Helloooo my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, reporting live from...well, I can't say just yet, but trust me, it's fabulous!
#TutuTuesday is always a delight, especially when it means we can delve into the history of those delightful little frilly wonders, tutus. And wouldn't you know it, today's date – the 24th of January, 2023 – happens to be packed with exciting ballet moments!
Just yesterday, I was watching a thrilling performance of Swan Lake in Vienna. Oh, the beauty! The graceful swans, the majestic prince, and of course, those absolutely glorious tutus!
Now, hold onto your tutus, darlings, because we're taking a trip down memory lane!
A Quick Time-Travel Tip
Just a little something I've learnt on my travels – remember, tutus haven't always been around in their present-day form! As fashionistas, we all know it’s about a love for clothes, a need for an expression, but sometimes that expression evolves into something completely different. You know, like our tutus.
19th Century: A Tutu Renaissance
Before tutus came to the scene, imagine dancers wearing long, heavy skirts! Sounds terribly uncomfortable, doesn't it?
The 19th century was the turning point for tutus! That was the decade when dancers started to embrace the revolutionary idea of short skirts! The evolution wasn't overnight though, darling! Imagine dancers ditching the impractical long dresses of the 18th century in favour of light, flowing gowns which were easier to move in. These were later shortened, eventually morphing into the recognisable tutu we adore today!
What is The Tutu?
- A tulle or netting based skirt in varying lengths
- Designed for dance and theatrical performance
- Created for visual and movement aesthetic appeal
- Became iconic, instantly recognisable.
Now, for our big reveal – guess what the fashion houses and couture houses in Europe were showcasing back in 2023? You guessed it – tutus! It was the hot new trend. They weren't just seen on the ballet stage, darling! People were rocking those beautiful tutus at parties, on the streets, and even for afternoon tea! You’re absolutely right, darling! I knew we weren't the only ones who adored those iconic ruffles!
1940s - 1960s: The Tutu on the Rise
Imagine being a little ballerina during the 1950s! Well, imagine you’re rocking those incredibly adorable tulle tutus which were taking over the stage! You can see why! They were absolutely captivating. Now picture this: The 1960s, those fabulous, fun years - what are tutus like then? Absolutely fabulous darling! Think about that free spirited attitude the whole world felt – this spilled onto ballet too and gave rise to an abundance of new types of tutus – all to suit all dancers and choreographers and the exciting ballet scene!
1970s -1980s: Tutu Transformation
It was truly the start of tutus, as we know them, with different styles starting to flourish and dancers becoming true ambassadors for the wonderful evolution of the tutu. This gave dancers that added freedom they had craved for so many years. Now it was a performance that really truly celebrated their creativity. We were, at that time, living in the glorious time when people from across the world were drawn into this amazing and transformative moment in the evolution of ballet history. It was exciting! What do you think?
My Favourite Tutus - All That Twirl!
I love all tutus, darling! If I was going to choose some favourites…
- I absolutely love Romantic tutus. Their flowing skirt reminds me of a fluffy cloud. Imagine those pretty ballerinas wearing the classical Romantic tutus! Isn’t that just divine!
- For a bold statement, it's hard to beat the Paganini tutu. Its shorter skirt, often made with layers of netting, makes it both stunning and striking, giving dancers so much room to move!
- Now, there's a really fun kind, the Theatrical tutu, and just the name speaks for itself darling! So versatile with colours and shapes – a visual masterpiece.
- Let's not forget *the classic * Demi-tutu, with the fitted bodice and the elegant half-length skirt - just simply divine.
I find the way a tutu flutters and swirls with every pirouette to be just captivating! There is always an artistry, a love, a pure emotion attached to it, darling, and don’t get me started on the en pointe movement! I get lost in a trance watching it!
So, on this #TutuTuesday, let's celebrate the history and evolution of this fabulous piece of ballet attire! What's your favourite tutu style? Let me know in the comments!
Remember, darling, always go for the most dazzling outfit that makes you feel like the most magnificent ballerina!
See you next week! Love, Emma xxx
A Few More Tutu-licious Facts!
I know, you’re absolutely loving these #TutuTuesday blog posts, aren’t you? Just like you, darling, I do too! That's why I've been gathering a few more interesting tutu titbits –
- The world’s first ever ballet tutu? I don't know the exact date but they appeared on the stage as far back as 1839 and were named ‘tutu' for the first time. How exciting!
- Tutus have a long and amazing history - as I told you! - And, I love how it started in France! Those glorious French ballets!
- One of the best parts of all - when you're seeing a ballet show and the Grand finale appears! There they are! Those spectacular dancers wearing dazzling and flowing, multicoloured tutus - divine, absolutely divine.
- Tutus have also been a favourite of ballet legends such as Margot Fonteyn who once said – ”There's a reason ballerinas love their tutus! A little sparkle, a lot of tulle. You can't really beat a good tutu!”.
- And how fabulous that you can have tutus in all shades and colours. Now we are really living the dream darling! What's your favourite? Mine’s pink of course, just because.
A Time-Travelling Fashionista
I'm just about ready for my next grand adventure, darling! So much of my work is based on the incredible world of ballet, the amazing and dynamic theatre industry and, most importantly, on you lovely ladies and gentleman! That is what fuels me to keep exploring!
Do you love travelling? I love nothing better than setting off on a railway journey in the evening with the twinkling lights of the carriages, taking me far and wide – in search of exciting events to experience! Imagine how it would be! From the Derbyshire hills to London, to a journey across Europe! Just picture me – on that famous journey on a glorious Eurostar train – with the views going by so quickly, just a glimpse – through the windows - to new cultures and to the beautiful cityscapes ahead!
Have you been to a fantastic show, maybe seen a gorgeous tutu and want to tell me all about it? Do tell! I would absolutely love to hear from you. It may even be featured on the next post!
Well, my darlings, I'm off! I'll leave you with a few photos from this week’s ballet adventure, and of course, me in my favorite pink tutu! See you next Tuesday!
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to follow @pink-tutu for all the latest on this tutu lover!
