Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another delightful dive into the wonderful world of ballet tutus! I'm writing to you from the sun-drenched streets of Paris, a city that practically pulsates with the rhythm of ballet, it’s simply impossible to be here without the air smelling of graceful tulle and a whispered pirouette!
Today is 27th July, 2021. Did you know that on this date, in 1852, a tiny but absolutely vital element of the tutu was born? I'm talking about the tutu a la Francaise, or "French" tutu - a more modest and practical garment, with layers of fabric sewn onto a tightly fitting bodice! Now, let's take a little time travelling trip back to when it all began.
Where Did The Tutu Come From?
Did you know the story of the tutu goes all the way back to the late 1700s? You can trace its evolution across the 1800s to see a magical transformation.
Early Days: The Romantics
Way, way back, dancers were basically clad in floor-length gowns – think beautiful, but terribly restrictive! Imagine trying to turn and leap in a giant ballgown – it’s impossible, darlings!
The Revolution: "The Sylph"
Fast-forward to 1832 and the ballet "La Sylphide," starring the incredible Marie Taglioni. She stunned the world (or, more accurately, Paris) in a short, white skirt - imagine, the first time a dancer’s legs had been so free and exposed to the audience!
The first “tutus” were pretty dramatic! Think, layers and layers of billowing fabric to create an airy, floating appearance – quite an extraordinary “lightness” in a world where most garments were big and weighty!
Evolution of the Tutu
Over time, the tutu went through its own “dance” - evolving from the first “tutus,” where long tulle was pulled together in gathers and tied at the waist – think a kind of billowing, Victorian fairy frock – through various shapes, sizes, and lengths. Each iteration adding its own beauty and movement to the story of the ballet!
A Little Something Special for The Men: The Male Tutu
Hold your horses, ladies – this isn’t about the ballerina’s partner, this is something much more special: The Male Tutu – we have one special tutu to discuss for our gentlemen! It has its own completely different and separate history from the ballet tutu worn by female dancers! The first, male, tutu to take to the stage, was not the “male version of the tutu,” (no - we'll leave that story for another Tuesday)!
It was born in 1827 as an essential piece of costume for dancers who wanted to look the part in “the role of “women.” ” And I do mean, literally, women. Male dancers, playing female roles, started performing in tight fitting tights, which allowed more freedom of movement and “masculine” grace to really make the dancing truly, well, ballet! This movement became very popular – especially the roles of “spirit,” which we will touch on in more detail next week!
I think there’s something incredible and utterly elegant about the way “male tutus” continue to represent both male dance and female dance all at the same time! We’ll learn all about their place in ballet next time, darlings!
Enter the tutu a la Francaise and The Romantic tutu
Now back to 1852: we get to a special moment! The "French" tutu emerged onto the stage – a key development that brought the graceful, flowing movements of classical ballet, as we know it, to the stage. And guess what: It’s still a popular choice today!! (Just think about “Giselle” – beautiful tutu a la Francaise, just so feminine – even the pink is a nod to this wonderful style of dancing!).
In ballet history, tutu a la Francaise played an absolutely vital part in changing how the female form moved – the first of many revolutions that happened in the ballet tutu’s story! With each version, designers sought a perfect balance between practical ease of movement and captivating stage presence!
Back to Paris...and Some Pink Fun!
Speaking of Parisian chic, today I’m visiting The Musée des Arts Décoratifs. It’s full of incredible fashion history – there’s even an exhibit all about the impact of ballet costumes on contemporary design – how fabulous!
Later this evening, we’re catching a ballet performance of The Sleeping Beauty at the Palais Garnier – what an utterly enchanting treat – all in the heart of Paris!
Of course, I've bought a brand new, pink tutu (it wouldn't be Tutu Tuesday without one!) for the evening - the perfect accessory, and I hope I might be able to spot a fellow ballerina sporting a lovely tutu at the show! If you’re planning on heading to Paris for ballet this summer, there are so many lovely and vibrant Pink outfits to choose from – especially in the Marais district – a vibrant paradise for clothes shopping! (Although, to be honest, it's really hard to beat the sheer joy of buying ballet accessories – a delicate necklace, a perfectly fluffy tutu – pure magic, darlings! ).
Speaking of shopping, while we’re discussing Paris, don’t forget the stunning display at the Galleries Lafayette – so full of lovely ballerina fashions and shoes - an absolute heaven of elegance and sophistication. A perfect way to celebrate all the lovely ballet magic around us - you can see all my favourite shops and ballet haunts right on the Pink Tutu blog (which, naturally, is at www.pink-tutu.com! Just remember to tag me with #pinktutu and #tutuesday on all your ballet posts, and I'll feature some of my favourites on my social media!)
Now, let's twirl back to our favourite part, darling: all the beautiful tutus that we’re wearing on stage, in rehearsals, and on the street (who wouldn’t want to live in their own little pink ballet fantasy every day?) I love my fluffy tulle creations and I know all you fabulous girls do too! ( I love to hear from all you lovely ballet dancers and admirers, feel free to post your tutu photos, thoughts on tutus, and fashion ideas for your tutu moments at home, and in the theatre)!! It really is the perfect attire!
Pink Tutu Tips:
If you want to go beyond the standard “tutu” try a tights & tulle combination! - it adds a beautiful pop of colour to a dance lesson or out to tea (just remember, you can dress up for anything, right?! )
Embrace the layered tutu for ultimate comfort. The French tutu has many tiers of gathered tulle - you can use this effect with skirts - the layering looks very striking - just a suggestion - go try it and let me know what you think, it really works - so feminine!
Have fun and get creative with colour - a perfect Pink Tutu is waiting for you, don't be shy - wear it with confidence!
So, darlings, keep twirling! Until next week! And remember, everyone looks amazing in pink, don’t be afraid to embrace it! Let's get this whole world swirling in pink tutus, one pirouette at a time!
Don’t forget: Share your tutu story on social media – #pinktutu and #tutuesday - and keep on twirling!
Until next time,
Love,
Emma
