#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2020-11-03

Greetings from your favourite time-traveling tutu aficionado, Emma! Today, my friends, we're taking a trip back to the fascinating world of ballet history – but with a very pink twist. 🩰💖

For our #TutuTuesday journey, let's step back to Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. As a time traveler, you see, there's something truly magical about peering back at these days. I could be strolling along a Parisian street in 2020 – that vibrant blend of classic architecture and modern energy – or maybe I’m in the midst of a performance in New York, or perhaps dancing under the Italian sun! No matter where I land, it’s all about those magnificent tutus, wouldn't you agree? ✨

Before I get into the details, I have to share that I’m absolutely obsessed with pink right now! You've heard of pink-loving ballerinas – but a pink-loving, tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina? That's me, your very own Emma! I'm literally bouncing with excitement for the pink tulle creations that await us.

Back to that 2020 world, where did those dazzling tutus stand on the fashion timeline?

Well, my dear tutu lovers, you may not be surprised to hear that tutus in 2020 weren’t exactly a common sight outside of ballet classes and performances. However, in 2020 there was an explosion of ‘tutu fashion’. Celebrities were wearing tutu-inspired skirts, fashion houses were releasing collections with fluffy tulle skirts, and even ballet streetwear brands made their own spin on the iconic dance wear. And don't forget the tutus making appearances on TikTok and Instagram!

But let’s rewind the time-travel machine a bit – when did the classic ballerina tutu really come into its own?

Remember the first time you saw a tutu? Did it transport you to a whimsical world of dancing fairies, graceful ballerinas, and the magic of the stage? It's that very feeling of pure wonder that drives me, you see! 💖

So, what are the key points to remember about tutu history, my lovelies?

1. The “Tutu” in “Ballet Tutu" came to be, thanks to a French lady named Marie Taglioni. This fabulous ballerina made her mark in 1832 by swapping the heavier ballet skirts for a wispy, weightless tutu in a ballet called La Sylphide. She brought about a truly breathtaking change! Remember this when you're pirouetting in your own tutu – that incredible sense of lightness and flow. The inspiration came directly from the costumes worn by sylphs - the nature spirits that were often used in Greek mythology - fairylike and elegant.

   2. These new-style tutus had many layers. Each layer was strategically constructed to create that stunning conical shape - a hallmark of the tutu, my dear dancers. It wasn’t just about the silhouette; it was about movement and how light danced with fabric. Can you picture a tutu floating across the stage in perfect harmony with each graceful pirouette? Isn’t it pure artistry? And how lucky we are that those 19th-century visionaries embraced these principles for what was essentially an artistic fashion revolution.

2. As decades passed, the “ballet tutu” evolved. Classical ballet developed. New styles were born, and the designs changed accordingly! Some say the tutu became a more streamlined and practical garment - which is perhaps fitting considering how important the perfect turn and extension are for a ballerina’s work. The "Romantic tutu" (the one Marie Taglioni was known for), took centre stage during that earlier period, and it remains a popular style even in our times, because of its flowing and ethereal style.

Speaking of styles, did you know there are loads of “tutu families”? From the “classic” to the “long,” and everything in between. I love researching these different kinds of tutus - like the short tutus which come to just above the knee, and the platform tutu with a sort of layered foundation that provides some serious height! The “package tutu” (also called a "pancake") - the layered style that Marie Taglioni pioneered – is iconic. And then there is the “practice tutu,” the ultimate everyday choice – with all of that elegant tulle for twirling at home, at the studio, and everywhere you can get those amazing swirls in.

Now, for some light-hearted observations of my favourite day!

It was Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. My diary tells me I was enjoying a particularly elegant and captivating performance in Birmingham’s stunning Hippodrome. A symphony of talent, music, and of course, the most fabulous tutus. I can’t quite remember what piece it was (time traveling is often a blur!), but I know those delicate, layered tutus danced under the stage lights as gracefully as the dancers themselves. And it makes me realise that these intricate costumes are just as vital to the art form as the graceful leaps and flowing choreography.

Now, tell me, my dear tutu enthusiasts, how will you bring a touch of ballet to your Tuesday? Will it be a delicate, ethereal skirt of tulle or perhaps a pink tutu dress, all set to make those swirling pirouettes as the ultimate statement of style? Wherever your journey takes you, don’t forget your tutu and share your stories with me!

And don't forget to tune in next Tuesday, as I have a fabulous treat lined up in my time-traveling tutu - we’ll be embarking on another thrilling ballet adventure in #TutuTuesday's next installment.

Until then, keep twirling! 🩰💖

Emma, your pink-tutu loving, time-traveling ballet blogger www.pink-tutu.com