Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another instalment of my beloved #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! It's Tuesday, the first of November, 2022, and I'm buzzing to share some fabulous fashion history with you!
Now, this week, I've travelled all the way to Paris, the city that practically whispers "romance" and "style"! You simply must visit the Palais Garnier if you are a ballet lover! I know the train journey is a bit long, but honestly, there's nothing quite like gazing at the countryside zipping by and knowing you're on a mission to discover something dazzling. 😉
I've arrived in time to catch the Paris Opera Ballet, and the elegance of it all is just incredible! From the grand chandeliers sparkling above to the stunning costumes the dancers are wearing... it's just magic.
And talking of magic... did you know the tutu is practically the magic ingredient for all ballet shows?! They may come in different colours and styles, but each one plays a crucial part in the visual storytelling on stage! It's like the dance is speaking to us through fabric, colour, and shape - don't you agree?
Let's twirl back through time for a bit of Tutu Tuesday history!
A Whirlwind History of the Tutu: The Journey to the Modern Day Ballerina!
It's funny how ballet's iconic dancewear, the tutu, didn't appear on stage until much later than we think! We all know tutus - or "tutus", as my nan calls them - as these charming frilly delights, right? But in the 18th and early 19th centuries, ballerinas wore more practical and fitted skirts!
We can thank the romantic period for the first true tutus! Ballerinas like Marie Taglioni were pioneering the romantic style with flowing skirts. By the late 19th century, we saw more daringly short tutus and the classic tutu shape that we love.
Think Marie Taglioni gracefully dancing in the famous La Sylphide wearing the short, bell-shaped tutu - iconic! Then picture Giselle with her Romantic, knee-length tulle skirt! Such lovely ethereal looks, all inspired by fairies and sylphs and a newfound freedom of expression through movement! It really transformed how we perceive ballet, didn't it?
Now, these classic tutus might have looked airy and weightless, but they were quite heavy! But technology - or rather the invention of new fabric - helped revolutionise the design of the tutu over time. Lighter and stronger tulles have brought us more lightweight and intricately-designed tutus!
Different Tututus For Different Ballet Styles!
Let's not forget all the different types of tutus you see in modern ballet today! Did you know there are Romantic tutus, classical tutus, and a whole collection of other special tutus? Let's have a peek at some:
Romantic Tutus: I absolutely adore those Romantic tutus that just make me imagine beautiful, graceful dancers flitting around in woodland meadows. Think of Marie Taglioni’s "La Sylphide" again - the sheer delicacy and ethereal qualities of the Romantic era...just so graceful and delicate.
Classical Tutus: Think Swan Lake and the "white" act! These classical tutus with their multiple layers and tight, short, almost bell-like shape were made for the big, powerful movements of classical ballet! There's so much to adore about them! I even own a classical-style tutu for my practice sessions, I love them so much!
The Other Wonderful Tututus: We also have other beautiful and equally impressive styles like the tutu for the Spanish pas de deux, the short and extremely fluffy tutus for modern and contemporary dances!
Don't forget all the dazzling colors we see on stage too! Think Paquita with those vibrant, bright colors! The creativity is limitless!
And of course, we have the beautiful variations and different sizes and shapes in tutus for the modern ballet world! It's amazing how diverse ballet can be, isn't it?
My Tutu Shopping Adventure in Paris!
Of course, I had to stop by the costume shops to find some exquisite, stylish tutus for my personal collection! I found an amazing shop with the most beautiful collection of tutus. Oh, and they had this gorgeous pastel pink, hand-stitched tulle number with an elegant bow... my heart just about skipped a beat when I saw it! I just had to take it home!
But I knew you'd want to see it, so of course, I will share pictures of it on my Instagram, #pinktutu, on Friday! And yes, you'll be able to find the shop on my new online map on my website www.pink-tutu.com too. Keep an eye out for my latest Tutu Tuesday posts. I am aiming to share my latest fashion finds every week, so come back for more next week!
*Now... *It’s time to practice my pirouettes. My class begins soon! Until next Tuesday, darlings, don't forget to always twirl and wear pink tutus! It is after all my mission in life to spread tutu love!
P.S If you have any amazing stories or insights into ballet history, leave them in the comments! I'm always fascinated to hear your experiences, whether you're a seasoned ballet lover or just beginning your journey in the magical world of dance!
And of course... stay tuned for next week’s Tutu Tuesday blog where I'll be telling you all about what happened next on my magical tour of Europe, and about the latest ballet tutu designs I have discovered in this beautiful continent! It’s been such a thrilling and rewarding experience to travel across the continent. It has definitely been a magical time, that I want to share with you all!
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