Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through the fascinating history of our beloved tutus!
I'm currently gracing the cobblestones of Paris with my trusty pink tutu, breathing in the Parisian air, enjoying the energy, the croissants, and, of course, the ballet! It's June 14th, 2022, and this city is truly the heart of the ballet world, buzzing with rehearsals, performances, and a whirlwind of tutus in every shade imaginable!
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As always, my journey through time is guided by one principle: a love for all things pink and twirly! Today, I'm taking you on a journey back to the very beginnings of the tutu.
The Humble Origins of the Tutu
You might be surprised to learn that the tutu we know and love wasn't always a cloud of tulle and frills. In fact, back in the 1500s and 1600s, ballerinas were all about long, heavy gowns and bulky skirts. Can you imagine? It must have felt like trying to dance in a thick blanket! Imagine performing Swan Lake wearing something that resembles a Victorian era dress! I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
It wasn't until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that the tutu began to evolve. Marie Taglioni, one of ballet's biggest icons, became a huge champion for simplicity and grace, and she was one of the first ballerinas to don shorter skirts, exposing the leg and emphasizing those incredible ballet lines. I can't help but feel a kinship with her - a love of showcasing the ballerina's body through a simple, elegant garment. It’s just divine, don’t you think?
The Romanticism Era and The Rise of the Tutu
The 19th century saw a true romantic revolution! This time was all about love, freedom, and a whole lot of tutus! The tutu became shorter, lighter, and much, much more elaborate. Picture swirling skirts, fluffy ruffles, and an ethereal quality that left audiences spellbound. These designs became a beautiful embodiment of the romantic era! I can just picture those magnificent tutus being worn onstage – they must have looked just like a fairytale.
And remember Giselle? This ballet truly cemented the iconic tutus we adore. This magical ballet (and its legendary tutus!) solidified the ballerina as a symbol of beauty, grace, and elegance . We have Giselle to thank for giving tutus the iconic place they hold in the dance world and worldwide!
From Romanticism to the Modern Age
By the late 19th and early 20th century, the tutu had gone through another transformation, becoming more fitted to the dancer's body and emphasizing a clean, flowing shape. The tutus worn in today’s classical ballets are an evolution of these styles, featuring more elaborate construction, but with the same flowing beauty that graced those iconic Victorian stages.
Beyond the Traditional
Speaking of modern days, there's a whole world of tutus outside of the classic styles. Contemporary ballet embraces a diverse range of tutu styles. We can now find tutus of all shapes and sizes! Shorter, longer, with more layers, fewer layers, and a huge array of colours beyond white! From shimmering silver and bold gold to bright yellow – I'm sure you can tell that I approve of all of them! The possibilities truly are endless. I actually have quite the collection in my personal wardrobe, with my very favourite tutu being a beautiful soft lavender.
And it wouldn't be Tutu Tuesday without some fashion advice
For you stylish ladies out there, there are more ways to incorporate a tutu into your wardrobe than ever before. Take a cue from fashionistas everywhere, the tutu is enjoying a resurgence as a fashion statement. They are a perfect party outfit for weddings and summer parties, a wonderful way to jazz up everyday attire or even for special occasions. Let your inner ballerina shine! Pair a sparkly pink tutu with a stylish top – the sky’s the limit with the sheer number of options to express yourself in! I've even seen some beautiful ones styled up as dresses - talk about a glamorous evening look.
It’s time to dance our way through this week!
So, whether you're in a class, a theater, or even just enjoying a sunny stroll through a French market, I encourage you to embrace the magical spirit of the tutu. Embrace your creativity, embrace your confidence, and dance through life in the pink tutu of your dreams!
As always, I love to hear from my dearest followers! Tell me: what is your favorite type of tutu, and where did you see it in action? I’d love to see photos of you wearing yours! What other topics would you love me to discuss for next week’s blog post?
Until next Tutu Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling and live life in a whirl of pink! 💕
**Love,
Emma x**
