Hello darlings! Itâs your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, train-traveling ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday post! Todayâs topic? The skirt itself, the fluffiest, most magical part of a ballerina's outfit - the tutu!
As usual, my time machine whisked me away on a whirlwind journey back in time, this time to Paris, where, oh my dear, itâs such a delight! Every corner, every street echoes with the beauty of ballet.
Today, as the sun bathes the streets of Paris in a warm glow, I found myself enjoying a delicious chocolate croissant (so incredibly chic, wouldnât you say?) while contemplating this fascinating piece of ballet history. It's a July 25th, and the date holds a special place in the Parisian ballet scene, a date to celebrate and honour! It's the day of Les Ătoiles (The Stars) performance at the Opera Garnier, where those elegant ballerinas dance their hearts out. Oh, wouldn't you know, I got my own little private box this time - so civilised! I've been travelling back to these wonderful periods for some time now, and being in a grand, beautiful opera box really does add an air of sophistication!
It was on this very date, decades ago, that my oh-so-dear Marie Taglioni was lauded in the ballet 'La Sylphide,' making the tutu the star of the show. You could call this, in fashion terms, her signature style! What makes it all the more wondrous is, of course, it's completely sheer, a light, floating spectacle of tulle and a true icon of a revolutionary movement. Thatâs what makes it a tutu with true character, with the power to truly captivate.
My darling readers, thereâs something so captivating about the flow of a tutu. It has the power to transform us, it can take us from ordinary to extraordinary. Just picture that swirling, ethereal delight - the very definition of a dream. Isnât it lovely how ballet has that power? That's the true power of dance, I say.
And it's no surprise the tutus are still around today - after all, they are the epitome of romance, delicacy, and of course, movement. This beautiful ballet tradition continues, but how have those designs evolved, I hear you ask?
We all know that tutu is like an evolving masterpiece! Just imagine - back in the day, it wasnât like our gorgeous modern ones. Back in those golden days, ballerinas needed some support. So, they had layers of crinolines, even corsets - my goodness, so restrictive! And all just to lift that dress for those beautiful leaps. It truly is a testimony to the grace and strength of these ladies, for the sacrifice of movement and freedom in their artistry, a ballet marvel.
But those long skirts were a tad unwieldy, weren't they? It became quite obvious that these skirts needed some re-imagining, a change to reflect the ballerinaâs artistic expression. I say, that was a golden opportunity for a designer, wouldn't you agree?
Enter, Carl von Weber, my dear readers. This talented individual, known for his work in dance and theatre, took it upon himself to reimagine the *tutu in a new, beautiful way. Imagine my delight, so glamorous, the tutu transformed into this incredible silhouette we love today.
Gone are those so heavy, long skirts, instead light and fluttery! So much movement. It was just a symphony of fabrics, perfect for expressing the artistry of the dance itself, the ballerinas now being the focal point, showing off their strength, their grace, their artfulness. The audience could truly see the movement, admire the graceful extensions, the powerful, emotional stories each dancer had to tell. And donât you find *that the magic of ballet? To show true beauty through movement, art, and music? Isnât that beautiful?
So, as I sit in my plush, beautifully-furnished Parisian Opera box with its charming view over the bustling city, I just had to ponder exactly how the tutu itself has become such a crucial element in the art of dance. My dear readers, isnât it quite astonishing to consider the ballet world's most loved costume â that incredible dance accessory - is also an amazing and influential cultural symbolâ?
Of course, it's so much more than a pretty outfit! It tells a story, a historical narrative about ballet. Think of how much of this piece of clothing speaks of innovation, artistry, creativity and a touch of 'avant-garde', wouldnât you agree? The history is fascinating to dive into , but that isnât all it is about! The tutu is not just an historical object, my dears! Itâs a beautiful embodiment of dreams, and that exquisite dance itself. It embodies grace, agility, poise, and artistry. Doesnât that make you wish you could fly?
But enough with the romanticising, my dears. It's now time to explore that fantastic evolution* of the tutu â oh yes, there are so many delightful details!
Here are a few notable tutu iterations and designs to inspire your love of the tutu, my beauties:
⢠Romantic Tutu (early 1800s): Like the delicate and romantic spirit of the era, this tutu embodies beauty, softness, and effortless grace. We are back to Taglioniâs glorious skirt, which is, after all, a historical landmark for its elegance. This is definitely my all-time favourite style because of how simple yet effective it is. I absolutely adore that flow and all that airiness. It speaks volumes in its own right - that sense of ethereal beauty, wouldnât you agree?
⢠Classical Tutu (mid-1800s): With the invention of the hoop, it created a fantastic layered, wide and fuller style. My, oh, my. The hoop allows the dancer to create even more delightful movement! Imagine swishing this full, flowing, elegant creation in ballet, donât you find that enchanting? The classical tutu is often made of a light, sheer fabric such as tulle, nylon or cotton and always a stunning piece. The shape and layers create an utterly captivating form that brings such grandeur and elegance to any dance routine.
⢠Modern Tutu (20th century): The modern tutu comes in a wide range of lengths and shapes and was really designed to complement any choreography! Oh yes, that is what this super stylish* invention is about, creating something for *everyone!* What makes this modern invention even better? There are different variations and designs for different dance styles * â my, oh my! * Can it get any better, I wonder? Ballet history and its creations are always so interesting and delightful. There are no limitations when it comes to modern fashion and dance, just like the beauty of modern dance, a free and artistic creation
My dears, just think what the modern tutu represents! A freedom of expression, artistic ingenuity, and a nod to the dance history of many a ballet story - isnât that wonderful? How marvellous are tutus, don't you think? They are more than mere pieces of clothing. Theyâre symbol and an expression, even a celebration of women who move and tell beautiful stories through dance.
You know, what truly inspires me most are those creative dancers who aren't afraid to experiment. Some might say it's a sign of innovation. And for me, thatâs truly wonderful. These dancers want to elevate and bring fresh perspectives into their artform and they're changing the game for modern dancers, with their own unique ideas! Thatâs the true joy of creative art, and to do it in style! And, to top it all off, it shows us how far those early ballerinas and their artistic expression have come over time, embracing their talent, expressing their creative artistry, and all whilst sporting some wonderful dance fashion! How inspiring is that ?
My dears, don't just take my word for it - experiment with a tutu yourself ! Get your hands on your tutu for your own ballet dance routine, whether itâs just at home, at ballet classes or at a professional event - whatever makes your heart dance. You might not be able to time-travel like I do (yet!), but believe me - your love for tutus will never expire. Go ahead, give it a go! I canât wait to see what fabulous *#TutuTuesday *creations * come from you lovely readers, so don't be afraid to *tag me on *#pink-tutu ! **
And until next Tuesday my loves! Until then, dance like no one is watching!
With a twirl and a wink,
Emma x
