#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2021-10-26

Hello my fellow tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate the history and magic of this iconic garment! It’s a bright, sunny Tuesday here in the heart of Paris, and guess what? I’m surrounded by some of the most incredible fashion on the planet. What a great day for a little trip down memory lane, eh? Let’s twirl back to our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History:

Oh, but first – you know me and my pink passion! So, in honour of this beautiful Parisian Autumn afternoon, I’ve slipped into a fluffy, bubblegum-pink tutu that's making the pigeons do double-takes. Just picture it - a cascade of layers, a frothy confection, and all that delicious pink! It's almost enough to make you want to take up ballet. Almost.

Today we're going back, back, back in time! Think Marie Antoinette and a whirlwind of elegance. I can just imagine her in a magnificent pale-pink, voluminous tutu (maybe adorned with a few delicate white feathers – can you picture that?!).

Did you know? The history of the ballet tutu is a story of fashion evolution!

Imagine a time where ballerinas weren’t sporting their airy, graceful costumes. It's hard, isn't it? Now, picture yourself as a ballerina in the late 1700s.

Your "costume" was a real costume! It was a long, elaborate, cumbersome dress – more suited for a ballroom than a performance. Imagine trying to turn or leap in that! It would be like dancing in a heavy, hot, long winter coat! Goodness me!

*Enter…the tutu! *

Well, it didn’t spring up out of thin air like a magic spell (although I must admit that, when I twirl in my pink tutu, I definitely feel like a magical ballerina!)

The early version, called a “tutu à la Pompadour, was more of a shortened, fitted dress. We owe this genius transformation to Marie Salle, an absolute star of the 1700s! She actually changed the way dancers danced, and we thank her for that.

Think back to the time before gas lighting. Imagine the dim lit stage. Ballet was more about the graceful steps of the ballerina’s legs and feet than being able to fully see her costume. In came the “ tutu à la chemise”, and what a change it brought. Made of muslin, and a close-fitting bodice, this lighter dress allowed for greater movement. Now imagine! Ballerinas were dancing freely, the audience could see their limbs, and a more delicate look appeared, giving more graceful and refined lines to the female form. Such progress, eh?!

Over the years the tutu evolved, taking on many variations and styles, and reflecting the fashion of the time. From romantic to classic, long and short, flowing and stiff - the tutu kept its role as a symbol of beauty and grace in the world of ballet!

Here’s where things really got exciting! It was time for the big “poof” (because who doesn’t love a poof?!). *The “Romantic tutu”, which graced the stage from 1830, was an absolute triumph! * Think of swirling, fluffy layers, cascading around a ballerina. It brought an even greater degree of lightness, an ethereal appearance, and created a real dramatic presence for the ballerina onstage. And the dancing... well, this revolutionised ballet! Imagine the airiness, the etherealism, the grace - it was truly spectacular!

*This type of tutu took centre stage at the Paris Opera House around 1840, and it continued to wow audiences through the late 19th century. But don’t forget: Fashion is always changing and evolving! *

This brings us to the modern era, the “Classical Tutu” we’re all familiar with. We’re talking stiff, multi-layered tutus that create that beautiful cone shape. And of course, it is a style that highlights those impressive pirouettes! * You know, the type that takes months of dedicated training and talent to achieve. You can see why those Ballerinas are stars, eh? *But remember: the most important thing is to twirl with confidence. Just look at all the amazing tutus! Every style, from the romantic puffiness to the modern, sharp lines – all are incredibly beautiful. They’re part of ballet's history and evolution!

Now, you’ve gotta tell me, which tutu is YOUR favourite?! Leave a comment below! And don't forget, everyone looks gorgeous in pink. Why don't you join me? Put on your tutu, even if it’s a homemade one, and let’s twirl together! It’s time for a little ballet and #TutuTuesday inspiration.

See you next week, tutu lovers!

P.S. Don't forget to keep checking in! It’s getting colder, so there will be a whole host of new ideas on Pink-Tutu.com in time for the holidays. We’ve got some fabulous new additions coming, so stay tuned. Oh! *Remember that 26th October, 2021 was an important date - it was International Day of the Girl, celebrating the power and promise of girls all over the world. It’s something that deserves to be celebrated in a pink tutu, don’t you think? *