Hiya darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time traveller here, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday. Buckle up buttercup, because this week we're taking a whirlwind trip through the fascinating history of the tutu - a garment that’s quite literally danced its way into our hearts!
I'm currently sitting in my favourite Parisian cafe, watching the sun bathe the Seine in a warm glow while sipping a delightful cappuccino. This city is pure tutu magic! The ballet here is chef's kiss and I'm absolutely soaking it up. Speaking of magic, did you know that the tutu was invented not out of some whimsical fashion fantasy, but rather, out of practicality? You heard that right, practicality!
Back in the 1830s, ballerinas were constricted by the heavy, voluminous skirts that were the norm. Imagine, performing grand jetés in a frock like that! Can you picture it? You’d probably end up tangled in it! Enter Marie Taglioni, an absolute icon in the ballet world. She decided she needed something that allowed for greater freedom of movement and showcased the graceful beauty of ballet. So she swapped the bulky, floor-length skirts for a shorter, lighter design that became the iconic ‘Romantic’ tutu. This design, made from multiple layers of tulle, skimmed the body, providing freedom of movement and accentuating the ballerina’s graceful limbs.
Can you just picture this revolutionising the ballet world? Ballerinas literally ‘took flight’! The ‘Romantic’ tutu had become synonymous with ethereal beauty and lightness - everything that made ballet so captivating. But you know me, darling, always one for a good wardrobe change, I like variety! And the tutu didn't stop evolving there, it went through numerous transformations - shorter, longer, even incorporating multiple layers and colours.
One of my favourite variations is the ‘Classical’ tutu - imagine a short, circular skirt that really accentuates the ballerina's elegance and poise. This kind of tutu makes every step look more intricate and captivating. Then there's the ‘Pancake’ tutu - its super tight fit, with layers of fabric meticulously arranged to look like a big fluffy cloud, was designed by the legendary ballet designer, Karinska, in the early 1900s. It is particularly popular for showcasing impressive turns and jumps.
But honestly, darling, my heart truly belongs to the ‘Pink Tutu’, of course. It’s not just any tutu, though. It’s a beacon of femininity, a symbol of pure joy and self-expression. It radiates confidence, power and just a dash of mischief. Think pink tutus dancing in the sun! And this is just the start of the story. We haven't even touched upon the modern variations on the tutu - those colourful, experimental pieces you see at ballet schools and street performances these days. Talk about pushing the boundaries, darling!
Just a little fun fact, if you’re wondering what you should be wearing for your next trip to a ballet, I recommend you wear a dress. I’m going to the Opera Garnier today! I’m thinking my little pink number with a splash of champagne colour. You'd be amazed at the fabulous fashions you can find! There’s something magical about a well-dressed crowd in anticipation of an exciting show.
Now I've got a little secret to share with you, darlings. This whole travelling through time thing doesn’t just happen because I want it to. It’s thanks to the tutus themselves! Every performance I give – from grand ballets to intimate street acts – that's my magic ticket to wherever I want to go next! A little magical twist of fate, wouldn't you say?
So there you have it, darlings! This Tuesday's little piece of ballet history, packed full of style and joy. Remember, every single one of you is a potential ballerina at heart. Unleash your inner tutu!
P.S While we're on the subject of ballet, did you know today marks the anniversary of the opening night of the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1825?! That’s why I'm writing from Paris today! What better way to celebrate ballet history than to get some tutu-worthy inspiration from a place where history lives and breathes?
See you all next week, my darlings! Remember to post your pink tutu pics to the www.pink-tutu.com website!
Always twirling,
Emma x
