Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling fashionista, Emma, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This week, for #TutuTuesday, we're taking a magical trip back in time, because thereās something utterly captivating about how the tutu evolved from its humble beginnings to the breathtaking pieces we see on stage today.
The year is 2021, the date 23rd February. As I type this, the snow is swirling outside my hotel window in New York, but it's impossible to feel chilly in my darling pink tutu, especially not with a show at the Metropolitan Opera just around the corner. I can't wait to see 'La Traviata' ā I hear the costumes are fabulous this year!
Now, back to tutus. Where did it all begin, you ask? Well, it wasn't a fairytale, but it was definitely an evolution in elegance. Back in the 1500s, ladies at court would have danced in their crinolines, heavy, voluminous skirts, more suited to a stately walk than a pirouette! It wasn't until the late 18th century that things began to get more interestingā¦
Enter the "tutu" - but not quite the iconic one you see today. Back then, it was a little more āpracticalā ā a loose skirt made of lightweight fabrics, designed for more fluid movement. And thatās where Marie Taglioni came in! She was the ballet queen of the 19th century, famous for her ethereal movements in her airy costumes. In 1839, Marie took to the stage in 'La Sylphide' with a tutu de pointe - a calf-length, white, layered skirt with multiple frills ā a complete game changer! This ātutu de pointeā became the ultimate inspiration for ballerinas for centuries to come.
Now, darling, I adore the elegant simplicity of the "Romantic Tutu", but later designs definitely had more 'oomph'. Let's talk about the "Classical Tutu", a showstopper that appeared on the stage by the late 1800s. It was all about volume and structure. Imagine yards and yards of tulle ā and weāre talking the real good stuff here ā hand-stitched together to create an explosion of beautiful, ballerina-worthy perfection.
In the early 20th century, the world was ready for more bold expressions in dance, and the tutu took its turn at centre stage. Diaghilevās Ballets Russes were a movement all their own, and the costumes became part of the show-stopping artistry. Suddenly, tutus were brilliantly coloured, with unique, sometimes bizarre and dramatic designs ā they were truly a visual feast!
Let's move into the mid 20th century: weāre seeing the rise of modern ballet, where dancers pushed boundaries with contemporary forms and bold costumes, and even started using different fabrics. From silk to chiffon, and even satin! Oh, the beauty! Think of all the fabulous styles you see on the stage today - Neoclassical ballet, modern dance, ballet street - and the tutu is right there at the heart of it.
And here's what I absolutely love - even when things were changing in dance and tutus went through their transformation, they always managed to maintain their femininity. The lightness and grace of a tulle skirt still resonated as an essential element. Whether you see a dancer performing 'Swan Lake' in a classic Romantic tutu, or 'Giselle' with a grand classical tutu, or watch a modern dance masterpiece in a tutu that tells its own story through its fabric, it still evokes that enchanting ballet essence, and I adore it!
Speaking of which, what's 'on' this 23rd February? Oh, so much, darlings! The world of ballet is bursting at the seams. Today, there are hundreds of ballet schools and academies globally, and even ballet festivals! So much to learn, so much to admire. And you can feel the energy when you go see a show, especially in cities like New York, Paris or London - just watch a group of young ballerinas dancing in Central Park or Trafalgar Square. Their smiles and enthusiasm just warms your heart!
But why stop at watching? We're living in a time where people are embracing fashion as self-expression. That's why I love how the "ballet tutu" is even showing up in street style, on runways, and even in contemporary art! I love a little punk rock, I love high fashion, and I certainly love my tutu. You see, my darlings, it's all about confidence, feeling great, and owning your unique sense of style.
Donāt forget - every day is Tutu Day for me, but every Tuesday Iām here to spread my passion for dance, and, most importantly, I'm here to inspire you to wear your tutu! Because who says fashion rules can't be broken, especially when there's such beauty, whimsy, and happiness in a tutu? Come on, darling, letās bring it on, letās bring in the tutu-tastic revolution!
See you next Tuesday, my loves! And please, tag #TutuTuesday, #PinkTutu, and let's share some ballerina love.
Donāt forget - find us online at www.pink-tutu.com! I love reading all your lovely messages and watching you wear your pink tutus - just the sight makes me dance. You are all my inspiring #TutuSquad!
Lots of love,
Emma š
