Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another #TutuTuesday post! I'm currently hopping around the vibrant streets of Paris, soaking up the energy and style. It's hard to believe it's already July 1st, 2025! Time really does fly when you're wearing a beautiful, flowing tutu, wouldn't you say?
Speaking of tutus, today we're taking a journey through their fascinating history. You know, sometimes it feels like these iconic garments have always been swirling around us, gracing the stage and inspiring a love for all things dance. But there's a whole captivating story behind them, and today, we're going to delve right in!
From Humble Beginnings to Starry Stage Presence
Let's rewind a bit to the early days. Back in the 16th century, our beloved tutus were, well, not quite tutus! Dancers in the Italian Renaissance wore long, flowing skirts called farthingales or verdugados which were worn for fashion rather than dance. These massive garments certainly made a statement, but imagine trying to leap and pirouette in all that fabric! Not ideal for our pirouette-loving selves, right?
It was Marie Camargo, a dazzling French dancer in the 1700s, who first had the brilliant idea of shortening her skirt. Gone were the days of cumbersome lengths! She was pioneering, and for this bold move, we salute her! The trend spread, and soon, women on stage were showing off their amazing moves in their new, streamlined skirts. It was the start of something spectacular!
Fast forward a little bit, and we arrive at the 1840s. The tutu we know and adore really starts to take shape during this time. With the advent of Romantic Ballet, a ballet style with emphasis on delicate beauty and ethereal grace, the tutus were transforming too. Think graceful, layered, gauzy fabric creating a dreamlike cloud effect around the dancers. It was the height of elegance and perfectly reflected the mood of the time.
And then came the real revolution – the tutu à la Pagode! A marvel of structure, designed by Carl von Weber in the 1850s, this iconic tutu consisted of tiers of stiff fabric, like tiny, perfect, stiff layers of heaven. The tutu à la Pagode changed everything! It wasn't just about fluidity, but about architectural grace, showcasing the beautiful lines of the dancer's body. You could even see it being used in contemporary pieces today! I must say, this one makes me very excited, it really gave the tutu a new, architectural lease of life!
From the Ballet Stage to the Streets... And Everywhere in Between!
Oh, how the tutu has gone on to inspire us all. Not just in ballet, but everywhere! The iconic tulle that makes them so delightful has popped up in fashion shows around the globe! Imagine the delightful swirls of the tutus flowing down the runway in dazzling, pink glory. And then there’s the street style! So many ladies around the world rock the tutus! Even men have been embracing the playful charm, I recently spotted a gentleman in a perfectly pink tutu while sipping afternoon tea in Kensington! It shows we are all getting into the spirit of joyous femininity.
I remember the time I travelled to Berlin back in 2023. You wouldn't believe the number of fashionistas sporting tutu-inspired pieces – skirts, dresses, tops! And then there's the art scene. It has always embraced tutus! Have you seen those delightful illustrations and sculptures?
This, my dearest tutu-lovers, is just a peek into the fascinating world of the tutu. They're not just beautiful, but also tell the tale of style evolution, artistic expression and, let’s be honest, femininity in its purest, most expressive form.
From Derbyshire with Love
Well, there you have it, a whirlwind tour through the glorious history of tutus! It's a journey that continues to inspire me with each trip through time. It's fascinating to see how such a humble piece of fabric has taken the world by storm, becoming a symbol of art, creativity and the pure joy of movement.
Remember, lovelies, life is too short for dull clothes and even shorter for not embracing the magic of a pink tutu. And now that I’m back home in my favourite village in Derbyshire, England, I’m off to the local ballet class in a fabulous, brand new pink tutu. Who knows what exciting adventures await!
Until next Tuesday, stay stylish and remember, always keep that pink tutu spirit alive!
Emma xx
