#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2021-01-26

Hello Darlings! 🩰💖 Welcome back to my blog, Pink Tutu! I'm so excited to be back for another #TutuTuesday, and this week I’m in Paris!

My time machine landed in this city of light this morning and let me tell you, the fashion here is divine. It's all chic and stylish - even the pigeons have impeccable taste!

This week I want to chat about tutu history. As many of you know, my goal in life is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu - or any tutu! I mean, what’s more fun than twirling in a magical, swirling cloud of tulle? It's a joyful statement of empowerment. It says: *"I'm here, I'm happy, I'm me!” *

Today, I'm taking a look back at how tutus have transformed and how they’ve captivated our hearts since the early days.

Firstly, let’s get some date-specific context, as we all know dates are super important in our #TutuTuesday time-traveling blog!

On 26th January, 2021, my favourite Parisian treat was definitely “galettes des rois”, which are those delicious puff pastries filled with frangipane cream. But it's also important to note it was in this very year *“The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals" launched on Channel 4. * I just HAD to see this since watching the amateur baking version of this show is a beloved family tradition back in Derbyshire. I adore cake! There's nothing more beautiful than watching the creativity in baking. That's actually how I fund my time travel, you see - by performing at special events and doing my part to make these delicious cakes.

Now, back to tutus, darlings!

You may be wondering: Just how did the tutu transform from a simple skirt to the elaborate creations we see today? Let's delve into this fabulous history!

We can't discuss tutus without acknowledging Marie Taglioni. This woman changed the way ballet looked and, dare I say, transformed our idea of grace. It's like someone handed her a tutu, a crown, and told her to rule the dance world. I actually had the honor of seeing her in one of her performances. Can you believe it?

In 1832, Marie wore this revolutionary new design. It had a fitted bodice and an ankle-length, light tulle skirt. Forget those big, heavy dresses the ladies used to wear in ballet - those got relegated to costume storage. She brought movement and freedom to dance, and she was iconic for that! I swear she glowed in this skirt. She made magic happen on stage!

And what happened to this little skirt? Well, *It evolved, my dear friends! *

This simple skirt would then grow shorter, the tutu started getting fluffier and fluffier until those famous "romantic tutus” were born! These airy tutus were made of multiple layers of soft tulle, floating as ballerinas leapt and pirouetted. It was like an explosion of whimsy!

Fast forward through the 19th century and suddenly we are presented with a tutu symphony! A whole orchestra of styles and shapes emerge!

First, the classical tutu. It's still a masterpiece of fashion, it’s what I imagine many of you associate with the word “tutu”. Think those tiered, beautiful skirts that hit the dancer's knee, and often include a layer of "underskirt" for fullness. You just can't help but dance with joy as you watch the dancers whirl in this timeless piece of design. And let me tell you, the colour combinations can make you weak at the knees. I love that!

But then things really took a turn - you know how we love surprises and transformations in this world. Enter the modern tutu! We’re not just talking about colours, no no! They actually began using more unique shapes! These beauties became very daring with asymmetry, flowing lines, and more fitted shapes - I even saw one at the Opera House in Paris this morning made entirely of metallic ribbon, très chic! And all the ballerinas are dancing in these incredible shapes that capture the beauty of the choreography so well! It's as if the choreography, the music, the set, and the costume all become a single story - an art form, all coming together!

If you're going for a vintage vibe, go for that romantic tutu. I've recently had this fitted ivory one made with a delicate trim for some events back home - and if you like, let me know. I'll send you a bespoke one. They're incredibly flattering.

If you want something that screams elegance, opt for the classic tutu. Try adding some delicate feathers, beads, or embellishments. That gives a real touch of personality to your "everyday" ballet look!

But if you're looking for that contemporary, dare I say even edgy touch, that modern tutu is definitely where it's at. Experiment! See what looks good! But keep it pink! It's not just a color - it’s the most optimistic, inspiring color.

There's more to this, darlings. Why wear a pink tutu? What's behind my obsession? Let's just say it’s about joy!

As a dancer, I believe a pink tutu has the power to transform ordinary days into a magical whirl. It makes you want to dance with your heart! It reminds me of a song I love by Kylie Minogue “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”, it reminds you that “anything’s possible”, and most of all it brings back a childish innocence we so often forget in this big, grown-up world.

Let me leave you with this, let a tutu be a symbol for you: A symbol for self-expression, for inner joy, and for remembering what it feels like to be a little girl with a dream. And my darling fashion friends - please, don't hesitate to add some sparkle, feathers, or some of your favourite color for your tutu ensemble - and don't forget, PINK is ALWAYS a great choice! I think we're going to go find some pink tulle together in the Marais - ça va être formidable! Let's dance!

I'll leave you with this, if you'd like to follow along with my time-traveling fashion adventures - find me on my blog at www.pink-tutu.com. Every week we go to a new destination, explore new fashion history and find something pink. I also want to share a little fun, family friendly ballet show with you! I’ve got tickets to see "The Nutcracker" in the Palais Garnier this afternoon. If you've never seen it - you have to - it's a whimsical classic! Just watch for the magic!

Until next Tuesday,

Emma!

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(Blog Post No. 9866)