Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday! So grab your tea and your favourite fluffy cushion, because we're taking a trip to the beginnings of ballet and exploring the fascinating evolution of that most iconic of garments: the tutu.
This week, I'm whisking us back to February 29th, 2028! A leap year! It feels like just yesterday, and yet… (you all know my love for time travel, right? But you never know where it'll take me). Anyway, on this day in 2028, I found myself in Paris, the heart of ballet, sipping hot chocolate in a little café next to the iconic Palais Garnier opera house. Ah, to smell the rich scent of the stage, the music in the air…it's all so wonderfully exciting.
Now, you know how I love to get my nose into history and uncover the secrets of all things ballet and, of course, those beautiful tutus. Imagine this – it wasn't all frills and fancy back then. Ballet used to be a very serious business, with elaborate costumes, and layers and layers of material, you know, think ball gowns…and I love me a ball gown, but tutus are just so… magical!
It's been an absolutely enchanting week. This little time hop to 2028, I’m learning so much. I’ve seen a few performances, gone to a fabulously chic Parisian tea salon for a bite to eat, and indulged in the city’s famous fashion, as always. But the biggest thrill for me has been attending the rehearsals for the latest contemporary ballet, ‘Rhapsody in Pink’.
I always say, the best thing about ballet is how it constantly renews itself. In 2028, there’s this incredible mix of traditional and contemporary, and of course, the tutus reflect it. That night, I even managed to snag an autograph from the incredible choreographer, a delightful, witty woman with the brightest, most mischievous smile. It’s such an honor to meet the talented minds who shape this art form, pushing boundaries and pushing our perception of how the tutu can be worn.
But let’s rewind a little further back, to the actual genesis of the tutu! Believe it or not, it wasn't some grand, romantic moment of inspiration. It all came about very practically… I know, I was shocked too!
Back in the 1700s, ballet was very theatrical and grand, and it involved a lot of heavy silk, layers upon layers, making the dancers swelter under those hot stage lights. They looked like they were all weighed down. Well, Marie Camargo, a very talented ballerina (I imagine a fiery personality!), decided enough was enough! In 1732, she went and shortened the skirt of her ballet dress to her knees. Can you imagine? That was revolutionary at the time!
So, here you have it: the first ever shorter, more flexible version of the dress, later called a "tutu", made ballet not just visually interesting but much more physically fluid, with faster steps and graceful jumps, which I absolutely adored. It was quite a controversial moment but eventually paved the way for the graceful tutus we know and love.
The tutus really took off in the early 19th century with Romantic ballet. Dancers started incorporating those beautifully voluminous, airy tutus with multiple layers of tulle that floated gracefully around them as they performed, you know, that truly swishy magical vibe! They were lighter and more dynamic, allowing for even more incredible leaps and turns – just heavenly to behold!
From the airy and ethereal Romantics to the intricate detailing of the 19th century classic ballet tutus – which by the way, in the early 20th century started to come in different forms with a 'cage’ of tulle that became popular in classical pieces like Swan Lake - tutus just kept evolving.
Today, we're lucky enough to witness this fascinating evolution in contemporary ballet, where tutu styles have truly exploded into endless possibilities. In fact, even during that ballet rehearsal, I witnessed such creative experimentation – think dramatic swirling tulle that created fantastical shapes, vibrant bursts of colours in vibrant tutus, and even the most innovative of designs featuring shimmering textures and materials, creating a fusion of traditional beauty and futuristic innovation.
The key thing is to find a tutu that truly celebrates you and expresses your unique style. Remember, it's not just a piece of clothing, it's a statement, a magical story waiting to unfold, and who better to tell your story in pink tutus, but you?
Let me know your thoughts, my lovelies, in the comments! Where in the world are you celebrating #TutuTuesday? And tell me what are your favorite ballet pieces and styles of tutus, and why?
Don't forget, dear readers, I want to see you in your pink tutus! So, unleash that inner ballerina and snap a photo with the hashtag #pinktutubloggers - because every day can be #TutuTuesday if you let it!
Love and happy tutuing,
Emma xx
