballerinas – big, flowing skirts, sometimes reaching the floor, were the norm. However, as time passed and the dance style changed, so did the tutu.
Imagine a ballet class full of students in the long, flowing skirts. It would be impossible for them to jump, leap, or twirl without getting tangled up. Not to mention the swish of fabric must have been awfully noisy. The answer? The shorter tutu!
(A short note here for the gentlemen reading this, and we do love a ballet-loving gent! It's the shortness of the skirt that led to the romantic and suggestive images of ballerinas in ballet - but we’re all about classy not trashy here, and nothing should be confused for something it is not! )
Over time, the tutu became a masterpiece of movement – both visually and technically. It became lighter, shorter, and designed to accentuate the beauty of a ballerina's leaps and turns. It allowed the dancer to move more freely, giving a sense of lightness and grace.
The Evolution of the Tutu: A Pink Paradise!
The 19th and 20th centuries were a time of major development for the tutu, and this fascinating period gave us the diverse styles of tutus we see today.
The Romantic tutu: It was like a dreamy cloud, swirling around the ballerinas in all its ethereal glory. A truly iconic style.
The Classical tutu: It was a masterpiece of lightness and elegance! Shorter, more streamlined, and a true testament to technical perfection. It showed off the ballerinas' form and gave them that beautiful en pointe grace.
The Tournant tutu: Think whirling dervishes! This tutu, known for its short, layered, and delicate layers, gave an extra oomph to every pirouette, literally making them tourner with spectacular effect!
And of course, I just adore those tulle variations - remember the Bell Skirt, with its bell-shaped bottom? The Wagon Wheel, with its cascading layers of netting? Every design adds another shade of artistry to the already breathtaking elegance of the tutu!
And what's a tutu without the magic of color? Let's talk pink! It's not just any colour, dears, it's the most wonderfully feminine, graceful and joyful colour in the world. The best kind of pink to wear in your tutu? A shade reminiscent of a rosebud - fresh and vibrant, just like the dancers themselves!
More Than Just Ballet!
The tutu isn't just a ballet thing, you know? Its charm has infiltrated other creative outlets, from fashion shows and contemporary dance pieces to films, musicals and theatrical performances. We've even seen tutus on celebrities! You can't deny, a good tutu really adds a splash of drama and magic.
So, How About You?
Don’t just admire the tutus from afar, I urge you, darlings, to embrace the magic and wear one! The feeling of twirling in a perfectly pink tutu is simply magical! A statement of strength and beauty! Don’t be afraid to embrace the fairy inside you, for every one of us has a touch of whimsical beauty in our hearts.
Tutu Tips for Everyday Chic
You can add a little sparkle and a bit of tutu-liciousness to your everyday outfit. A tiny tutu skirt on top of jeans, with a stylish T-shirt? Totally chic! Or maybe, a ballet-inspired headband or earrings? You’ll feel elegant and confident.
My Adventures This Week!
Well, I’m off to the French countryside next week, darling. The countryside’s blooming with pretty pastel colors and it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some stunning photography for my next post! Can’t wait to share my adventures and my #TutuTuesday with you! Until then, be kind, be stylish and, most importantly, twirl your heart out!
See you next Tuesday!
Love and tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
