Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another exciting journey through the history of the most beautiful garment in the world - the ballet tutu!
Today, my whimsical wanderings have taken me to September 27th, 2022, and let me tell you, this particular Tuesday is absolutely bursting with fashionable inspiration! As I shimmy down the Parisian streets (on the back of a horse-drawn carriage - a much faster way to get around, especially when you're wearing a fabulous silk tutu), I can see the chicest Parisians rocking their own version of the ballet-inspired look. The latest trend is a beautiful, wispy, blush-coloured chiffon dress with a delicate "tutu-esque" overlay, all perfectly paired with a little beret and a touch of delicate floral perfume. So elegant! It really does remind me of those beautiful tulle skirts our ballerina ancestors would wear on stage.
Speaking of our ancestors, have you ever wondered how these marvels of tulle, tulle, and more tulle became such an iconic symbol of the dance? Well, hold on to your hair ribbons, my darlings, because today we are diving headfirst into a journey that takes us from the late 18th century right to the present day!
A Trip Down Memory Lane 🕰️
The tutu, believe it or not, didn’t always look like the billowing, airy creations we adore today! It was born out of necessity. Back in the 18th century, when the waltz was all the rage and ballrooms were packed, dancers needed to move freely. The cumbersome layers of the era, with their restrictive corsetry and yards and yards of fabric, simply wouldn’t do. Enter the tutu – a more comfortable, more liberating, and yes, more elegant solution!
Our earliest ancestor of the modern tutu was called the *"tutu à la grecque." * It was basically a simple, gathered skirt, draped like an ancient Greek chiton, giving dancers the freedom of movement to showcase their grace. It's kind of like wearing a Grecian sheet in the most elegant, sophisticated way imaginable. Talk about recycling your clothes, darling! 😉
Throughout the 19th century, the tutu evolved! It started to incorporate tulle, that gloriously ethereal fabric, and become much shorter, eventually leading to the "tutu romantique". Picture romantic, ethereal ballerinas with graceful movements, their swirling skirts making them appear almost otherworldly!
Now, here’s where things get interesting! The early 1900s saw the emergence of a new, streamlined and iconic version of the tutu, called the "tutu à la Pagnol", after the French playwright and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol who immortalised it in his film, “Marius.”
The Pagnol, a tutu in two tiers with layers of gathered tulle, created that magnificent silhouette of swirling beauty we all love and recognise! The Pagnol, with its stunning volume and visual dynamism, is practically begging for a grand jeté across the stage!
A Blast From The Present! ✨
Oh my goodness, have I been travelling through time too long? My darling, let’s get back to our present, the era of 2022, when tutus are still going strong and taking on new and fabulous forms.
Right now, in this bustling time period, the world is obsessed with tutus! Designers and fashion houses are inspired by the sheer elegance and movement of a classic ballet tutu, adding tulle skirts, ruffled hems, and dreamy layers to everything from ballgowns to evening dresses! Even street-style fashion has embraced this wonderful trend, making a case for the perfect “balletcore” aesthetic. This isn't just a fad, darling, it’s a powerful testament to the timeless appeal of the tutu.
But it’s not just fashion, my dearest. The tutu has found a home in almost every area of pop culture, from stage productions to music videos to runway shows! You simply can't escape the influence of this glorious garment.
I even found the most enchanting store today, tucked away in the heart of Paris, called “Tulle et Cie”. Oh my, the selection! Not just classical tutus but a kaleidoscope of colours and designs, modern interpretations for everyone from the casual fashionista to the dramatic diva! This shop could seriously put my pink tutu addiction into overdrive. 😉
And don’t forget about our beloved ballerinas! Modern choreography demands exciting, fresh approaches to the tutu! Ballet is embracing diverse designs, modern interpretations, and even the introduction of new fabrics!
Oh, how I love the versatility of a tutu! It truly is the ultimate blank canvas for creativity, ready to embrace any new design with elegance and beauty.
*My Pink Tutu Mission! *💖
You know my motto: If in doubt, wear pink! So why not embrace a little pink tutu magic in your life?
Whether you are dancing across a stage or simply strolling through your city, I guarantee the confidence and whimsy of a pink tutu will elevate your spirit and brighten your day! You could say it's a pink-tastic mission, a #pinktutu revolution, my darling! Let’s turn the world pink! One twirling, ballet-inspired, gorgeous tutu at a time. 😉
Let me know what your favourite tutus and dance styles are in the comments below!
Until next Tuesday, twirl and be happy!
Emma x
Pink-Tutu.com
