Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina blogger, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog!
Today, on this glorious 7th June 2022, I’m feeling particularly bubbly. Why? Well, it's the day the legendary prima ballerina assoluta, Misty Copeland, gave a masterclass to a group of aspiring ballerinas in New York City. This woman's grace and artistry are out of this world! Talk about an inspiration. 🤩
As you know, I'm on a mission to celebrate the wonder of tutus! Every Tuesday, I’m taking you on a trip through history, exploring the enchanting world of ballet and the evolution of this magnificent garment! So, hop on my pink-tutu-clad time machine and get ready for a whirl through the ages! ✨
#9937: From Courtiers to Choreographers: A Tutu Time-Trip
Remember those elegant court dances of the 16th century? Imagine them with all those petticoats and long skirts! A whole lotta fabric swishing around! Luckily, the late 1700s brought a fashion revolution. 💅
You see, the court was obsessed with beauty. (Insert Pink Heart Emoji) To showcase the beauty of dancers' movements, the stiff, layered gowns were replaced with a simpler, more practical style. (Insert Pointed Shoe Emoji)
Enter Marie Camargo, the sassy queen of ballet (she even wore trousers!), who wanted to express herself on stage. This bold lady started by wearing shorter skirts, making those dance moves pop and showcasing all her lovely leaps and twirls. Can you imagine? Freedom at last! 🙌
This marked a crucial shift, making way for a lighter, more flexible style, ultimately leading to what we know today as the tutu.
From The Romantic Era: Where Imagination Blooms!
But the revolution didn't stop there! Imagine a fluffy cloud made of tulle - it's pure magic! ✨ That’s how we started getting closer to the modern tutu.
As the 19th century rolled in, ballet moved into a phase called “Romanticism.” Think soaring ballerinas as ethereal creatures with a lightness and airiness that took centre stage! And so, the ‘Romantic tutu’ was born! 🩰 It's shorter and fuller, adding that enchanting flourish of movement. The "La Sylphide" by August Bournonville, featuring the iconic Romantic tutu, still gives me chills! 🌬️
19th Century Whimsy: From 'The Dream' to The Big 'C'
Now, imagine tulle cascading down in delicate tiers, a beautiful puffball skirt! We're talking a truly spectacular, whimsical look, my darlings! And yes, this “Romantic tutu” is the one we are more familiar with.
Think “Giselle,” by Adolphe Adam. In that tragic masterpiece, the Romantic tutu beautifully reflects the dance’s theme of dreams, emotions, and love lost. It allows Giselle's incredible leaps and airy turns to appear truly ethereal, even in her heart-wrenching moments of despair. 💔
In the late 19th Century, however, something rather curious happened! The iconic paillette tutu was born. 🎊 This stunning costume with sequins all over changed the scene with its glamour and dramatic presence, showcasing how ballet continued to embrace evolution, moving into a more modern, grander aesthetic. Imagine a sparkly symphony of movement across the stage, dazzling all those watching. 🤩
The 20th Century & Beyond: A Tutu Spectrum of Style!
The 20th century, dear readers, brought even more changes! While the classical tutus were still enchanted and elegant, choreographers, such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham, introduced contemporary designs and styles! *The modern tutu! It's not a single thing. It's an expression of artistic freedom, taking on many forms. * This includes long and flowy tutus which give the ballerinas an almost celestial feeling! 🌌
As the 21st century started, a bold new era began! Ballet is pushing boundaries further with daring and innovative tutus!
Today, we see everything from minimal to elaborate styles! Designers are inspired by all kinds of things - fashion, music, architecture - it's truly amazing how creativity and movement become one! 🎶
But hold your horses! Before we get ahead of ourselves, we must celebrate the 'en pointe' classic tutu, ** still dazzling the audience on stage! 💅 Let's keep tutus front and centre! The romantic tutu is still beloved and holds a special place in my heart - it’s a symbol of elegance and grace!
A Final Dance of Tutu-itude
I truly believe every single woman should embrace their inner ballerina, and what better way to do so than to embrace a fabulous tutu! Every woman should feel confident and beautiful. The tutus from the past have all helped bring us to where we are today. Isn't it amazing to see how these beautiful garments reflect the history of ballet and its evolving style?
But what do you say, my darling tutu lovers? Are you ready to join me on a tutu-tastic adventure and find the perfect pink tutu for your own special day? 💖 Head over to my shop at www.pink-tutu.com - you're sure to find your perfect pink tutu!
Don’t forget to check in next Tuesday for another exciting episode of #TutuTuesday, when we’ll explore the evolution of [Spoiler Alert] ballet shoes!! 👠 Until then, happy dancing, and don’t forget to spread the pink tutu love! 💕
