Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you away on a delightful journey through the history of ballet! It's #TutuTuesday, which means it's time to dig deep into the fascinating world of these beautiful and iconic garments! Today's journey takes us back to the very beginnings of the tutu. Get ready, because we’re about to embark on a captivating trip, full of pretty pink hues and fabulous flourishes!
This week I found myself hopping aboard a delightful vintage train (they don’t make 'em like that anymore!), taking me right into the heart of France. Oh, how I adore that country, with its charming streets, delectable pastries, and oh-so-chic boutiques. It's where my heart truly beats for tutus!
From the Court to the Stage
But enough about me, let's talk about the real star of the show - the tutu. Did you know that the evolution of the tutu began right in France's Royal court, around the 15th century? They were, shall we say, less glamorous back then, more like voluminous robes or long, billowing skirts - hardly the elegant silhouettes we know today. Fancy that, right?!
The story really begins to take shape during the 17th and 18th centuries. Back then, the danseurs, or male dancers, were really in the spotlight, performing their elaborate moves. But can you imagine trying to do grand jetés and pirouettes in a long, heavy gown? It was simply impractical, wasn't it? So the skirt started getting shorter, creating the first hint of that iconic tutu shape.
Now, a big change arrived on the scene in the early 19th century - Romanticism swept into ballet like a breath of fresh air. Think dreamy landscapes, passionate characters, and, of course, our beloved ballerina! To depict this airy lightness and ethereal spirit, ballerinas needed a costume that truly showcased their movements. Enter the tutu romantique, or romantic tutu, with its long, layered skirt. Just like a graceful swan in flight, the dancers floated across the stage. It was a revolutionary shift!
The Tutu Transforms
As ballet continued its incredible evolution, the tutu continued to evolve with it. Imagine a world without the tutu plat, the beautiful, fitted, and oh-so-charming short skirt we all know and adore! This magical garment arrived with the neoclassical ballet movement, and believe me, it changed everything! With its beautiful structure, it gave dancers complete freedom to move with such precision, grace, and fluidity. Think of all those stunning leaps, graceful fouettés, and lightning-fast spins - the tutu plat allowed ballerinas to move with a captivating beauty that was simply revolutionary.
You see, the tutu has truly been a symbol of female strength, grace, and artistry, allowing ballerinas to express themselves with unmatched elegance.
Celebrating the Tutu!
The other day I stumbled upon a wonderful ballet production featuring some fantastic dancers. It had everything: romantic, beautiful tutus, and dynamic contemporary dance, and the energy was electric. The power of these garments truly resonated as I watched them take to the stage. Each movement was captivating, and the beauty and joy radiating from them simply blew me away! I felt a powerful sense of connection, and I know it was a feeling shared by everyone in the audience. The applause afterwards was just fantastic - everyone just seemed so delighted, especially those of us who understand how incredibly difficult ballet is, the incredible stamina and strength it demands!
Speaking of connection, that is truly what ballet, and in particular the tutu, represent for me. Ballet is a way to connect with ourselves, with our community, and with the sheer joy of movement. You know, it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from the extraordinary Rudolf Nureyev, "There's nothing better in life than seeing a ballerina, beautiful, powerful, and completely dedicated to what she does.” He was indeed, one of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century.
Let’s Celebrate!
Speaking of extraordinary dancers, here is something fun and interesting for you all - do you remember July 5th 2013? A legendary night of celebration of all things ballet, showcasing a spectacular performance featuring all your favorite tutus! Imagine it, darlings! We are taking this historical moment and making it our own - a celebration of the glorious world of dance!
Today is all about a wonderful little pink tutu with a ribbon sash! This particular type of tutu has been around since the late 19th century and became very popular around the beginning of the 20th century and was all over ballet performances by 1920! What was special was its lightweight material, allowing the ballerina to move even more freely. It had such an iconic look, with the sash bringing just that bit more color, whimsy, and fun!
Now, it's your turn to spread the tutu love! What are your favourite tutu memories? Perhaps you saw a mesmerizing performance, bought your first pink tutu, or maybe your own daughter is following her ballet dreams?
Tell me your tales, darlings! Let’s celebrate the history of this magical garment and its impact on the art of ballet!
And remember, darlings, no matter how you choose to embrace your inner ballerina, let the spirit of the tutu inspire you. Wear pink tutus, celebrate dance, and let's dance our way to a world full of graceful movement, joyous expression, and boundless beauty!
I'll see you all next Tuesday!
Emma xx
PS: Don’t forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for some fabulous pink tutu ideas, ballet inspired fashion, and exclusive news about all things ballet! I also have some super fun photos of me rocking pink tutus!
Until next week, keep dancing!
xx
