Hey there, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! This week, we’re taking a whirl through time to a very special date: July 12th, 2022. Now, this day may not have any massive historical tutu-moments, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate all the fabulousness it embodies. After all, every day is an opportunity to celebrate the grace, the beauty, and the sheer joy of the tutu!
Speaking of joy, let’s just chat for a moment about the sheer excitement of travelling by train. I was whisked away to Paris last week for a delightful performance of ‘La Sylphide’. I adore travelling by train. The clickety-clack, the swaying motion, the thrilling sense of adventure… It’s a journey I could take every day if I could! And trust me, I make sure I’m perfectly turned out when I travel. This time I’m rocking my lavender tutu with a shimmering, blush-pink blouse. I just adore pairing vintage styles with modern flourishes – don’t you think it’s absolutely delightful?
Anyway, back to 2022. Now, we all know tutus were born in the grand, glorious days of the Romantic era, a time of passionate storytelling, swirling melodies, and… let's face it, the most sensational tutus imaginable! They’ve evolved over the years, becoming more diverse and embracing bolder silhouettes, while still maintaining that iconic twirl-worthy shape! And honestly? I love them all. Every single one.
As for July 12th, 2022, this date actually brings back fond memories! Remember how we were all obsessing over that beautiful performance of Swan Lake by the Royal Ballet? I saw it myself, and the detail on those tutus – perfection! It was a breathtaking blend of traditional design and modern flare – a masterpiece! Speaking of the Royal Ballet, they are absolutely killing it with their stunning repertoire! Don’t you just love seeing a show that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation? It’s what makes ballet so captivating and exciting.
Anyway, let’s delve into our historical deep dive! This year, 2022, we celebrated the anniversary of some truly momentous ballets! I think the 150th anniversary of ‘Swan Lake’ got everyone positively buzzing, especially when that gorgeous, newly-choreographed, multi-coloured tutu premiered, creating an entire storm on social media. And while the anniversary of Swan Lake might have grabbed headlines, can we please talk about the anniversary of the iconic Sleeping Beauty? The pink, pink, pink!!! Goodness me, they're both absolutely beautiful. Don't you love pink tutus?
For #TutuTuesday this week, I encourage you to think back to July 12th, 2022! What was happening in your little world of ballet? Did you witness a dazzling performance? Did you get caught up in a whirl of practice, making all your tutus twirl? Or maybe, just maybe you decided to put on your pinkest tutu and take a spin around your local park! Regardless, it's always an absolute joy to remember the beautiful journey of ballet!
Now, tell me! How are you wearing your tutu this week?
As always, keep twirling!
Emma x
A Glimpse into Tutu Evolution: From the 1800s to 2022The tutu – what a whirlwind of history it holds! This delightful and essential element of the ballerina’s wardrobe is more than just a piece of clothing – it’s a testament to evolving artistic expression, creativity, and a celebration of feminine grace.
While the iconic Romantic-era tutu took shape in the mid-1800s, it actually had roots in way earlier times. Think of ancient Greece – their chiton, a simple, flowing garment, paved the way for early iterations of dancewear. It evolved through the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but it wasn’t until the Romantic period that we witnessed the rise of the full, frothy, tulle creation we all know and love!
So what changed? A shift in artistic sensibilities towards natural beauty and the dramatic influence of ballet performances.
The grande pas de deux in ‘La Sylphide’ sparked a revolution! Imagine it - ethereal movements, captivating grace, and… a tutu so billowy, it looked as if it could take flight with the slightest gust of wind. This, my friends, is the magic of ballet – inspiring new standards for the artistry and beauty of movement!
As we venture forward through time, the evolution of the tutu keeps us constantly enthralled. The late 19th century witnessed the introduction of the longer version of the tutu, allowing for dramatic and graceful choreography in Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. But it wasn't only about dramatic flourishes, no! It also served as a symbol of social progress and femininity in a rapidly evolving world.
Then, in the 20th century, with boldness and a touch of rebellious attitude, new forms emerged: The short tutu, embraced by companies like The Royal Ballet and the Bolshoi! These designs emphasised athleticism and technical prowess. It was an era where ballerinas weren't afraid to show off their amazing leaps, turns, and every single movement with breathtaking clarity!
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the world of tutu design truly bloomed! With every performance, it seems that a fresh twist is being unveiled – playful fabrics, bold colour combinations, and stunning silhouettes, all bringing their own flair to the stage!
Oh, and let's not forget – we’re living in the age of glitter and sparkle! Just take a look at the dazzling tutus in modern performances. From sheer fabrics embellished with beads and crystals to dazzling patterns with playful touches of embroidery – we’ve got it all! This era is embracing playful* femininity in all its delightful glory, showcasing the evolution of a timeless design into something truly magnificent.
From the airy creations of the Romantic period to the innovative styles of today, it’s incredible how the humble tutu continues to embody both traditional artistry and exciting contemporary design. This is why it holds such a special place in my heart and inspires me every single day.
And you know what, if I could time-travel right now, I'd grab a front-row seat at a Parisian theatre during the Romantic Era, and I’d wear my pinkest, fullest, most gorgeous tutu. It’s time to pay homage to our timeless fashion icon – the tutu!
The Inspiration of PinkNow, we've talked about the historical aspects of the tutu and how it continues to evolve – but there's another facet of the story, something that gets my heart pumping: pink! The colour of playful grace, of dreams, of love and excitement.
Pink isn’t just any colour, is it? It has this delightful power to instantly lift our spirits. This pastel pink tutu – or that glorious fuchsia one – always gets me dreaming! Don’t you agree? Pink radiates optimism. Pink encourages laughter. Pink embodies unbridled joy! And honestly? When it comes to tutus, I don’t think we’ll ever have too much pink.
Just thinking of a ballerina gliding across the stage, clad in a glorious shade of pink, fills my imagination with a whirlwind of elegance and happiness. And, just like those iconic pink tutus in Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty – they don’t simply adorn a performance – they help bring a certain energy, a certain feeling, into existence!
What is it about pink that inspires us so much? Well, it just does! Don’t overthink it – embrace the magic! And next time you go for a ballet show, just remember that while the costumes are intricate works of art, a touch of pink will always bring a radiant touch of wonder.
Until next #TutuTuesday, stay bright and twirl happily!
Emma x
