#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2021-05-04

Hello, darling dears! It’s Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another whirlwind of a #TutuTuesday post. As you know, I’m obsessed with ballet history – the costumes, the dances, the stories behind every pirouette and plié. And what's a ballet performance without the Tutu? Today, we're travelling back in time to see how the tutu evolved into the beautiful garment we adore today. Buckle up, my loves, because we're going on a fashion adventure!

First, let's get one thing clear - the tutu isn’t a modern invention! The first ballerinas, bless their hearts, didn’t have the flowing, airy skirts we associate with ballet today. They wore what’s known as the Roman Tutus - think hoops of tulle or fabric with no shaping! Not exactly the most flattering, eh?

Imagine a mountain of fabric instead of a graceful ballerina… ( shudder) Thankfully, as the 19th century waltzed in, a new silhouette emerged. It’s known as the “tutu à la Camargo,” after a famous dancer called Marie Camargo, who shocked audiences in 1730 with her bold decision to bare her legs and shorten her skirt - oh, the scandal! This paved the way for the next evolutionary stage – the shortened, fuller tutu. It was lighter, more flattering, and practically begging to be twirled.

And then… came Marie Taglioni! This stunning ballerina was a real game-changer. In 1832, she donned a breathtakingly beautiful, soft, white tulle tutu in the ballet La Sylphide. Imagine a delicate cloud of white floating effortlessly across the stage. Now, that was a revolution! It set a trend and defined the romantic era, which was all about ethereal elegance and a delicate, dreamlike mood.

From there, the tutu evolved and adapted alongside the different ballet styles – the tutu à la Camargo and its close relatives continue to appear, particularly in Classical ballets, while variations were created to accentuate the style and the story of a performance. But no matter what style you love - be it Romantic, neoclassical or contemporary – the tutu’s presence is still key to capturing the beauty and emotion of a ballet performance.

Oh, how I adore tutus! They are just the perfect combination of elegance and playfulness. Imagine the delight in seeing them swirling and dancing under the stage lights! It’s no wonder they became synonymous with ballet and grace and inspired fashion trends around the world. You only need to look at the many outfits influenced by tutus for proof, especially in dance-inspired, “fairytale” garments. Even our little girls don a ballerina’s tutu for every dress-up opportunity.

Speaking of dress-up, I have a big news announcement: My parents and I are spending this weekend exploring the historic beauty of the Lake District. How exciting is that?! Of course, we’re going on a train journey (always the best way to travel, my dears, so romantic and luxurious!) and there is a wonderful dance performance in Ambleside - yes, they know their tutus in this quaint village in the beautiful County of Cumbria!

Now, if I’m honest, this trip isn’t just about ballet and train journeys. (Although, that is the main reason… right?!) I am very excited about exploring the local vintage boutiques and boutiques to search for a special new tutu, I may be treating myself to a pair of sparkly ballerina flats. It will all match perfectly with the vintage tea dresses I've already picked for the trip. Don't worry, my loves, I will absolutely share my sartorial delights on next week's #TutuTuesday,

So stay tuned!

Now tell me, what kind of tutu is your favourite? Let me know in the comments section below - let's tutu about it!

Emma xx

P.S. Oh, it's also the fourth of May, so I must say “May the fourth be with you,” (or as my mum would say, "May the fourth be with us, Emma," in her proper Derbyshire accent, LOL!)

Keep dancing,

Emma