Helloooo, darling dancers! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you back through time on a dazzling journey of tutus! As you all know, here at Pink Tutu HQ, we're obsessed with tutus. They're the epitome of elegance, twirl-worthy delight, and of course, a perfect excuse to wear pink (which is, you know, my favourite colour - just in case you missed that!).
But where did these magnificent creations originate? This week's #TutuTuesday takes us back in time to discover the captivating history of the ballet tutu, so grab your favourite tiaras, put on your best pair of sparkly slippers, and get ready to travel with me to the magical world of ballet fashion!
From Humble Beginnings...
Back in the 1800s, before the age of leg warmers and fluffy tutus, ballerinas would waltz across the stage in gowns that dragged on the floor! Can you imagine trying to pirouette in that much fabric? Sounds more like a disaster than a dance, right?
Then came the grande dame of the ballet world, Marie Taglioni. Now, this amazing lady was not just a gifted dancer, she was a fashion icon. Marie, being a trailblazer, realised that practicality was key to beautiful dancing. She had an idea... to make the dancing dress shorter. And voila! The tutu was born!
The Romantics Take the Stage!
The Romantic ballet era of the 19th century saw the rise of delicate, ethereal tutus, designed to create the illusion of lightness and ethereal movement. Think Marie Taglioni flitting across the stage like a beautiful butterfly – that’s the look we’re going for! Tutus, at the time, were often crafted from silk and adorned with lace, and this romanticism is still very evident in tutu design today!
The "Classical" Tutu Arrives!
Then came the Grande Classique tutu! Longer and fuller than the earlier Romantics, it was a revolution in tutus. The layers of tulle created the bell shape that you see today – imagine a cloud made of fabric and you're close to imagining how a Classic tutu looks!
As we zipped through time to the 20th century, the tutus got shorter again, tighter, and the tulle got more… whimsical, which made those leaps and spins even more eye-catching!
More Than Just Ballet: The Tutu Today
And here we are, today! While ballet remains the king of the tutu realm, these wonders of fashion have found their way into popular culture! From Broadway shows and fashion runways to rock concerts and even Halloween costumes, tutus are as versatile as they are beautiful.
Personally, I think every outfit needs a little bit of tulle! Whether you're rocking a vintage-inspired tulle skirt with your favourite cardigan or a whimsical, feather-trimmed tutu for a night out on the town, embracing the power of a good tutu is always a great idea.
*Tutu Tuesday Special: *
This Tuesday, 22nd September 2020, marks the premiere of the Royal Ballet's newest production - a breathtaking new take on Giselle, starring our Derbyshire home girl, Natalie Portman! I am going to be making my way down to London from Derbyshire for a theatre-tastic journey. Not just to see this incredible show but to enjoy the entire theatrical experience, from picking out my gorgeous outfit to the vibrant Covent Garden streets – oh, and you bet I’ll be picking up a souvenir tutu or two for my collection!
Now, you might be wondering, how do I time travel, anyway? You're probably also wondering how I make ends meet with all my globetrotting ballet adventures. Well, secrets are for the fashion gods (shh, don't tell anyone!) I can't divulge my travel secrets, but I can say that my love of all things tutu is fuelled by ballet performances. My passion for the art form is how I make the magic happen. So, don't be surprised if you see me in the front row of your local theatre one day - maybe even wearing a tutu with a little suitcase to match!
Speaking of tutus... what are your favourite types of tutus? Share your stories and opinions below – whether it's the classic tutus of your local ballet academy, or your favourite costume-inspired tutu! Remember, darling dancers, everyone looks fabulous in a tutu, so join me in embracing the tulle! And don't forget, stay fabulous and stay pink! #pinktutu #tututuesday #ballet #balletfashion #fashionhistory #timetravel #dancing
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
