Greetings, dear readers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and it's Tuesday! Which means it's time for another journey through the glorious history of tutus, that magnificent garment that makes even the most mundane day feel like a performance. Today's date is 21st March 2023, and trust me, there's much to be explored about the world of ballet, fashion, and oh, yes, the delightful twirling magic that is the tutu.
This week, I’ve taken the train down from my hometown in Derbyshire to the heart of it all - Paris. This city just pulsates with fashion and creativity. Imagine swirling cobblestone streets, stunning boutiques, and a little Parisian cafe where you can sit with a coffee and sketch a pair of fabulous shoes, the kind I’d love to dance in on a Parisian stage. You can just feel the artistic energy here, it’s so intoxicating! I had to come back to see the Paris Opera Ballet in all its glory, their legendary dancers effortlessly flying across the stage. And to top it off, the performance ended with the most stunning cascade of shimmering, diaphanous tulle, a real vision! You know how much I adore tulle – that graceful fabric that lets you move and float with such freedom.
Now, let's dive into our #TutuTuesday history, shall we?
For 2023, imagine this - I’m strolling through the streets of Paris, my bright pink tutu causing a bit of a stir. Everyone stares! I take it all in stride, it's part of the fun! As I walk, I find myself musing on the origins of this fabulous garment. After all, our cherished tutus didn't just appear magically.
Imagine the journey of the tutu. We must go back to the 18th century for our starting point. Back then, a ballerina called Marie Camargo broke away from the old rigid costumes and shortened the skirt. Her innovations helped move ballet away from the formality of court and towards a freer form of movement and expression. Think of it as a real revolutionary act in the world of ballet, a shift in power dynamics where grace and athleticism took the lead.
As the 19th century rolled in, ballet’s darling Marie Taglioni entered the picture, changing the game forever! In the groundbreaking ballet, La Sylphide, she wore a knee-length white, airy skirt made of layers of tulle that captured the air, giving the impression she was floating across the stage! It was a revolution. The first real tutu was born!
From there, the tutu transformed from that original diaphanous knee-length skirt to become a staple of the ballet vocabulary. From the romantic tutu that draped so delicately around the legs, like an ethereal cloud, to the romantic-era tutu that still retains its ethereal beauty but falls a bit shorter than the knee length. And then the classical tutu, that famously short, pancake-shaped garment.
Why did I go back to Paris? Well, the City of Lights has played a key role in shaping ballet, and consequently, tutus. Just think of how Parisian dancers of the 19th century were the original trendsetters, influencing tutus that were dramatic, delicate, and just the right touch of extravagant!
Speaking of trendsetting… just like I love a little Parisian street style inspiration, it seems ballerinas are now going on the same shopping spree for new looks. The New Romantic tutu style came to the forefront a while ago with its romantic, romantic, oh-so-romantic appeal. This design has lots of layered frills and a longer, graceful silhouette that creates such elegant swirls on stage. And of course, who doesn't love some glitter and feathers, for that added touch of "ooh la la"! These tutus definitely add a glamorous, feminine flair to ballet performances.
But let's not forget the tutus worn in ballet beyond classical styles. Ballet theatre styles use elaborate and dramatic designs in tutus for modern or contemporary ballets, embracing diverse materials and textures. These styles challenge us to rethink what a tutu can be - and honestly, I am all for it.
But it’s not just on the stage that tutus play a key role in ballet’s grand spectacle. They're also vital to the ballet class and ballet workshops. Here we are in Paris, but think of ballet schools worldwide where they are worn with grace and dignity in the classrooms. We might see tutus on those ballet shoes as young dancers work hard to hone their technique, a true celebration of ballet tradition.
In this modern age, street style is having its moment in the tutu world. Ballet street and fashion go hand-in-hand! Many designers draw inspiration from classic ballet designs and bring tutus onto the streets, making it a symbol of creative freedom. Think street-style bloggers who pair their tutus with biker jackets, sneakers, and cool tops. I'm even seeing it on celebrities, with tutus becoming a favourite outfit for fashion shoots and red carpets. How wonderful to see this ballet fashion seep into mainstream fashion, and to see it worn on everyday streets, for any occasion. Now that's what I call a revolution!
However, the tutu isn’t simply a piece of clothing - it represents the dreams, passion, and sheer dedication of dancers across the globe. The grace and the skill that the ballerina shows while she is dancing is quite mesmerizing. The ability to leap and turn and balance, all while wearing a tutu that requires absolute control over one's movement, shows just how dedicated the dancer is to their art! And how passionate these ballet artists are, it’s amazing! They are, indeed, an inspiration to us all.
And so, my dear readers, we’ve journeyed back in time to appreciate this exquisite piece of fashion, with Paris, the City of Light, illuminating our path. I must confess, when I put on a tutu, the world just seems a bit more magical, doesn't it?
Remember, you too can embody the grace and style of the ballet tutu. Wear your own tutu on a random Tuesday! No reason required. Just let your inner ballerina shine. Let’s make every day a #TutuTuesday!
See you next week for another #TutuTuesday!
With love and a sprinkle of tulle,
Emma
P.S. Let’s chat! I’d love to hear about your favourite tutu memories. Leave me a comment on my website at www.pink-tutu.com! Until next time, twirl on!
