#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2024-06-18

Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to take you on another fabulous journey through the world of dance! As you know, Tuesdays are for tutus, and today we're exploring the story of this iconic garment. It's the most magical piece of clothing, don't you think? So buckle up, darling, and let's hop aboard the pink-tutu-express, bound for the history of dance!

Imagine this: Paris, the city of lights, of romance, and... well, also the cradle of ballet! It's 1832, and our little ballet heroine, Marie Taglioni, takes the stage. She's not just dancing, darling; she's soaring. She's dancing in a completely different style, light and airy, as graceful as a fairy flitting about. Now, take a look at her dress - it's a revolution! Instead of the heavy, restrictive skirts of the time, she wears something ethereal - a dress with a single, fluffy, airy skirt that barely skims her knees! And that, ladies and gents, is how the tutu was born.

It was revolutionary, I tell you! Before, the skirts on ballerinas were so heavy and long, they couldn't move freely! Imagine waltzing with those! Can you picture it? No? Good! It was quite ridiculous.

Now, think of that tiny skirt in Marie Taglioni's performance! It lets the ballerina move like a beautiful butterfly. Suddenly, ballet takes on a new life! It's less about the showmanship, and more about expression and grace! It's pure poetry in motion, my dears.

But our dear little tutu didn't stop there!

Oh, those dreamy Romantic ballerinas, gliding through the stage in their flowy gowns. Ah, darling! What a delightful time this was for the tutu!

We call this the "Romantic Tutu", and oh, how fitting it was for the period! We're talking a long skirt of layered tulle that floated and swirled, echoing the romanticism of the age! Picture it: flowing white tutus swirling, evoking images of sprites and ethereal fairies. And of course, flowers and decorations - always more flowers! Just gorgeous! It's hard to beat a good long romantic tutu!

But the fashionista within me knows, styles change like the seasons! And the tutu was no exception, darling!

Hold onto your tiaras, dear readers! We're leaping ahead a good chunk of time into the early 1900s. You see, in those heady, fast-paced days, a revolution took place. No, not in France this time (although, who knows what happened to the little skirt!), it happened on the stages! A new ballerina took centre stage, more dynamic, *more energetic! Think, bold colours and patterns, less lace and flowers and more exciting movement. Think whirlwinds of swirling energy!

Now, you may have heard this phrase " "the classical tutu" Well, this is what we're talking about, dear! It's short and stiff, giving ballerinas more agility! Imagine that! More of the whirlwind kind of dance and less of the graceful twirl.

Remember, dear, that our ballerina is trying to find a way to make the tutu a perfect blend of fashion, grace, elegance, and also practical! The 20th Century, with all it's modern life changes, makes a fantastic change happen to our precious tutu! *Our little friend really takes on *more dynamic forms with bold colours and geometric patterns,! ** It's truly remarkable!

Now, while most people were mesmerised by this shortened skirt with its stiff, structured look, I must confess I still loved the long, romantic tutu! They were a bit heavier and harder to move in, but the *graceful elegance and the flowing shapes... * It's hard not to be charmed!

Now, what is this amazing world of the tutu up to in modern times?

Welcome to a modern world where creativity explodes with all sorts of incredible combinations! Here, we see revival, mixing of styles, even new fabrics added to the mix, giving modern ballerinas even *more ways to express their artistry!* We are all spoilt for choice. Now, think bright colors, think deconstruction, think *avant-garde, experimental, *ballet tutus *are an explosion of fashion! *

Of course, those who crave a little whimsy, there are romantic-inspired tutu And the classics never go out of style, my dears.

Now, here's something you need to see: Imagine tutus not only for ballerinas, but for everyday life! You know what I mean! It's an explosion of fashion right there! Imagine your everyday wardrobe! This is not about the past, but about the future and the amazing variety and *possibilities of our tiny but powerful fashion statement! The Tutu!!

Let’s go shopping!

But of course, dear reader! What would Tutu Tuesday be without a little bit of retail therapy! I've just been to Paris myself. Oh, darling, just think, this is the same city where Marie Taglioni first graced the stage in her original tutu! I must tell you about the boutiques there!

Paris, my loves, is overflowing with shops and studios! From couture tutus with hand-stitched details, to the simplest and most basic forms; a true lover of tutus has so much to discover! If you're looking for a piece with a little sparkle look for sequins and diamantes. If you want something with extra drama go for feathers and fringing! For an elegant look there's nothing better than delicate lace and tulle! There's even the contemporary style tutus for those that want a look for the streets with jeans or trousers. My favourites, the most whimsical long skirts, of the *Romantic era, with their floaty, magical designs, have their place in fashion, for every day life, so I always include a touch of that era in my shopping hauls!

**Where To See the World's Most Amazing Tutud Dancers: *

There is nothing better than watching a ballet show, a dance performance! You'll get the feeling that time just stops for a while as the performers's bodies express emotion, passion, * so effortlessly in their movements *! It's a pure art-form! Here are some of my top choices in the UK - I hope it inspires you to put on your most fabulous tutu, grab your best friends and head out to a show!

1. The Royal Opera House: Of course, this legendary spot is a MUST, a place that truly takes ballet performance to the next level. The dancers there have honed their craft over generations, it's a privilege to experience their talent in the incredible surroundings! I dare you to take a few ballet lessons after a visit!

2. Birmingham Royal Ballet: For those of you seeking out a different type of experience, Birmingham Royal Ballet puts a captivating spin on traditional choreography! Their shows are always exciting with innovative, contemporary pieces as well as the timeless classics!

3. Northern Ballet: From its home in Leeds, Northern Ballet brings its audiences stunning performances with a blend of contemporary and classical ballet, plus they often work with live musicians I think this is a unique blend of art that sets their performances apart, truly a sight to behold! And while you're in Leeds, why not enjoy some afternoon tea, my dear?

4. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Each summer, Edinburgh explodes into a vibrant cultural landscape! You've never seen so much theatre, so much creativity! So if you're looking for an unforgettable tutu-inspired spectacle, take a quick trip to the Scottish capital, a fantastic time of the year to see incredible performance and to get that artistic inspiration flowing!

It doesn't matter where you see ballet, just enjoy every minute of it. Ballet has a unique way to connect to everyone's soul. Remember this quote: "If the stage is a platform for sharing stories, then ballet, like any art form, gives us the tools for sharing ourselves." I just love to see everyone come out to enjoy dancing and celebrating the creativity of the world! And there's no better feeling than getting together and just having fun, *dancing the night away with *good company and your favourite pink tutu!

This is our #TutuTuesday, and this week it's a real celebration of the tutu in all it's glorious forms! If you love our little ballet skirt as much as I do, tell everyone about it! Tell your friends about it! Share the love, dear! Make this week your Tutu Week! And while we're celebrating let's go find the best tutu-wear on the web! Let's have some fun together!