Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveler, and it's another glorious #TutuTuesday! I'm feeling as twirly and fabulous as ever today, ready to take you on a grand voyage through the fascinating history of the tutu! 🩰
You know me, I can't resist a bit of a journey back in time - and where else could I be than in Paris, the fashion capital of the world! It’s always so buzzing here with exciting trends and beautiful ballerinas gliding across stages like feathered swans. Today is a real treat - the Paris Opera Ballet are putting on a matinee of 'La Bayadère'. Can't wait to see the costumes!
But let's take a step back in time - I mean, it wouldn't be #TutuTuesday without a history lesson, would it? 😉 The tutu has come a long way, my dears! It started life way back in the 18th century, not in a glamorous performance hall, but… a man's trousers! Yes, believe it or not, the first tutus were men's breeches that ballet dancers of the time simply shortened and tucked.
Fast forward a few years, and we meet the 'romantische' tutu. Now, I know that sounds awfully fancy, but it was a simpler design, a longer skirt, much like what the ballerinas wore in those beautiful, sweeping romantic ballets, full of dreamy characters and lyrical movement.
As we flit forward through time, tutus became more… well, more extravagant, darling! Imagine layers upon layers of silk, creating those glorious billowing shapes you see in ballets like 'Swan Lake'. These ‘bell’ tutus - named for their shape, obviously! - let the dancers move like airy birds, gliding and twisting effortlessly. Absolutely gorgeous!
Now, we're nearing the modern era, and the tutus got a little shorter. Think of the famous 'La Sylphide' with those super-short tutus! This style really helped highlight the dancers’ legwork and their powerful movements. Of course, that gorgeous white pointe shoe didn't go unnoticed either - we’re obsessed with ballet shoes here in Paris!
Of course, no one would have imagined the way the tutu has become a symbol of all things elegant and fabulous! Today, you can find it everywhere, from stage productions to runway fashion and even on high-street shops. The tutu has become so much more than a stage garment; it’s a symbol of freedom, artistry, and playful creativity.
The pink tutu has become quite a thing! It started as my signature style and it’s taken off – even the local department store now has a whole section for tutus in different colours and lengths!
Right now, my Parisian adventure is in full swing! After the opera performance I'm going to visit the iconic Galeries Lafayette. There’s no better way to get into the spirit of a city, I think! And don't forget, it's never too late to unleash your inner ballerina! Even if it's just trying on a tutu in your living room or finding a cute ballet-themed outfit, remember: anything goes in the world of tutus!
Until next Tuesday, keep twirling! 💖🩰
Emma's Travel Tip of the Week: Traveling to Paris by train is such a treat! Take a moment to admire the countryside before arriving in the magical heart of the city.
