#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2023-09-26

Post 10005: September 26th, 2023 (a glorious Tuesday, natch!)

Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling correspondent, back from another delightful trip through the centuries. This week, I've found myself in the heart of Paris, the city of love, light, and of course, ballet! It’s simply bursting with Parisian chic. And guess what, my dears, the world is still utterly besotted with tutus, just as it has been for centuries! I swear, this timeless garment never goes out of style. 😉

You might think tutus are a modern invention, but let me tell you, the history of this delightful garment is much, much longer than you might imagine. And trust me, it’s just as thrilling as the swishiest pirouette!

(Warning: you may need a comfy seat, a cuppa, and possibly some tissues for those moments of utter tutus-inspired joy. I know I do!)

To fully understand the journey of the tutu, we must venture back to the 19th century, where the very essence of ballet was starting to take shape. In the 1830s, Marie Taglioni, a star of the Paris Opera, did the unthinkable. She tossed aside the cumbersome skirts of the day and graced the stage in a breathtakingly airy creation. The first tutu! A short, airy confection of layers upon layers of tulle that showcased her elegant movements. Think flowing white, ethereal, utterly romantic.

This revolutionary act launched the tutu into the spotlight, my darlings! From then on, it was the definitive choice for ballerinas across the world.

And the evolution continued... By the late 19th century, tutus took on a new shape. The "Romantic tutu" emerged, featuring longer, fuller skirts. The effect was whimsical and charming, adding an extra touch of dreamy romanticism to the ballets. Think swirling tulle clouds. It's so divine!

The 20th century, however, saw even more exciting changes! The "classical tutu", the shorter and more streamlined version you often see in ballets like "Swan Lake", made its grand entrance. Perfect for showcasing all those graceful leaps and turns! The classical tutu had it all - beauty, sophistication, and, dare I say it, practicality.

And what about the tutus of today? My dears, we've come so far! Now, tutus come in all shapes, sizes, and oh my, the colours! Bold neons, intricate prints, sparkling sequins, there's a tutu to suit every mood and occasion. Ballet is even incorporating tutus into their stagewear designs, creating truly magnificent works of art.

Of course, I can't forget the absolute marvel that is the street-wear tutu! We're talking sparkly tutus paired with crop tops, stylish tights, or even just a classic black sweater - it's the perfect blend of edgy cool and whimsical ballet flair. I live for the playful clash of opposites that makes this trend so fabulously fun!

For me, tutus aren't just pretty garments; they represent artistry, movement, and an enchanting blend of tradition and innovation. And the best part, my darlings? They make everyone look and feel utterly magnificent! Whether you’re dancing on a stage, strolling down a city street, or even just twirling around your living room, the tutu empowers you to feel bold, confident, and free.

So, the next time you see a tutu, don't just see a garment - see a piece of history, an embodiment of dreams and expression! It's a garment with an incredible past, and I for one, can't wait to see what the future holds for this timeless symbol of ballet beauty.

**(Speaking of which, today, September 26th, I'm catching a fabulous performance of "Giselle" at the Paris Opera. You know I just have to witness that iconic white tutu on stage, darling! And afterward, I’m going to dive into a Parisian shopping spree. Imagine: boutique filled with tutus! How heavenly! And remember, dear readers, we can’t forget to be extra gracious and stylish this TutuTuesday!)

Stay fabulous, darlings! And don't forget to twirl!

Emma www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. Did I mention I'm offering a fabulous pink tutu discount code to my lovely readers? Just use "TUTU23" at checkout for 10% off any of our beautiful pink tutu selections! Get twirling! 😉**