Hey gorgeous twirlers! Welcome back to another episode of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of ballet tutu history! This week, we're hopping on a time-travelling train (it's pink, of course!) and heading back to... November 10th, 2020!
This post is extra special because it's actually the 9855th entry in my Ballet Tutu History blog! 🎉 I just love digging into the past and learning about all the beautiful tutus that have graced the stages of history, and sharing those stories with you!
Now, 2020 was a pretty wild year for everyone, so let's take a little peek into what was happening back then. In the world of dance, things were starting to come back to life after the pandemic. Theaters were re-opening, and ballerinas were tiptoeing back onto the stage with all their graceful, twirling glory. The excitement in the air was electric!
What was going on with tutus in 2020?
Well, that's a question that takes us straight back to the beginning, my loves! Did you know that the first ballerinas didn't actually wear tutus? They wore...wait for it... floor-length skirts! 🤯 Yep, they swished and flowed in gowns that covered their whole bod. Now that sounds comfy!
Tutus first popped up in the 1800s, during a time of major ballet changes. You see, people wanted to see the dancers' movements more clearly, not just the swish of their skirts. Imagine how frustrating it would be if your outfit got in the way of all those amazing spins! So, they started shortening the skirts, creating the first form of what we know today as the "tutu."
Now, this wasn't exactly the fluffy, whimsical tulle tutu we adore today. Early tutus were made of fabric that was very tight - more like a sleek, body-hugging dress! The emphasis was on the lines of the dancer's body, rather than on all that voluminous, swirling fabric we love so much!
By the early 20th century, the tutu evolved! This was the era of Marie Taglioni, a truly iconic ballerina whose movements revolutionised how people saw dance. Think floating and gliding, almost like a fairy. This vision meant a new, "Romantic" era of tutu styles. The romantic era is my all-time favourite, darlings! Think soft, romantic tulle in pale pastel colours. The "Romantic" tutu was the ultimate in lightness and elegance!
The tutu continued its incredible transformation! In the early 1900s, the "classical" tutu made its grand entrance, with tiers of tulle layers that gave dancers this incredible, dynamic sense of movement, almost like they're flying across the stage. These are the kinds of tutus you usually see in famous ballets like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty.
But, hold onto your tiaras! Because the evolution of the tutu didn't stop there.
In the 1950s and '60s, contemporary dancers and choreographers really started pushing the boundaries! They wanted to make the tutu more modern, exploring shapes and movements that weren't strictly "classical." This led to different types of tutus:
- *The tutu that's almost a "mini-skirt"* - still very much "classical", but even more streamlined for the modern dancer.
- The "reconstructed" tutu - made from pieces of fabric arranged and sewn in an innovative and "unconventional" way - more about art than a standard ballerina "costume." This was a game-changer because it opened up the possibilities for movement and design.
Where are we now?
Well, today the tutu still holds its place as an iconic piece of ballet. But nowadays, we see even more exciting styles being created and explored - the deconstructionist tutu, for instance, really pushing the boundaries by combining materials in unexpected ways! I adore this kind of bold style.
And, don't even get me started on colour! The pink-loving ballerina in me melts over all the amazing colour possibilities! You can find the most magical hues - jewel tones, rich, earthy tones, everything you can dream of!
Now, to add a personal touch, let's chat a bit about my adventures in 2020.
2020 might have been a tough year for some, but for me, it was an incredible year of travelling. I danced my way through Europe! You know how I love hopping on trains - imagine chugging through the English countryside, with a pink tutu as my passport! I saw some truly stunning ballet performances in Paris, Vienna, and Rome! Oh, and my wardrobe! My closet grew in all the most stylish ways!
A bit of Derbyshire charm!
Before I close this post, let me share a little about where I come from! I hail from Derbyshire, England, a beautiful part of the world! It's known for its dramatic Peak District landscapes and beautiful countryside villages, as well as a vibrant arts scene.
That brings me to this Tuesday I'm planning on hitting up the Nottingham Theatre Royal - there's a spectacular rendition of The Nutcracker scheduled this weekend! And after that, I'm planning a delightful afternoon tea in Nottingham, because let's be real, even the best ballerina needs some delicious, girly treats!
I know this week has been full of fabulous history facts, but the most important thing about ballet is the joy of dancing, the pure, heartfelt expression of art! I truly believe anyone can dance! It doesn't have to be a perfect pose. The real beauty is you and the way you move your body, even if you are in your own home!
So, until next #TutuTuesday, get those tutus out and twirl your way to happiness! 💖
P.S - Remember, if you do need any help styling that gorgeous tutu for any occasion - please! Just drop a comment and I'll do my best! Until then, happy dancing!
