#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2025-07-08

Hello my gorgeous tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, back for another week of Tutu Tuesday adventures. This week, we're taking a trip back in time – a trip through history – a trip back to the "Golden Age" of the tutu. Buckle up, darlings, because we're going on a fabulous, tulle-tastic journey!

Oh, and I must tell you, the date I’ve chosen for today's trip – 8th July, 2025 – is absolutely packed full of fascinating tutu facts. Just wait till you hear what went down!

Right, let’s head to the station, gather up our tutu bags, and jump on this historical train… choo choo!

Hold on tight, ladies! As our historical express whizzes through the years, we arrive in the early 1800s. The air is thick with excitement! That's because, in this period, the Romantic era, tutus are starting to emerge as a fashion statement in ballet. Before, ballerinas wore dresses that flowed and were so heavy, they struggled to move gracefully! But with the tutus that became popular then, like the bell-shaped “tutu à la Pompadour” that Marie Taglioni, a ballerina adored by many, would have worn, everything changed. They started showing off their gorgeous legs and performing incredible leaps and pirouettes. These first tutus, with their wide, layered fabric, helped ballet dancers look like magical creatures on stage, light as a feather and swirling gracefully like a butterfly!

Fast forward a bit – just a short jump, you can see all the amazing ballet performances going on around us! Here in 1830, it was all about the classic Romantic tutu and we can spot a glimpse of what will later become the ‘Pagan’ tutu – an off-the-shoulder design! In 1841, we see even more innovations: the tutu started to get shorter! Then we’ve got the tutu becoming more and more delicate! *Remember the legendary 'Giselle'? * It’s a showstopping example of how dramatic these earlier tutus could be, making every move look breathtakingly beautiful!

Now, who’s ready for some real fun? We are traveling into the 1880s – The ‘Belle Epoque!’ It’s the era of tutus galore! * The Romantic era is gone and in it’s place comes the tutu in the form we think of today.** Short and flared and just oh-so-gorgeous.

You'd think the tutu would stay short from this point onwards? Oh darling, think again! There’s more change to come! In 1905 Serge Diaghilev brought on a tutu explosion ! With the Ballets Russes company that swept across Europe, he introduced more dramatic and even elaborate tutus. That's when the tutus with multiple tiers of tulle and layers of fabric made their appearance and, just imagine, those tutus would be absolutely spectacular to watch swirling under the stage lights!

Now, we're taking our historical journey through the early 1900s. Let’s move into the first decades of the 20th Century where dancers were finding different ways to express themselves. While many companies are embracing a slightly more fitted tutu, others still love the layered ‘Pagan’ look, inspired by Diaghilev. This look can be described as fluffy, light and billowing in movement with loads of flowing layers of fabric – It is a beautiful contrast to the sleek, close-fitting tutus of other companies. But, for now, at least, every era is adding to the tutu’s already incredible design!

Alright, let's head back to 2025! We're finally back to our own time, but our heads are full of so much inspiration! And here’s the interesting thing about 2025: The tutu isn't just a historical symbol, it's as fashionable and vibrant as ever.

This date, the 8th of July 2025, is special. In London, I went to The Royal Ballet and the National Gallery for Tutu - The Dress of the Dancer. I loved this exhibition - so fascinating, seeing how the tutu has developed!

There were beautiful images of tutus, stunning dresses and loads of historical facts about them too.

I could easily spot how the tutu, a dress born from dance, has crossed into the realm of high fashion. It’s become an icon – It's so timeless and classic!

And you know what I see as I go to my ballet performances? It's not just in dance but everywhere! From fashion weeks to magazine spreads, the tutu is back! It's just got this amazing, universally beautiful quality to it – everyone is captivated by its dreamy look!

### How I Love Tutu’s (and you should too!)

You see, darling, I love the history of tutus – they show us how far dance has come but I also love tutus for what they stand for! I like to believe the tutu is a symbol of creativity, inspiration, dreams coming true – And you should all want to wear one too!

It’s a call to let go, a reminder that there’s beauty to be found, whether you’re twirling at the ballet, going to a show, going out on a special date or just stepping out in your own special style.

I’ll tell you this, darlings – wearing a tutu never fails to lift my spirits.

So why not let the tutu’s inspiration take over you, too? Embrace that confidence, spread that joy, dance in that tulle, and remember - always stay fabulously fabulous!

Until next week, keep the pink tulle flowing!

Emma xx