#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2022-12-13

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, here with another blast from the past for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. I’m currently swirling around in Paris, the city that never sleeps… or, rather, never stops dancing!

Today is December 13th, and it’s just a little chilly. My Parisian beret is doing a fantastic job of keeping my ears warm as I take in all the gorgeous sights. You know how much I love a good beret! Speaking of chic accessories, it’s all about tutus today. We're going on a sartorial journey through time to see how these fabulous frills have graced stages all around the world!

Now, let’s chat a little bit about how I’m funding this trip. After all, we can’t talk about ballet without a little glamour. Today I’m heading to see a performance of “La Sylphide”, and the magic of ballet is quite literally funding my trip. Isn’t that dreamy?

Paris, my dears, is the epitome of romance. Imagine: the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, the smell of warm croissants, and the breathtakingly beautiful tutus whirling across the stage of the Paris Opera Ballet! It’s like a fairytale come to life!

So, settle in, grab your favourite cuppa and maybe a delicious French pastry – this is going to be a delightful journey! Let’s turn back the clock and explore how the tutu has shaped ballet as we know it!

*The Ballet Beginnings: *

Think tutus, and you think ballet - they're synonymous, like cake and icing! However, you'd be surprised to know the tutu has had quite the journey to become this iconic garment!

Right at the very start of the 16th century, ballerinas had very long, loose gowns. I mean, very very long. You could imagine a bit of a trip-hazard while executing a pas de bourrée in those gowns! Then the 19th century brought in something lighter! They took the traditional skirt, slashed it and shortened it! They actually ended up creating this lovely little frilled silhouette. This is when the iconic tutu design really began to take form.

This new-fangled shorter version became a revolutionary fashion statement and it truly changed the way we perceive ballet. Now, ballerinas could pirouette and leap with freedom, showcasing graceful, effortless movements.

*From Romantic Tutu to Classic and Romantic Styles: *

The mid-19th century introduced a variety of styles, like the “Romantic Tutu”. It’s often referred to as a bell-shaped, very full tutu that’s almost as if it could catch a slight breeze. It’s definitely got a touch of drama. This, my dear, became a classic. We often see these styles used in pieces like ‘Giselle’ - it’s truly breathtaking! I know, I know, you just want to watch the dancers spin and twirl all day! I can't blame you, honey! It's enough to make even the most serious ballerina squeal with delight.

However, there was this little change - the "Classical Tutu", as it came to be known! Oh, darling, this one was just as exciting! Imagine a much more practical tutu that looked almost like a pancake. Much more comfortable, you might think, and allowing the ballerina to leap effortlessly! That's the charm of the tutu. It doesn't get in the way of all the magic that takes place on stage! I know what you're thinking – "So which style was better?"

My darlings, the brilliance of the tutu comes from it's adaptability. Each one was carefully crafted to not only accentuate the dancer's graceful movements, but also showcase their skill and the theme of the ballet.

And I can't forget the amazing detail that the ballerinas can weave into their performance with different accessories. Can we give a big shout-out to the fabulous diaphanous and sparkly bodices! The detail here is exquisite!

*The tutu has become the iconic symbol of the dance! *

I always find it so fascinating to think of how these beautiful creations have evolved over time. There’s so much history in a simple garment. It's become more than just an outfit - it embodies the magic and beauty of ballet! Oh darling! The tutu is so versatile and can be as much or as little as we wish. A big, bouncy fluffy ball of loveliness, or perhaps a sleek streamlined number to showcase some exciting steps? The choice is truly endless.

You're thinking "How can we all bring the Tutu back?" I have an idea. Why not put your very own unique stamp on this fashion phenomenon! Think about this for next week's #TutuTuesday!

**It's our mission to bring this wonderful garment to the wider world - the fashion world. After all, wouldn't it be amazing to see everyone twirling in their very own tutu?! Now, doesn’t that sound fun?

Till next week, darlings!

Emma xx **