Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back from another fabulous adventure! 🩰
This week, I'm feeling positively giddy, because not only is it #TutuTuesday, but it's also the 20th February, 2024! The air is filled with the sweet scent of anticipation – the world's abuzz with the promise of Valentine's Day just around the corner. But before we get swept up in romantic daydreams, let's delve into a bit of tutu history, shall we?
Today, we're travelling back to the romantic era of the 18th Century, where ballerinas were more like courtly ladies, with their graceful figures adorned in delicate attire. Remember, tutus weren't always the poofy, fluffy masterpieces we know and love today! The first "tutus" were simple skirts, often made of silk or satin, gathered and tied at the waist. These "jupe" skirts were the epitome of elegant femininity, designed for effortless movement and a glimpse of the delicate ankles beneath.
Just imagine, swirling across the floor, like a whisper of silk in the breeze! And just like the ballet itself, these early tutu designs evolved over time.
Cue the Romantic Era!
The 19th Century ushered in an era of sweeping Romanticism in the world of dance, and along with it, a whole new kind of tutu. Imagine the ballerinas as graceful sylphs and naiads, shimmering in skirts that were much shorter, revealing the leg from the knee downwards. These skirts became a canvas for elaborate designs and embellishments, highlighting the beauty and artistry of the dance. It was all about a visual impact - capturing the airy grace and otherworldly presence of the dancers. They looked ethereal, and truly magical!
Now, imagine me as a young ballerina in that era, a wisp of a girl in a romantic, billowing tutu, gliding across the stage under the gaslight glow. It was an era of elegant femininity, and that delicate silhouette was oh-so-stylish, it truly made my heart sing!
Fast Forward to the 1880s and 90s, when ballerinas were pioneering a more athletic style of dance. And wouldn't you know it, tutus were getting a makeover! They were becoming shorter, lighter, and with more layers! Imagine the incredible visual spectacle, with each movement of the legs and feet, the fabric of the tutu billowing around the dancers like clouds of dreams. And guess what? Those bold layers, with their beautiful swirling design, are actually still influencing tutu design today! Talk about timeless fashion!
My time travel tip of the day: Look for classic tutus with billowing layers to really tap into the spirit of that time period. Don't be afraid to add embellishments, after all, a little extra sparkle is never a bad thing!
Speaking of embellishments...
You might think those little twinkling crystals and sparkly bits came along much later, but actually, they were present even in the 1880s! Those early dancers sure knew how to add a touch of glamour, didn't they?
Just like today, where sequins, gems, and embellishments can elevate a tutu from beautiful to breathtaking, those 19th Century dancers knew a sprinkle of sparkle goes a long way.
But, where do we find this incredible dancewear inspiration?
My dear fashionistas, let's be honest - I find myself utterly captivated by ballet stores. Imagine it! Rows and rows of vibrant, tulle tutus in all their glory. From classic to modern, every shape and size to imagine. Just walking through the door is an absolute dream. My heart flutters with every piece of tutu-licious goodness I discover!
And then, there's the experience of shopping for vintage pieces.
Let's head over to Derbyshire, where I'm from. We’re lucky enough to have some great antique shops in my hometown of Bakewell! It's absolutely incredible rummaging through boxes, hoping to stumble upon a vintage ballet outfit – an authentic "jupe", perhaps, from a long-lost production! Just thinking about the history that could be locked away in a dusty costume makes my imagination soar!
This month, though, I’ve got something even better in mind:
I'm taking a little detour from my normal itinerary for a delightful trip to the Paris Opera Ballet in Paris. And you know I'll be scouring the Galeries Lafayette for any tutu-licious treasures to inspire my own design! Just imagine all the vintage Parisian elegance! And the pastries, oh my... 😉
It's this combination of dance, history, and fashion that truly gets my heart racing.
#TutuTuesday is much more than just a day to celebrate tutus. It's a journey into the heart of dance, its rich history and enduring magic. It's a reminder of the timeless elegance and boundless artistry of these beautiful, intricate pieces.
So, tell me, dear readers, what's your favourite part of ballet tutu history? Are you as obsessed with those layered romantic tutus of the 1880s as I am?
Join the conversation! Tag me on your own #TutuTuesday adventures. And remember, there’s a little ballerina in all of us. * Let your inner dancer shine! And don't forget to share your stories about *why you love wearing a tutu.
I’ll be back next week, filled with stories of Paris! Until then, keep dancing! 🩰
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
