Hiya everyone! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday! I'm currently waltzing through the streets of Paris, feeling utterly fabulous in my most frilly tulle. Oh, the joy of pink tutus in this city!
Today, I thought we'd take a little trip back in time, and I mean WAY back. We're heading to the 16th Century! It's not exactly tutu central, but bear with me...
Back then, they didn't have proper ballet yet. Imagine, NO tutus! What a crime! The kind of dancing they did was mostly fancy footwork, with lots of swirling, and elaborate costumes were all the rage. We’re talking silks, satin, embroidery - a real feast for the eyes. It’s interesting to think that the costumes we see today are so starkly different. They certainly loved their frills, but it’s more than a little shocking to see all the heavy fabrics. Can you imagine trying to dance in that?!
Anyway, let’s move on to the 17th century! In the royal courts of France, they were still big on elaborate outfits. But here's the kicker - women began dancing in trousers! Not just any trousers though. We're talking silk bloomers, a lot like what the Suffragettes would wear a few centuries later! (Although sadly they probably wouldn't have been in pink. Pink is the colour of positivity, you know?)
Now, we’re skipping to the late 17th century, and that’s where the tutu really begins! Well, sort of. The ballet dancers, still mostly men at this time, were starting to wear skirts made from soft fabrics, more practical than their heavier court costumes. They even had special pants to wear under their short skirts – a sign of things to come! The idea of wearing a light and airy skirt with movement was definitely catching on!
The 18th century is where we see the real beginnings of the modern tutu. Think longer skirts with a distinct cone-like shape – basically a precursor to our tutus. As women started joining the dance scene, ballet as a whole began to change! The costumes started becoming more feminine. Think a soft ballet skirt that allows for those spectacular leaps. The whole dance style became more ethereal! This period in time was when women became real stars of ballet. We had dancers like Marie Camargo – a real icon who even sparked a skirt-length battle, with some preferring the shorter skirts! They called it a "jupe à la Camargo". I tell you, it sounds more delicious than a meringue!
In the 19th century, the tutu really came into its own, though it wasn't all frilly at first. Early versions were a bit more modest with lots of layers, so movement wasn't quite so free. The tutu's evolution really started to accelerate with the arrival of dancers like the infamous Marie Taglioni. She's known for pioneering the Romantic ballet era and she practically invented the modern tutu – think short and light, revealing those exquisite legs! Imagine it - airy, flowing, a symphony of movement. This is how ballet achieved a truly elegant lightness and that is exactly the spirit that carries through to this day. She wasn't afraid to shake things up and, for that, I tip my hat to her!
Finally, we come to the tutu as we know it today! In the late 19th century, dancers embraced the short, puffy tulle skirt with tiers, giving them ultimate freedom of movement and an ethereal, dreamlike effect. We owe this style to designers like Carl-Ernest Wilhelm, the founder of the house of "Lacoste". That's the brand you know for the sporty crocodile! But guess what? They also started a long tradition of creating absolutely stunning costumes for ballet! This kind of evolution, where design meets movement, makes tutu history so much fun. And yes, pink tutus, of course, were all the rage by now. Think delicate tulle and lovely embroidery. Even then, there was nothing more fabulous!
But enough about the history of the tutu – you can't just talk about the history of tutus without talking about all the incredible shows we have nowadays! And speaking of amazing things…
Here in Paris, there’s an incredible ballet show at the Opéra Garnier. I can’t give too much away, as I love to leave some of the magic up to you. Suffice it to say it’s just fantastic, with exquisite costumes, masterful dance, and such vibrant life. If you have a chance to go to Paris, it's truly a must-see. You can imagine, a fashion girl like me is all about the stunning costumes and all that twirling! It makes me long to return to the theatre and feel the stage beneath my feet once again. I've seen so many wonderful performances – each one leaving a trail of pink glitter, memories, and tutu-love in its wake.
This beautiful pink tulle dress is a real dream. There’s so much elegance and style packed into its design. It really makes me feel like a true ballerina. Oh, and the fabric feels incredible, like the softest cloud. A true testament to how we’ve come from the heavy silks of the past to such delicate beauty!
Anyway, darling readers, it’s time for me to pack my tutu bag, take a ride on the Eurostar (that sleek pink train, always a fashion icon in its own right) and explore what other amazing adventures this trip has in store. Until next #TutuTuesday!
With love, glitter and pink tutus,
Emma xoxo
P.S. Did I tell you how much I love pink tutus? If you haven't already, check out my shop online at www.pink-tutu.com - it's the place to find the perfect pink tutu for your next ballet class, performance, or just for adding some whimsical flair to your wardrobe! Let’s spread the pink tutu love!
