#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2023-08-15

Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to all things twirly and beautiful. Welcome back to #TutuTuesday! This week, we're going on a journey through time, exploring the history of the beloved ballet tutu – a journey that’s far more fascinating than you might think!

So, hop on board the Ballet Express (that's my fabulous, tutu-friendly train) as we set off on an exciting adventure! Let's get this party started! 🚂💖

The first tutus were born out of necessity. Back in the 1800s, ballet dancers had to wear long, flowing skirts, which were impractical for the graceful leaps and twirls of the time. Enter Marie Taglioni, a ballet star of the era. She had an ingenious idea: shorten the skirt to knee-length and create a lightweight, flowing garment that would allow for freer movement. A dance revolution was born!

The first tutus, called “tutu à la grecque”, were pretty basic – flowing skirts in diaphanous materials, but the beauty lay in the new level of artistry and freedom they enabled. Imagine – a symphony of graceful gestures made possible by a simple garment! It's amazing how much impact one bit of clothing can have!

Now, picture this: dreamy music, romantic tales, and ballerinas pirouetting in tulle tutus. That's the world of the Romantic Tutu. This was the era of graceful elegance and fluidity – just think, ballerinas like the incomparable Carlotta Grisi, with her ethereal, swirling movements in Giselle.

These tutus were even shorter than the first versions, just above the knee, often with layers of tulle. The shorter length created a flowing, airy effect as the dancers moved. Talk about a magical effect – they became an integral part of the magical atmosphere of the era, as dreamy as the ballets themselves.

Move along to the 1880s, when the world of ballet fell in love with the Classical Tutu. Imagine a structured, pouffy tutu that seems to defy gravity. Think layers and layers of tulle, sewn in tiers to create a stiff, bell-shaped skirt, often embellished with sequins, beads, or even flowers! This kind of tutu could have been designed just for the opulent sets of the era. The Classical Tutu is all about dramatic flair, giving an element of grandeur that makes every ballerina feel like royalty on stage. The look took center stage with its focus on structure and detail, and these designs quickly became iconic!

These designs remain the standard for classic ballet performances today. You see the Classical Tutu on stage during iconic pieces like "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty," and even in ballet street performances and on ballet school stages all over the world. Just think of it - the tradition lives on!

Let’s fast forward to today! You might have seen more experimental variations of the tutu appearing in contemporary ballet productions – long and fluid tutus, short and feathery tutus, even ones incorporating unexpected materials like fabric flowers and lace. We see these more innovative designs as an exciting exploration of what the tutu can become! These pieces embrace modern techniques, and reflect the diversity and experimentation that has been taking place in the world of ballet over recent years. It’s an era that welcomes new interpretations and takes us on a breathtaking, innovative adventure.

But here’s the amazing thing – the traditional Classical Tutu continues to reign supreme in ballet classrooms and on the big stage! It truly is the perfect embodiment of timeless elegance and artistic beauty!

It's 15th August, and there are SO MANY ballet events happening today! My favourite pick: I'm making my way to a fabulous ‘Ballet for Everyone' open air performance. It's all about bringing the joy of ballet to all, showcasing diverse styles, and making ballet accessible and exciting for everyone! There's a sense of community that is truly inspiring, and who wouldn’t love the thrill of being outdoors under the starry skies?

I love discovering new styles of dance, but I never miss a chance to see the classic ballet classics on stage! Seeing graceful pirouettes and graceful jumps against a backdrop of traditional choreography, I always feel an indescribable wave of joy! I can't wait to explore this wonderful world, filled with enchanting performances and amazing tutus, with you all, week after week!

Today, as I wander around, I am embracing a fluffy, bubblegum pink tutu – perfect for a day filled with joy! It's the colour of whimsical dreams, of sweet melodies, of pure happiness – that's what a tutu stands for.

And let's be honest – if it looks as amazing on stage as it does on me on a shopping spree in London or at ballet class in Derbyshire, it’s a surefire win! 😉

So, darlings, do join me! If you ever feel inspired by a twirling tutu and a pink obsession – embrace it! Put on your fanciest outfit, and remember, we are all destined for greatness, and we're just one magical twirl away! 💕