Helloooo lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and I'm bursting with excitement to take you on a little journey through time… with tutus, of course! As you all know, Tuesdays are for exploring the glorious history of ballet’s most fabulous attire, and this week, I've taken a leap (a graceful one, of course) to the year 2021!
As I shimmied through the streets of London on October 12th, the air buzzed with the exciting energy of a city gearing up for London Fashion Week, a perfect event for a tutu enthusiast like me. The colours were vibrant, the trends daring, and you betcha, I spied a few amazing tutu-inspired pieces - fashion designers are definitely feeling the magic of ballet, you know!
This week’s date coincides with the launch of the #NoMoreForgotten campaign launched by the charity Stagecoach. It aims to celebrate the invaluable contributions of backstage workers who tirelessly contribute to the magic of live performance! Without these incredible individuals, from set designers to costume creators, the stage wouldn't be the same! And hey, when you're a ballet dancer, you really appreciate that someone's kept your costume fresh and sparkling for your big dance! 💖
As for the ballet world in 2021, I was lucky to catch a fabulous Royal Ballet performance - they're always a treat! I fell in love with their stunning interpretation of "The Sleeping Beauty," and guess what?! The costumes were simply dazzling. I especially loved the glittering tutu of Princess Aurora. Oh, to twirl in that one! 😍
But today's blog is all about history!
The year 2021, was the year of the 30th anniversary of the "Tutu" by Maurice Béjart, an epic work celebrating ballet’s history with a touch of contemporary style. Béjart masterfully brought a unique perspective to the tutus worn by the dancers. It was fascinating to see how his artistic vision transformed this classic ballet element.
Now, let’s travel back even further.
Remember my last blog post where I mentioned Marie Camargo? This incredible ballerina wasn’t just a dancer, she was a fashion icon! Back in the 1700s, she revolutionized ballet by shortening her skirt, allowing more movement and flexibility. I like to imagine the raised eyebrows and gasps from the ladies of the court, ”My goodness, is she trying to expose her ankles?!” 😂
This radical decision, which shocked many at the time, ultimately paved the way for the iconic ballet tutu as we know it today! And here's a fun fact: This period, where dancers' skirts were shorter, even featured male dancers sporting "tutus" with shorter skirts! Talk about a trendsetter, huh?
The tutu’s evolution was quite the journey: We’ve gone from knee-length skirts to the impossibly delicate, multi-layered, cloud-like wonders of the 19th century, epitomized by Marie Taglioni, the undisputed “Queen of the Tutu.” I mean, her signature piece in “La Sylphide”, where she danced like a true sylph, wearing a stunning, ethereal, white tulle tutu... oh, it just stole the show!
The 19th century was the tutu’s golden age. This was the era when tutus became symbolic of classical ballet. With their majestic flounces and airy, weightless look, they showcased the elegance and grace of ballerinas like never before. And yes, this era also brought us the glorious, impossibly fluffy, romantic-era tutu!
The early 20th century, ushered in a wave of new ballet styles like neoclassical and modern dance, and tutus adapted to suit those forms. While traditional, multi-layered tutus remained popular, the emphasis shifted to showcasing more freedom and expression. The "demi-pointe" or "half-pointed" tutu appeared with fewer layers, revealing more of the dancer's legs and body, highlighting the lines of their movements.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the tutu continued to evolve, exploring different fabrics, designs, and techniques. This playful approach to tutu creation even gave rise to the modern “Street Ballet,” which creatively blends ballet with street dance aesthetics.
And here's the thing - while fashion trends come and go, the ballet tutu is a timeless masterpiece that embodies elegance, grace, and artistry. From the original ballet dress worn by Marie Camargo, to the multi-layered romantic tutus of the 19th century, to the streamlined silhouettes of modern ballet, the tutu has truly captivated generations, proving to be an iconic garment, and I truly believe a masterpiece that never gets old.
Speaking of captivating and timeless, the tutu has always inspired designers beyond the stage! It’s no surprise that it’s been adapted into contemporary fashion for years.
One of my all-time favourite moments was back in 1999, when Dior showcased its tutu-inspired garments for its spring-summer collection - truly, that collection brought together elegance, innovation and classic style.
Now, my dear readers, let me know: What’s your favourite tutu era? The flowing, billowing tutus of the Romantic era? The iconic Marie Taglioni? Or do you fancy the modern, sleek style of the Street Ballet? Let’s hear your tutu dreams! 🩰
I’m heading back in time this week to discover more tutu magic! So, until next Tuesday, my little lovelies, keep twirling in your inner ballet fantasies! Don’t forget, a little bit of pink tutu never hurt anyone. 😄
Love and tutus, Emma x 💖
P.S. If you love travelling, exploring fashion, and are a HUGE fan of ballet (like moi), you absolutely have to hop aboard this amazing adventure called “pink-tutu.com.”
Here, you can journey through time, discover captivating ballet history, learn all about fabulous designers who’ve been inspired by ballet’s beautiful and captivating outfits, and delve into the magical world of the ballet!
Join me and millions of tutu enthusiasts! 😉💖
Remember to wear pink, and never forget, everyone can wear a tutu!
