Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, back again with another fabulous #TutuTuesday delve into the history of our beloved tutus! This week we're twirling back in time, a journey fuelled by vintage Chanel perfume and a cuppa Earl Grey - because even time travellers need their comforts, you know.
This Tuesday finds us on a sun-drenched piazza in Rome. This iconic city has been swirling with tutu magic for centuries - you simply can't have a trip to Rome without popping into Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, or a fabulous show at Teatro Argentina - oh, the gorgeous gowns and breathtaking ballet performances! They've got the romance factor right here, and that's just perfect for a twirl in a luscious pink tulle confection. Don't you think?
Now, you all know that a proper ballerina can never travel without a good book or two, and my favourite tome this week is The Art of Ballet by Mary Quant, with fabulous drawings of the elegant Parisian ballerinas of the 1800s. Remember the Romantic era? The ballerinas of the time looked divine in those delicate tulle skirts with romantic, airy layers - almost like a beautiful cloud dancing around. It makes me want to go on a proper fashion spree in the ateliers of Paris. I simply must recreate some of these looks in my collection!
Speaking of fashion, my favourite new vintage pink tutu just arrived from a delightful shop in Florence called “Le Rose." You can imagine my delight. It's the softest, most delicate shade of pink and feels absolutely divine against the skin. A little secret, my darlings - it's all hand-sewn, so the details are truly magnificent. Imagine all the happy memories to be made with such a magical piece of clothing. I already have a performance lined up, though, of course, I can't say where just yet. All in good time, darling!
Let's delve a little deeper into our #TutuTuesday journey. It's worth noting that the tutu of the 1800s was very different to what we see today. The fabric was generally very light and soft - we're talking silk, muslin and, dare I say it, even sheer cotton gauze - oh, the dreamy twirling factor of those materials.
Tutus were born to twirl, that’s for sure, and they still make me feel incredibly feminine. There's just something magical about swirling a perfect cloud of tulle around, creating that timeless, almost weightless movement on stage. Ballet and tulle - the perfect pairing!
As we go forward to the mid-1800s, there were major changes to the structure of the tutu. Enter Marie Taglioni. You can't talk about the history of the tutu without mentioning this iconic dancer, my darlings. She was an incredible dancer - and you know what? She had some truly inspirational ideas!
Can you imagine? She wanted the ballerina to have even more freedom to leap and spin - and thus, the * *Romantic Tutu was born. The layers were carefully cut into tiers to make sure they didn't weigh her down, giving her the power and fluidity of a majestic bird in flight! Talk about revolutionizing dance! Marie's influence changed ballet fashion for good, and let's face it, that change was just glorious.
Fast forward a bit, my lovelies, and we're seeing tutus of the late nineteenth century - we're entering the Belle Epoque era of elegant ballet dancers. You can't beat that. Ballet went mainstream, darling, and tutus got even more elaborate and dazzling. We’re talking about lavish silk gowns and gorgeous fabrics. You couldn’t be a proper ballet star without a beautifully intricate tutu made from layers of shimmering silks and laces. Just a hint of the glamour of the Moulin Rouge, eh?
The twentieth century saw a wave of modern innovations and new ideas for the tutu - everything from more fitted styles to incredible variations in color and material. And for you young ladies out there, the best part of it? The short, layered styles! Oh, that graceful bounce with each plié and pirouette. A true revolution in dancing.
This era saw so much progress, my darlings, in terms of technical innovations and design. I just love a new style of tulle skirt that can offer the dancer a whole new freedom to express herself. It truly opened up a world of possibilities, just like those dazzling, long-limbed ballets of the mid 1900s. Just imagine those iconic performers like Margot Fonteyn - she truly mastered that incredible tutu design - graceful and so iconic.
I've got to tell you...I have to keep my eyes open for rare finds whenever I travel - especially in Rome. Imagine my thrill when I found a little workshop here near Piazza Navona - a real hidden gem, and a proper, true treasure to be unearthed. It turns out it has a family tradition of making bespoke ballet costumes for generations, and my darlings, they just have to be seen! The craftsmanship is beyond compare.
After my trip, I'm thinking I might just head to London for the weekend - you never know what treasures I might unearth!
Speaking of the 21st century - and trust me, it's a very busy place! I’m particularly enamoured with what's going on in Paris with all the new young contemporary choreographers who have taken the tutu, my darling, to the next level. Imagine that! It’s still glamorous and stylish but so creative, so original - a testament to artistic vision and fashion flair!
From ballet performances in grand Parisian opera houses to more contemporary stage productions, tutus continue to reign as one of the most cherished items in the fashion world. Just like the perfect little black dress, tutus continue to adapt, changing with the times, yet somehow they always manage to stay timeless and endlessly elegant. We’ve gone through different trends of shapes and colours – but that’s what makes fashion so wonderful, wouldn’t you agree, darling? It’s a dance through time.
Oh, before I go... Just remember, darlings, that tutus aren’t only for ballerinas on stage! I see you rocking those tutus out there, on the street, for a fun girls’ night out - what a joy! Don't be afraid to channel your inner ballet diva - there’s nothing more fabulous than seeing a touch of tulle brightening up a grey afternoon, isn't there? And a bright pink tulle, too - divine!
Happy Twirling! I’ll be back next Tuesday with a new post - so do come back and visit my little space on the internet at www.pink-tutu.com and get involved in the conversation on my social media channels. Join me, darlings! We can talk tutus, fashion, travel and all the amazing things we can find in the world! Remember – if in doubt, wear pink.
Until next week, my lovely lot - take care and keep twirling!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to let me know what your favourite tutu designs are - the ones you dream of twirling in. I'd love to hear from you! I may be able to unearth a little secret to getting one.
P.P.S Do send me a picture of you wearing your favourite pink tutu if you do! You might just find yourself on the blog!
