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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-07-28

#TutuTuesday: A Twirl Through Time! (Post #9840)

Hey there, darling dancers and tutu-lovers! Itā€™s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and Iā€™m back with another #TutuTuesday adventure! This week, I've journeyed back to the oh-so-stylish, exciting year of 2020. And let me tell you, tutus were definitely having a moment!

Oh, 2020ā€¦ A time of global chaos, lockdown hair, and a surge in sourdough bread baking. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained constant: the eternal love for tutus! From street performances to Broadway productions, those pretty frills were swirling around with more grace than ever before. And let me tell you, even if they weren't actually performing on stage, some people were having their own ballet moments on Zoom!

Remember when our entire lives seemed to shift online? Zoom dances, virtual ballet classes, even ā€œballet challengesā€ that everyone was taking part in? It was such a lovely way to bring joy and beauty to a time that felt pretty gloomy. And, darling, let's not forget the sheer joy of slipping on a tulle skirt to go to the supermarket or have a cup of tea with a friend in your garden! Those were the times, darling, werenā€™t they?

This week, in particular, I'm captivated by a show I saw in New York City on the 28th of July. It was a contemporary ballet performance by the New York City Ballet, a truly breathtaking ensemble, filled with elegance and vibrant colours. I saw all kinds of dancers and tutus. Some of them were long and sweeping, with layers of delicate tulle and delicate beading, and others were shorter, sleek and sharp with an edge. I felt a pang of yearning to join in! You wouldn't believe the intricate footwork! They glided across the stage with such fluidity, defying gravity with each graceful step. Even from the balcony, where Iā€™d booked the most lavish seat (a perfect place to see how they wore their makeup), you could see the pure emotion flowing from each movement. I was mesmerized. And oh darling, donā€™t even get me started on their costumes! Pink tutus everywhere ā€“ they were the perfect match for my time-traveling pink one!

While the show itself was absolutely stunning, it wasnā€™t the only highlight of my New York trip. This vibrant city, brimming with energy and creativity, truly stole my heart! I fell in love with its diverse culture, iconic skyline, and endless possibilities for fabulous fashion. Every single shop window showcased the latest styles, and I was thrilled to snag a pair of gorgeous sequined ballerina shoes ā€“ the perfect reminder of my time in New York! And as much as I love pink, there are many colors in the fashion world - red and green were definitely having a moment then and my new shoes, theyā€™re green!

But letā€™s rewind the clock for a moment! Itā€™s incredible to think how much the ballet tutu has evolved over time. While those early, more elaborate tutus certainly had their charm, itā€™s fascinating how they have been streamlined, adapted, and reimagined over the years to perfectly suit different types of dance and showcase the grace and athleticism of ballerinas.

Honestly, sometimes I love just strolling through vintage fashion shops and admiring those grand Victorian tutus. Theyā€™re like pieces of history, layered with such meticulous detail. Can you imagine the skill and craftsmanship that went into making those tutus with tiers upon tiers of ruffles? You really have to appreciate their legacy - they were literally paving the way for the fabulous modern tutus we see today.

Speaking of which, did you know the earliest versions of the tutu can be traced back to the 18th century, darling? Of course, at that time, they were not called tutus. Oh, no, ballet was all about the ā€œromanticized tutuā€ ā€“ long, flowing, and definitely not the streamlined and bouncy tutus we know and love today! I am convinced itā€™s what my style icons in Derbyshire wore ā€“ their own unique romantic version of a pink tutu.

But then, poof, around the mid-19th century, the ā€œRomantic Ballet Eraā€ had passed its peak. The long and frilly tutus were starting to feel, well, letā€™s be honest darling, they were simply too restrictive! I mean, how are you meant to move and leap in a mountain of tulle, darling?

This was the birth of what we know as the ā€œclassical tutuā€. And oh darling, isn't it the best?! Shorter, airier, and a complete showstopper, that was a true moment for women! It showcased the power and precision of their moves ā€“ imagine having your entire life's work tied to that tiny tulle! A complete masterpiece.

There was one little catch. You have to be very very thin, with legs up to your waist. There I said it, itā€™s still not ideal for real people - except for some ballerina type shapes! Even so, in this time-travelling adventure, I am sure there were quite a lot of ballerinas of different shapes, just look at dancers today.

It was such a revolutionary change, a chance for women to actually do some real, impressive moves and not just pose in frills. I love imagining the reactions. I bet there were some tutu sceptics around at the time! But the classical tutu took the world by storm, bringing elegance and artistry to ballet in ways that would have been unimaginable before. And the change has just continued since.

Take, for instance, those superheroine tutus worn by contemporary dancers in some of today's shows! Those dramatic shapes, daring cuts, and a splash of pink. I dare say, it's those daring designs that might make the tutus even more famous than ever!

Today, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to wear a tutu. I mean, they were once an incredibly exclusive, almost unapproachable item, a symbol of refined grace and elite artistry. Today they can be, and are, for anyone, because they reflect the amazing creativity of everyone wearing them ā€“ you can wear a tutu to the opera, for a fancy dress party, even to get coffee with your friends, whatever the reason, a pink tutu adds some flair! You know what I love? Finding those awesome street performers wearing those colourful and creative, ballet-inspired costumes! Itā€™s all about pushing boundaries, experimenting, and showcasing our individuality through the beautiful medium of a tutu. And believe me, darling, those tutu-wearing performers definitely get more smiles, cheers, and a lot more photos ā€“ who needs an instagram account when youā€™ve got a tutu?!

You can wear whatever style you want and have some fun! If you are feeling like a twirling ballerina or if you just feel like going out in something cute and playful then you go for it. Honestly darling, if thereā€™s one message to take away from my journey, itā€™s this: never underestimate the power of a tutu.

This Tuesday, as I sip my afternoon tea in a Parisian cafe (and of course, rocking my pink tutu), let's raise a toast to the magic and versatility of the ballet tutu. Itā€™s a timeless icon that continues to inspire, empower, and spread a touch of whimsical joy around the world!

And darling, be sure to share your #TutuTuesday pics on Instagram with us. We're always searching for new tutu inspirations, and love seeing how you all are incorporating this wonderful garment into your life. Now, excuse me, darling, but there's a street performer twirling in pink just outside my cafe, and a tutu calls to a ballerina, even in Paris!

Until next time, happy twirling, my darlings!

Emma xo

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-07-28