#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-10-06

Hey everyone! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another fabulous edition of #TutuTuesday! This week we're delving into the enchanting world of the tutu, specifically the history of this iconic garment. Grab a cuppa, get comfy in your fluffiest tutu, and let's embark on a magical journey back in time!

It might surprise you to know that the tutu didn't always have that whimsical, billowing look we associate with it today. It all started way back in the 1800s, when ballerinas were bound by stiff corsets and long, flowing skirts. Can you imagine trying to pirouette in that? Honestly, I'd probably topple over like a wobbly tower!

Fortunately, Maria Taglioni, a legendary ballerina of the time, had other ideas. In 1832, she took the stage in La Sylphide, sporting a revolutionary new garment: a knee-length, gauzy skirt called the tutu romantique. Imagine that! It freed her movement, making her seem weightless and ethereal. Honestly, that was the moment ballet was set free. It might not be what we think of as a tutu now but it set the scene. From that day forward, the tutu was there to stay, slowly evolving in design, form, and shape. I just think about all the great ballet dancers that must have donned these costumes as part of their everyday lives, I feel quite privileged.

The tutu romantique gave way to the tutu classique later in the 1800s, coinciding with the invention of the pointed shoe, a development I think any true ballerina would agree is game-changing. (Although a bit hard on the toes I admit). This classical tutu was characterized by multiple layers of stiffened tulle, creating a full, cone-shaped skirt that accentuated the ballerina’s elegant line and showed off those perfect pointed toes. That dramatic flared cone was really the ‘signature’ of a tutu, making the ballerina the focus of all attention, on top of a cone shaped base. You wouldn't know it to see me wear it now!

The tutu classique is the most recognizable type of tutu, and you see it used in every production and even on dancers at every class, especially that bright pink one, (just sayin’!) It continues to hold its iconic status.

As time passed, the tutu’s silhouette morphed and adapted. It moved through styles, shapes and sizes! From the soft and flowing lines of the tutu romantique to the rigid, geometric structure of the tutu classique, and the more modern style, even the introduction of colour which really broke some boundaries (a big change in ballet history!), tutus became expressive tools in a ballerina’s performance, adding another dimension to the ballet story being told, much as our fabulous hairstyles and costume add more style to a look!

For me, as a modern-day ballerina, the evolution of the tutu tells us about the evolution of ballet itself! It’s an incredible reminder that things change and adapt - but that doesn’t make the classics any less beautiful, You could wear a Victorian style ballet skirt from the time of Taglioni and you'd probably feel very elegant in it. There are even tutu boutiques where you can have ones custom-made in your favourite colour (maybe my favourite is pink)

Today, the ballet world is bursting with new talent and new tutus. This past Tuesday I found myself at the majestic Royal Opera House in London, enjoying the “Swan Lake” performance, with its exquisite costumes and, yes, a show stopping array of tutus! The grace and elegance of the ballerinas were truly spellbinding. Seeing those delicate, graceful swans take to the stage in the softest pink (oh! my favourite!), it truly made me fall in love with the ballet all over again.

This stunning piece was brought to life by choreographer, Theodor Chaliapin. This was also a huge achievement in itself. The costumes alone, which looked stunning, were meticulously designed and were something else to be beheld. But of course, there were some fab tutus amongst them!

The entire experience was pure enchantment, and the sheer artistry and talent on display were nothing short of breath-taking. Watching the dancers weave a tapestry of movement with their tutus swirling around them, you get the real essence of the theatre and the arts at its very best. That’s how my time travelling adventure turned out! Of course, my afternoon didn’t end there. After enjoying some ballet in Covent Garden, my itinerary involved shopping, exploring the fabulous stores and, of course, indulging in some fabulous fashion (don’t you just love those chic hats? I found a gorgeous pink one and can’t wait to wear it on stage at my next performance). A perfect ending to a delightful day in the city. After, I just took the train back to Derbyshire and my cosy flat, and got busy with writing about the latest tutu fashions. Life as a pink tutu wearing ballet blogger is good!

So, to celebrate all things tutu and my latest ballet performance (in the most gorgeous bright pink tutu, of course!), I’ve curated my favourite tutus of the season - - the ethereal tulle of a Tutu Romantique in a soft lilac shade for the upcoming Spring collection. Can't you just imagine floating across the stage? I would be like a modern day fairy in that. - And for a classic statement piece, I just adore a sparkling Tutu Classique with the gorgeous 'soft pink’ that all those ballerina fairies will wear.

There you have it! The tutu, from its simple beginnings to its dazzling evolution. The next time you see a ballet performance, watch those tutus carefully. They tell stories, stories that capture the passion, grace and beauty of this remarkable art form. And remember to celebrate the wonder of the tutu, whether you’re a dancer, a fashion enthusiast or a simple lover of all things magical and beautiful!

Don’t forget to catch me next week for another exciting #TutuTuesday! And keep spreading the pink tutu love!

Oh! Just a reminder, my blog is celebrating it's anniversary this year. I'm running a very special giveaway (with all pink tutus!) Just head to www.pink-tutu.com for details on how to win! And don't forget, follow my socials. Lots of pink on there!

Stay Fabulous!

Emma

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