#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-08-04

Hey, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another Tutu Tuesday. Today, we're taking a spin through time to explore the evolution of the ballet tutu! Buckle up, because this is a journey we won't forget.

August 4th, 2020 - such a fabulous day! Remember when we all went bonkers over the [Mention a relevant news story or cultural event from August 4, 2020]? Well, today I'm channeling that excitement for the beauty of ballet history!

So, where did these stunning symbols of grace and artistry come from?

The earliest form of the tutu was very different from what we know today! Imagine, if you will, a grand lady from the 16th century in a lavish, floor-length skirt. It wasn't quite danceable, was it?

Enter Marie Camargo, the revolutionary French ballerina who dared to shorten her skirts for freedom of movement. The shorter skirts, though scandalous at the time, became the precursor to the iconic tutu we adore. Now, you could really see the intricate steps and pirouettes! It's amazing how fashion can impact performance.

Now, we’re waltzing into the 19th century, the time of the romantic tutu. Think billowing layers of tulle, lighter fabrics, and flowing designs. It’s all about dreamy, ethereal movements, like the swans gliding on the stage. It's such a visual spectacle! Imagine how the lights played on all that beautiful tulle – it truly captured the essence of romantic ballet.

Fast forward to the late 19th century, and we meet Marie Taglioni's iconic tutu, featuring a knee-length design and a full, frilled skirt. This design showcased the ballerina’s legs and gave them room for those breathtaking leaps. Think about it: that simple shortening of the skirt allowed the beauty of movement to become even more expressive!

And then, we had the classic, “paillette” tutu, designed by Carlotta Grisi for the 1841 production of "Giselle." This style featured a shorter skirt that fit closer to the legs and had a fitted bodice. The elegance of the dancers took center stage with this elegant creation!

This type of tutu became synonymous with classical ballet and its variations remain the favoured style in many famous ballets today, like "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty". The romantic era brought a magical, dreamy world to the stage and those lovely tulle tutus embody the whole whimsical mood. I’ve seen those costumes grace stages from the Royal Opera House to the Bolshoi - it’s no wonder the tutu became a symbol of ballet!

Now, if you’re thinking the tutu world is a one-size-fits-all, think again! From the delicate elegance of the Romantic Era to the daring silhouettes of the 20th century, there’s a tutu for every style. Think bold colours, unique textures, even modern shapes and contemporary flair.

Just look at the creations by designers like Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Coco Chanel, who incorporated tutus into their iconic fashion lines. That's when ballet started to be seen not just on the stage but as a high-fashion statement, and that makes me very excited!

Talking about fashion - did you know that on [August 4, 2020] - the same day I’m travelling through time to chat about the tutu – there was [insert a fashion news story relevant to the date and a bit of commentary on fashion]…

Well, I’ve got to say, nothing compares to the thrill of picking out a new tutu. I absolutely adore it! And nothing beats that moment when the right tutu makes you feel like you could conquer the world.

Whether I’m at the ballet or waltzing through the streets, I know that my love for ballet is an exciting and vibrant passion!

And remember, every ballerina, whether it's on the stage or twirling down the street, has the power to express themselves through the magic of the tutu.

So, tell me, my lovely tutu-lovers, what’s your favourite tutu style? And don't forget to check back next Tuesday for another whirl through ballet history! Until then, may your lives be filled with pirouettes and sparkles, and always, remember to wear pink!