Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveler, back with another blast from the past, right here on www.pink-tutu.com, ready to whisk you away on a tutu-licious journey! This week's #TutuTuesday theme is all about the magnificent history of the tutu.
Now, September 15th 2020 was just a hop, skip, and jump in the grand timeline of the tutu. The world was buzzing about the new season, the crisp air, and of course, the latest fashion trends! As always, Paris was leading the way, the capital of couture, the hub for everything elegant and stylish, the home of… wait for it… tutus!
Imagine if you will, a scene from the iconic Musée Carnavalet in Paris, its walls adorned with elegant gowns from centuries past, shimmering silks and playful velvets. In one of those old rooms, they have a hidden section showcasing the evolution of the tutu! I practically danced a pirouette of joy when I saw it. It's truly captivating, like flipping through a storybook of twirls and elegance.
This trip was inspired by the Grand Prix de l’Opéra de Paris (basically the Oscars of ballet). Every year, some of the most incredible dancers come to Paris to perform. Of course, the Paris Opera Ballet itself is the best of the best – I mean, come on, they literally dance with the best of them! It's such an honor to be here in this fabulous city, breathing in the atmosphere of its world-famous theatres, soaking up the dazzling ballet shows. I'm not just here for the ballet, mind you! As you know, a girl can't resist a good fashion shopping spree, right?
Parisian shops are a haven for the tutu-obsessed. So many styles, so many fabrics, so many oohs and ahhs! You have your classic tulle, but then you have the more contemporary tutus: velvet, feathers, sequins - oh, I just get lost in it all! But the real star of the show is, of course, the tutu itself - it's so iconic.
But we’re not just going to dance around, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Back to that storybook – what were tutus like before they became our ultimate dancewear? You have to imagine back when dancing was more like waltzing and social gatherings - it wasn't all about pointe shoes and flying high!
Remember, our dear tutus started life with ballerinas dressed in a whole lot of fabric. In the 1800s, dresses were a whole different beast! Think big skirts with lots of layers – these weren't exactly conducive to pirouettes and grand jetés! But Marie Taglioni changed all that!
Now, here's the legend. Legend has it, Marie Taglioni, this famous dancer, didn't want her skirt hindering her graceful movements, and… poof, like magic, she went and changed the ballet world forever! This woman - the Queen of the Ballerina – dared to be different, to dance free, and her new outfit changed everything!
Think of a single, graceful layer, clinging to her form and showing off the beauty of her movement. This new form, a lighter version of the full skirt, eventually gave rise to the tutu as we know it today. Talk about a ballerina revolution!
Think of it this way: Imagine your favorite vintage shop but for ballerinas! You've got Marie's version of the tutu - elegant and simple. And over the years, these lovely tutus became increasingly more daring, evolving with new styles, colours, fabrics, and ultimately, the ever-growing boom of the ballerina world.
Then we get to the pointe shoes! Now, this is a topic for another Tutu Tuesday post because there's a lot to say about the delicate artistry of these little miracles!
It was quite amazing to actually see this transition from a skirt to a tutu, how it adapted and took on new forms over the years. The museums in Paris show this so beautifully – I recommend a visit to all you tutu-enthusiasts!
You can even see the evolution in contemporary ballet, where the tutus take on all sorts of fun and interesting shapes.
Take the beautiful Ballet Blanc - I saw an absolutely stunning performance of "Swan Lake" – now that’s what I call ballet magic. Those delicate, airy tutus that the swan ballerinas wore? They just stole my heart!
If you want a romantic ballerina-tutu-inspired outfit, go for the fluffy, layered tutu in white – perfect for a romantic walk in a French garden, a stroll by the Seine, or even just adding a touch of elegance to a day of shopping! Don't forget the rosy cheeks for a complete look - I'm all about that natural look!
You know, in London we’re just as in love with tutus – we even have a beautiful tutu museum, so if you’re visiting Derbyshire, or London for that matter, stop by! I always go and admire the tutu exhibits!
Oh, did I tell you that I had tea in the Savoy yesterday, it was amazing – but that’s for another day. Today, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of the tutu - because it’s a symbol of dance, beauty, and creativity! Don’t forget to wear pink, and if you feel inspired to wear your tutu outside, don’t let anyone stop you – rock that fabulous tutu style with pride!
Right, off I go, I’ve got a big ballet show to see at the Opera Garnier tonight! Until next week, darlings! And remember to dance, to love, to twirl… and, of course, wear pink!
