Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, Emma, here, and welcome back to my weekly dive into the dazzling history of ballet tutus! This week, my trusty time-travelling train ticket has taken me all the way to…drum roll please… Paris, France! The very birthplace of the modern tutu! Can you imagine?!
Oh, the thrill! The sights! The shopping! I have never felt so much joie de vivre! You wouldn't believe the fabulous shops I've been flitting through. Lace, satin, sequins – it’s a tutu-lover’s paradise! But let’s get back to the real reason we're here: to delve into the past and explore the amazing evolution of this iconic garment.
Now, this Tuesday, May 7th 2024, in Paris… well, let’s just say I’m catching the opening night of a breathtaking new production of La Bayadère, and boy, does it make me want to twirl! The tutus in this production are truly divine, a perfect mix of romantic and dramatic, and all the way on-trend with the latest tulle fashion, you can’t go wrong. And just like that, it’s time for me to slip into my pink tutu for the night! Who knew history could be so darn fabulous?!
Now, for our history lesson this week, let’s take a little trip back to the early 19th century. The iconic tutu was still in its infancy. Ballet dancers back then would have worn more elaborate and full-skirted dresses. Think Swan Lake with less swishing! And why did they wear them? You might be wondering? To accentuate their lines and movements! You could see the grace, the skill, the dedication to their art, just with a single jeté!
Then, like a fairy godmother’s wand, in the 1830s came along a truly magnificent dance named Marie Taglioni. This revolutionary artist, who, like me, loved a pink tutu, made a brave decision to simplify her costumes. Imagine that - choosing a short, flouncy skirt that could show off the artistry of her legs and feet in perfect motion. A brave choice, a brilliant choice, and a move that changed ballet fashion forever.
Marie’s La Sylphide in 1832 really made waves, and from that moment on, the tutu, in its various iterations, has graced ballet stages worldwide! And just look at the evolution – a tutu with a deep, full skirt became the popular style, then went through its stages to the shorter tutu we see today. It was almost as though it were going through the very same evolution of its history – with graceful leaps and delicate spins, becoming a timeless and much loved garment!
But now let’s be honest, dear readers – how can you tell the different types of tutus, right? They all seem so similar but let me tell you, there are some really important differences!
- The Romantic Tutu: These gorgeous and fluffy tutus were a classic choice for early ballets, just as seen in La Sylphide. They were usually made with many layers of tulle that fanned out to the floor, all soft and flowing! Romantic and delicate…just like your girl, Emma!
- The Classical Tutu: A touch less flowy, yet just as beautiful. These tutus have a shorter, more structured skirt which became very popular as the 19th century wore on! Think Giselle, think Ballet Blanc, the epitome of classic tutus in a sea of white. And let’s not forget how the classic tutus became more and more tailored as dancers continued to innovate their techniques and become stronger, and in turn the tutus followed to become more fitted and beautiful! It’s a partnership made for the stage, with grace and agility on display in its full glory.
- The Modern Tutu: These are usually more relaxed and experimental in design and sometimes go against tradition to celebrate a fresh, free and exciting, look, something that modern ballets call for. As the 20th century came, along with a change in dance techniques, the more tailored tutu became favoured, highlighting those beautifully strong and precise, movements. Think of all the brilliant contemporary ballets you love today! What are your favourites?
And of course, who can forget the glorious Pink Tutu! From The Nutcracker to Sleeping Beauty, these beauties have never lost their charm! And they’re totally my favourite - a testament to femininity, elegance and the playful, whimsical world of dance! Don’t forget that my personal goal, in life and across the timeline, is to convince everyone to wear one! Think of it – a world of twirls, spins, and oh-so-much fun, all thanks to the beautiful pink tutu.
I believe we should embrace tutus not just on stage, but in our everyday lives. Imagine yourself waltzing down the street in your favourite tutu, bringing a touch of joy to all who pass by. You’d never be afraid to stand out in the crowd!
And remember – wearing a tutu isn’t about looking like a ballerina, it’s about feeling like one! It’s about celebrating beauty, strength, and grace. It’s about expressing yourself in the most playful and joyful way possible!
I love hearing from all of you lovely tutu-lovers! Do you have any special tutu memories, stories or questions? Leave them in the comments below, or, come and say hello over on Instagram @PinkTutu! You can see some pictures of my amazing Paris trip in my feed!
Remember, never be afraid to twirl!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
