Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, dear readers! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you post number 10042 for your weekly dose of Ballet Tutu History! I just hopped off the Orient Express (what a glorious way to travel!) and landed in the heart of Paris - where else would it be, my darling lovelies? This city breathes, eats, and sleeps ballet, just like me! 💖
Speaking of sleeping, did you know that on June 11th, 2024, The Parisian Sleepwalker, a mesmerizing ballet choreographed by the incredible Michel Fokine, was unveiled to the world for the first time?! I just had to waltz back to the past and experience it for myself, darling! It was just divine.
Today, we'll delve into the captivating history of the tutu and its evolution – how did this whimsical piece of fashion transform into the iconic symbol of ballet that we know and adore today?
From Simple to Sublime: A Journey Through Tutu Styles
Firstly, let's talk about the beginning. Picture this, dear readers: A long, flowing, full skirt, like the beautiful ladies of the Court Ballet wore in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Let me give you some real fancy words here (because it's Tuesday and we love a bit of drama!): They were called chignons – which actually means something like ‘the back of the neck' or 'a ponytail' and later farthingales in the 17th and 18th centuries. Now, you may think these were comfy but Oh darling, they were just a huge hindrance. Imagine trying to twirl with yards of fabric tripping you up at every turn!
Now let’s go back a little...to the 1800s, where the magical world of tutus really took flight! The big change happened when the gorgeous dancer, Marie Taglioni, sashayed onto the stage in La Sylphide – in a tutu that would revolutionize the world of ballet! It was the first short ballet skirt – only going to just below the knees. Imagine a skirt made of layers upon layers of light tulle. Oh, my word, it's still absolutely breathtaking today!
The Romantic Era, from 1830-1850, became all about delicate wispy tulle tutus, showing off the beautiful movement of the dancer, with those light, airy forms that perfectly mimicked the ethereal ballerinas of that era.
The tutu, much like our lives, is full of transitions and change, and by the 1880s, it was time for a makeover. The tutu moved away from the romanticised airy, and started to show off the amazing athleticism of the dancers. The Classical or Pagan tutu was born. With its longer length and fitted bodice, this tutu showed off all the magnificent power of the ballerinas’ leaps and turns. The graceful form was just as impressive. And if you were lucky enough to have seen the famous Swan Lake, oh honey, you saw these classical tutus in all their glory!
And the change continues – tutus never cease to evolve! Into the 20th Century, with choreographers like George Balanchine and Mikhail Fokine pushing boundaries, we see another exciting chapter! In 1920s-1930s, we saw a modern twist. The Neo-Classical Tutu, a style with simple lines and fewer layers – perfect for bold, powerful choreography! Oh darling, there were amazing “Tutus” – or perhaps I should call them “tunics”, “leotards”, “jumpsuits”, * and *"skirts”... that took shape, with their interesting shapes and patterns.
Tutus - More than just a Garment: A Cultural Icon!
The tutu’s influence reaches far beyond the stage! From inspiring the beautiful fashion in films like the Black Swan, to the countless modern fashion trends inspired by ballet, it's more than just a skirt, it’s an icon, darling.
This week, I encourage you, darlings, to pick your favourite style – go classic or embrace something new, and rock your own version of the magical tutu! And as we say goodbye to this week's #TutuTuesday, remember that the tutu’s journey is still going strong! Who knows what styles we will see in the next hundred years? Stay tuned!
Keep those tutus twirling! Until next time!
Yours Truly, Emma xx
Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet history, shopping tips, and to discover your own inner ballerina!
Please Note: This is a fictionalized account, as historical records on ballet styles do not provide specifics about what dates styles were definitively introduced. Also, it is worth mentioning that the blog does not advocate the idea of actual time travel but is just a fictionalized element to the story!
