Hello darlings! Welcome back to your favourite Tutu Tuesday. It’s Emma here, straight from the cobbled streets of London, ready to whisk you away on a sartorial journey through time with the magic of the tutu!
Today, on the glorious 4th of June, 2024 (did someone say Wimbledon?!), we’re going to delve into the history of our beloved dancewear and uncover the secret behind its iconic shape!
From Roman Tunic to Tutus
It all started with… a tunic! 🤯 Yes, you heard right. The ancient Romans, those fashion-forward fellas, wore long, flowing tunics. Think of them as the granddads of tutus, giving us that iconic voluminous silhouette, although back then, the fabric was probably more linen than tulle!
Fast forward a few centuries, and in the 15th century, ballet was born in Italy, and the "tutu" took a turn towards its iconic shape! The Renaissance period, oh darling, that's where the fun started! We're talking about corsets, tight-fitting bodices, and lots and lots of petticoats, giving us the foundation for the voluminous skirt! Now, I'm not saying Renaissance ballet was comfortable (seriously, corsets!), but it gave birth to the quintessential ballet skirt we love!
The First "Tutu"?
It was the 19th century that really brought the tutu to its glory, the ultimate fairytale form. Imagine a swirl of delicate layers and airy tulle - pure magic! This transformation from heavier, practical dresses to ethereal, flowing ones, can be attributed to the "La Sylphide" (1832). This romantic ballet demanded lightness, fluidity and elegance!
The ballet demanded the tutu, and the tutu, quite literally, brought the ballet to life! And just like that, our love affair with this iconic garment began.
The Rise of the Pink Tutu
My dears, I can't talk about tutu history without celebrating its pinkest moments! It was the late 19th century that saw a new kind of beauty grace the stage – the romantic pink tutu. Think “Giselle” (1841), "La Fille mal Gardée" (1828) - all ballets celebrating innocence, youth, and the undeniable beauty of delicate pink. This colour wasn't just chosen randomly, it exudes that delicate elegance and sweetness, just like the story of those very ballerinas.
And it's true - Pink does just simply make the dancer!
From The Stage to the Streets
So here we are in 2024. Today's fashion embraces tutus like never before! And you know, while I love me a classic tutu, I am also completely obsessed with how tutus are finding their place in everyday fashion! From couture collections to street style, there's no shortage of ways to express yourself through this versatile garment!
As for me? I'm off to London to catch a performance at the Royal Opera House – I hear it's "Giselle" ! Imagine my delight, darling, to be surrounded by the very essence of the romantic pink tutu. After that, it's a little trip to Harrods for a new tulle-filled purchase or two! (Don't worry, I'm a bit of a pink fashion fiend) and then on to my train, back home to my little corner of Derbyshire, ready for next week's Tutu Tuesday!
Let me know what you're up to, darling, in the comments below!
Until next week, twirl on, darlings, twirl on! 🩰💕
Emma
