Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling blogger, back with another blast from the ballet past! It's Tutu Tuesday, so let's take a little trip together, shall we? Grab your fanciest shoes, darling, because we're stepping back in time to explore the history of the tutu – a garment as iconic and enduring as a swan lake.
I know, I know, I sound a bit like a stuck record, but tutus really are a marvel, aren't they? The perfect blend of frills and function! That beautiful combination of airy grace and, well, let's be honest, some seriously impressive legwork.
So where do we start on our tutu journey this week, you ask? Well, it's 29th August, 2023 – a delightful summer day to be sure! A beautiful morning filled with sunshine, laughter, and – you guessed it! – tutu shopping in London's West End! The shops were brimming with every shade of tulle imaginable, and even I, a die-hard pink enthusiast, was a little overwhelmed by the selection!
Of course, my loyal readers will know that tutus didn't just appear out of thin air. There’s a fascinating history to the dance world's favourite frothy fabric! And guess what, darlings, our little tutu time trip is taking us to none other than the 1830s!
Let's imagine a scene, shall we? The air is filled with the murmur of Parisian society – that blend of sophistication and gossip that always excites me! And what's the talk of the town? Why, the new kind of ballet that's stealing everyone's hearts – Romantic ballet, the era where dancers, finally free from those restricting corsets, embraced lightness and grace! And, naturally, where there is a movement, there are clothes, and guess what emerged in that new, more expressive era? You guessed it! The tutu!
Well, not exactly the glorious pouffed creation we know and love today. Back then, dancers wore something more simple – a short, light skirt with tiers that were practical, graceful, and utterly groundbreaking for their time. You know, more practical and a lot less poofy than those stunning tutu creations that later graced the stage!
Now, jump ahead with me to the 1870s and watch how the tutu begins its journey into a fashion phenomenon! The pouffy, multi-tiered skirt, almost as big as the dancer herself, became a symbol of the grand ballet tradition! Think the glorious tutu of “The Swan Lake”, that fairytale classic with its dreamy, romantic feel!
And those poufy tutus didn’t just make the ballerinas feel grand; it also gave them freedom to move, and their bodies were more prominent. They could finally execute those awe-inspiring leaps and pirouettes we’ve all come to admire! You see, the beauty of the tutu, darlings, lies not only in its outward elegance, but in its powerful inner spirit!
And from there, it only became more flamboyant and grand, reaching new heights with the magnificent costumes of "The Sleeping Beauty", “The Nutcracker”, and “Giselle” - absolute marvels! Every colour, every sequin, every single pleat, a masterpiece of design, an artistic masterpiece!
Speaking of artistic masterpieces, how about a performance for our lovely “Tutu Tuesday”? This evening, I am going to be in Covent Garden enjoying “Swan Lake” – oh how I love that haunting, romantic classic. 🦢 I can't wait for that amazing final scene. All those dancers gliding, pirouetting, floating on those grand stage with those beautifully embellished, delicate tutus… Simply a dream come true, wouldn't you agree?
However, while I will admit to having a soft spot for classic tutu silhouettes, darling, don't forget that tutu fashion is a whirlwind of ever-changing style! Just look at those contemporary performances. You see those minimalist, body-hugging numbers with a flash of sheer fabric. They have the most modern silhouette. Or how about that magnificent dance performance “Firebird”! There’s more going on than just a classic tutu, isn’t there!
Oh, darlings! It’s fascinating how the tutu, an icon of grace, elegance, and art, is always transforming to reflect new ballet styles. It’s the garment of change, always adapting and embracing innovation while staying true to its essence: the freedom of expression and movement, just like true beauty!
Speaking of beauty, don't forget to tell us about your favourite ballet tutu moments on social media! #TutuTuesday #PinkTutu!
And darlings, before you go! Remember my goal? To get everyone wearing pink tutus! Join me in my quest for a pink-tutu filled world – a world where every day is Tutu Tuesday! 💕🩰
Love and tutus, Emma.
