Hey lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina blogger Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday history lesson from the dazzling world of ballet. Today, we're taking a journey back to the 19th century, to explore the beginnings of the iconic garment that is, of course, the tutu!
This Tuesday, April 19th, is a particularly exciting day in history for us tutu enthusiasts, as it was on this very date in 1832 that Marie Taglioni graced the stage in her legendary performance of La Sylphide, dressed in a revolutionary, floor-length white tulle skirt. Now, that's what I call a showstopper!
Marie's innovative choice of costume sparked a revolution in ballet, quite literally sweeping away the cumbersome and restrictive gowns of the era. The flowing, ethereal white tutu perfectly captured the romantic spirit of the Romantic era, with its emphasis on light, grace, and delicate movements.
But, my dears, the tutu's history stretches back further than just La Sylphide. Before it became the epitome of elegance and grace, the tutu actually had a somewhat… more practical role! You see, back in the 15th and 16th centuries, dancers in the royal courts wore what we would now call "bouffant skirts" - basically lots and lots of petticoats that provided some very…voluminous, if somewhat restrictive, movement. This was to allow their graceful, extravagant dance steps to be clearly seen, even amongst all the lavish and opulent royal courts.
So, while Marie's groundbreaking tutu marked the beginning of a new chapter in ballet, the "tutu-like" movement has actually been around for a very long time, evolving and transforming alongside the art form itself.
But don't think for a second that we're forgetting the essential tutu features! Those layers of tulle, that perfectly sculpted shape, that dazzling stage presence, it's truly a wonder of costume design! Every time I step into my own little pink tutu cloud, I feel like I'm part of this rich ballet history, connecting me to all the talented dancers who've donned this magical garment over the years.
It's also worth noting that pink tutus made their debut on the scene around 1880. Just think, there I was, a little pink tutu girl in Victorian times! While those early pink tutus were often more extravagant, even with lavish embellishments and feathers, today's pink tutus still carry that hint of charming, romantic spirit, that vibrant, optimistic colour adding a touch of magic and sparkle to every performance.
Speaking of performances, I've been lucky enough to be attending the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden, London, these last few days, enjoying some absolute masterpieces of dance! Watching those exquisite movements, those elegant, graceful spins, and those mesmerizing formations – it's simply breathtaking! The sheer artistry and dedication on display just takes my breath away every single time.
You know I'm always drawn to the elegance and precision of classical ballet, but my heart truly belongs to ballet street performances as well. The fusion of ballet's graceful movements and urban street culture is so vibrant, so electrifying, and the creative expression is so incredibly exciting!
Just the other day I saw an amazing street ballet piece with an all-pink tutu troupe - they brought a modern twist to traditional ballet, incorporating acrobatic elements, powerful athleticism, and playful choreography. It truly made my tutu-wearing heart skip a beat!
However, my love of dance doesn't stop at ballet. From captivating theatrical performances to immersive dance theatre pieces, there's so much beauty and inspiration to be found all around us!
Just yesterday, I spent the afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets of Paris, where I discovered a wonderful, independent little vintage clothing shop, nestled in a quiet little courtyard - and you know what I found? A breathtakingly gorgeous pale pink vintage tutu, with a shimmering hand-beaded design and delicately feathered trim - and, let me tell you, it's already hanging proudly in my collection!
Shopping for new tutu finds is absolutely essential, darling! It's just not a real trip without picking up a stunning piece of ballet history! It doesn't just bring a piece of artistry into my home, but a part of ballet’s glorious and inspiring history! I also think every dance fan needs to explore those quaint little antique shops, hidden vintage boutiques, or perhaps a trip to a reputable costumier, to find something special, a truly beautiful, vintage piece. You know you want to!
Speaking of vintage pieces, a truly remarkable historical tutu currently on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London has become my latest obsession. It's a pale blue, floor-length tulle beauty with elaborate floral embroideries - a genuine testament to the skill and artistry of early tutu makers! And guess what? This Wednesday, 19th April, they're hosting a lecture about the history of tutus, focusing on those first pioneering tutus from the 19th century! I'm so there!
So there you have it, lovelies! A glimpse into the beautiful, history of the tutu. Don't forget to explore these fascinating and historic costumes – they’re full of wonder and creativity, from the intricate construction of their tulle layers to their evolution alongside the art form of ballet! And, always remember, every tutu holds its own little piece of ballet history!
And before I go, I have a little challenge for you! Share your favourite memories with a tutu! Perhaps it was your first ballet lesson, watching a performance, or maybe it was a special tutu from your own collection? Share your stories and photos on the #pinktutu website. Let’s celebrate all the incredible, tutu-filled moments and stories together.
Until next #TutuTuesday, my loves, keep dancing, keep twirling, and keep embracing the magic of ballet. 🩰💖
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
