Hello, my darling tutulettes! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina, straight from the pinkest corner of your dreams, ready to share another whirlwind journey through the enchanting history of the ballet tutu.
Today, we're diving deep into the archives, stopping at November 9th, 2021, a date brimming with the most marvellous memories and delightful stories of those ever-so-fabulous tutus!
A Trip Down Memory Lane
2021... Oh, how it seems a lifetime ago, right? That year was packed with captivating ballet performances - remember The Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House? Absolutely stunning! And those magnificent tutus! They were truly breathtaking, from the shimmering gold and jewel-toned fabrics to the perfectly tailored, layered layers. My inner fashionista practically shrieked!
Of course, who can forget the joyous energy of Swan Lake? Those swans, dancing with their pristine white tutus, so perfectly reflecting the grace and strength of those magnificent creatures. Honestly, I could watch those tutus swirl for hours, never getting bored!
Now, November 9th, 2021 - what was happening in the world of ballet on this special day? I remember it vividly - the grand opening of the newly refurbished ballet school in Manchester! Oh, the joy, the excitement! It felt like the whole city was buzzing about it. Everyone, young and old, was talking about the gorgeous new classrooms, the gleaming studio, and yes, you guessed it, the tutus! Pink tutus! Just as they should be! 😉
But don't worry, I'm not just about tutus (although I think we can all agree they are essential for the perfect ballerina outfit!). My journey took me to a little antique shop nestled in the cobbled streets of York that day, where I discovered the most fascinating old book. A book on the evolution of ballet costumes from the 17th century all the way up to the modern day.
The History of the Tutu
Let's get our time machines ready, tutulettes, as we venture back through the ages, delving into the fascinating history of our beloved tutu. It wasn't always the light and airy garment we see today!
Back in the 1500s, dancers in court ballets often wore rather elaborate and cumbersome garments, more like voluminous gowns with very full skirts. Think puffy petticoats, layered ruffles, and lots and lots of fabric. Quite the opposite of the elegant lines of the modern tutu!
Then came the 1800s - a revolution in fashion and dancing! As ballerinas started performing on pointe, a change in costumes was needed to allow for more freedom of movement and to showcase the incredible athleticism of these incredible artists.
This is where our lovely tutus really started to shine! In the early 1800s, we see the beginnings of what we recognise as the romantic tutu, made from several layers of soft, tulle netting. This lightweight design allowed for breathtaking movements and even more spectacular leaps, jumps, and graceful turns! This era was a real boom time for the ballet tutu.
The iconic “Romantic” tutus from the early to mid-1800s featured layered, romantic, and light tulle with beautiful decoration and lots of volume - so reminiscent of fairy dresses! Think Giselle, my darling tutulettes! It’s all about soft feminine designs with an emphasis on delicate movements.
Fast forward a bit and the tutu morphed again with the arrival of the “Classical” tutu – shorter and lighter in appearance. This new, sleek design is ideal for dancers to show off their superhuman physical skills – jumps, twirls, and leaps have never looked more graceful.
The modern tutu, the one you see dazzling on stages around the world, evolved from all these wonderful forms – it's shorter, even lighter and often incorporates special effects like feathers, sequins, or embroidery to make those dancing stars truly shine!
And oh, let's not forget, pink! This delightful hue has always played an important role in tutu history! It's the color of feminine grace, whimsy, and of course, our adorable ballerina outfits! There is truly nothing more delightful than a ballet tutu in shades of blushing pink! 💖
What's next for the tutu?
So much of ballet is about embracing change and innovation, and the tutu is no exception! As styles evolve, as techniques change, so will our cherished tutu. Perhaps it will incorporate new, light fabrics, or be infused with special glow-in-the-dark technology (imagine those leaping fairies!).
One thing’s for sure, the tutu’s future is looking as bright and captivating as ever! I for one am so excited to see where this magnificent garment goes next.
Now, darling tutulettes, I know I’ve been a little preoccupied with tutus today (I confess, they’re a bit of a weakness of mine!) But let’s face it, who doesn’t love a twirl-worthy, beautiful tutu, right?
Next week I’ll be revisiting The Nutcracker as we travel back in time to a December evening in 1990, so make sure you check back on this time next Tuesday! I’ve heard rumours of a magical performance!
Now, my sweet friends, don’t forget, there’s always a tutu for every occasion - for a picnic in the park, a trip to the cinema, a dance class, or even just a day spent swirling around your bedroom in a dream! And don't forget, the ultimate tutus come in pink, the colour of happiness, optimism and that delicious little bit of magic in your life!
Until next week, darling tutulettes, go forth and twirl with happiness!
Emma 💖
