Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again for another delightful delve into the world of tutus! It's Tutu Tuesday, and today, I'm taking us on a journey to the past – not just to discover the origins of our beloved tutus, but to see how fashion has changed alongside this iconic piece of dancewear.
Grab your fanciest tiaras, dearest readers, and hop aboard the "Twirling Express" – we're heading for the heart of the tutu's history!
(Disclaimer: I may or may not be a little bit obsessed with pink. It’s a delicious hue, and a truly fitting colour for a tutu. Don’t tell me I haven't warned you!)
Where Did Our Beautiful Ballerina Blouses Begin?Today, it's July 23rd, and we're in the middle of what feels like a glorious summer, just waiting to burst into the grand finale of July. I can feel the warmth of the sunshine and hear the delightful melody of the summer air; a symphony of buzzing bees and birdsong. Now, while I'm relishing the delightful days here, it’s time to rewind the clock to the time before tutus… gasp! Can you imagine a world without them?
But we wouldn't be here, rocking these glorious layers of tulle, without a historical twist! Back in the day, what we now call a "tutu" wasn’t a separate garment. It all began in the early 1800s when ballerinas, primarily in Europe, performed in "chemises", which were basic undergarments, and in skirts often worn as “bloomers”– kind of like an extra fluffy petticoat – but way before Marie Antoinette ever considered wearing them. You see, dancing with these “bloomers” caused quite the inconvenience! Those full-skirted blooms tended to get in the way of some pretty spectacular leaps and turns!
Imagine: graceful spins interrupted by the weight of heavy, gathered fabrics… just a ballet nightmare. Thank heavens for Maria Taglioni! This beautiful ballerina had a groundbreaking idea: why not make the skirt shorter and less cumbersome? Thus, the idea of the “tutu”, as we know it today, was born!
From Cumbersome Blooms to the Romantic Tutus! 🩰🌸The romantic tutu, with its soft, flowing layers and sheer beauty, began to bloom in the early 19th century. It became symbolic of the new romantic ballet movement, embracing freedom, beauty, and graceful movements.
It’s during this period we first encounter what’s known as the “tutu en pointe.” This, my dears, refers to a dancer’s pointed toes that we adore seeing in ballets like "Giselle" and "La Sylphide" – iconic performances, all thanks to these delightful creations of sheer magic. The ballerina’s "pointe" shoe is just as fascinating, but that’s a tale for another Tutu Tuesday, don’t you think? 😉
However, as we moved through the centuries, there were two key developments in the world of tutus:
1) The Classical Tutus: In the later 19th century, we had the creation of what's now called the “classical tutu,” known for its classic bell-shaped layers. These ballerinas were ready to go into more dramatic storytelling ballet – and this, of course, demanded different outfits!
This evolution of ballet costumes, you see, went hand in hand with ballet evolving from a romantic to a more structured, classical ballet. And that, my dears, meant more demanding moves, requiring lighter garments for quicker, more complex leaps, and, of course, graceful pirouettes!
2) The Neoclassical Tutus: Now, enter the 20th century and the advent of neoclassical ballet with a bit of a rebel in the ballet world - we’re talking about choreographers like George Balanchine, Mikhail Fokine, and Marius Petipa. They loved this form of ballet - but not always with this dramatic and extravagant "tutu-like" styles. Neoclassical tutu designs tend to be sleek, slimmer, and more modern, perfect for movements focused on body control, technical skills, and a different sense of rhythm! Think a ballerina like Margot Fonteyn – beautiful and elegant, with more athleticism and a touch more minimalism! These tutu styles continued throughout the twentieth century and are the designs of today - less big and fluffy and with a more sleek form-fitting design.
From Ballerinas to Runway Wonders! 💅👠
Now, you wouldn’t believe how popular tutus are beyond the stage! Designers around the globe are in love with the tulle, embracing its beautiful texture and ability to transform into exquisite gowns! They’ve moved from the theatre to high fashion - from Dior to Givenchy to Alexander McQueen – they are all creating runway marvels with an inspiring influence from tutus. So much elegance and artistry are incorporated in everyday wear, reminding us of that magical element of a ballerina's world!
Tutu Tuesday's Favourite Spots:London's ballet scene is absolutely brimming with brilliance, and I spend as much time as I can, dancing and admiring the amazing art of movement and graceful style. A quick trip to the Royal Opera House or Sadler's Wells Theatre and I'm caught up in a kaleidoscope of emotions and swirling fabrics.
Shopping in London's boutiques always offers delightful discoveries, too! And when I need some retail therapy, nothing beats exploring Liberty London's beautiful selection of designer wear! Or even visiting one of London's bustling markets where you can find vintage dresses and chic secondhand clothes. A few of these treasures and a trip to a good vintage dress shop can get my creative fashion juices flowing, inspiring me with my tutu-tastic look!
I’m currently trying to hunt down the perfect vintage dress to match my latest, oh so blush-pink tutu – let me know if you've got any secret vintage spots I must visit! 😉
Tutu Tuesdays: An Ode to Dance and Style!Today, on this vibrant Tuesday, I'm going to don my newest and most glorious pink tulle creation and whirl and twirl into the afternoon, with my latest, most-perfectly-pink tulle tutu and the most sparkly ballet slippers imaginable! You see, darlings, my goal, aside from living in a world full of pinks, is to bring tutus to the streets! Just imagine, a world of swirling tulle and playful fashion. Let's make the world a more glamorous place, one twirl at a time! 😉
So, what’s your favourite style of tutu? What’s your ultimate Tutu Tuesday fashion inspiration? Join me in this wonderful world of fashion, dancing, and pure tulle-icious bliss. See you next week for another Tutu Tuesday filled with wonder and fun! ✨
Yours in pink and pirouettes,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com**(And don’t forget to tag your best tutu looks with #TutuTuesday – let’s make it a trend, darlings! 💕)
