Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, coming to you live from the bustling heart of Paris, France! Can you believe it’s #TutuTuesday already? The days are flying by faster than a ballerina doing a grand jeté, and that can only mean one thing: another chance to dive into the fabulous world of tutus!
Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane – well, my time travelling time machine lane – to explore the amazing world of tutus in the 2020s. The year is 2028, and trust me, darling, things have really come a long way from the dainty tulle creations of the early 20th century. And who knew that our dear tutu could be so much more than just a ballet staple?
Now, where to start? Oh, how about we jump straight in with a fashion-filled flashback?
The 2020s was a real boom time for the tutu, and not just in the ballet world. Remember that “balletcore” trend that took over Instagram? Well, that meant our beloved tutu got its moment to shine, not just on stage, but on the streets and runways too!
Imagine a tutu on a catwalk, in a chic boutique window, even rocking a festival in all its glory. From classic pink tulle to neon colours, from short, playful styles to dramatic floor-length masterpieces, the 2020s were a vibrant time for the tutu. It was almost like a resurgence! The tutu had evolved from an exclusive symbol of grace and elegance to a statement of self-expression and fun, reminding everyone to dance to their own tune – just like the incredible choreographers who inspire me.
My trip here was funded by a wonderful performance at the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, that fabulous architectural gem, that symbol of French ballet history. The show, Swan Lake, brought the house down – an utter triumph! And you know what? The ballerinas’ tutus were simply breathtaking. We’re talking hand-beaded detail, exquisite layers of the finest silk tulle – oh my! It made my tutu heart flutter! After the show, I enjoyed a fabulous evening, indulging in French fashion and exploring the wonderful Parisian boutiques. You know, my dear readers, sometimes my time travelling tutu-wearing heart just wants to take a well-deserved rest from history research and simply shop – or as they say here in Paris – ‘faire du shopping!’ After all, as they say “A well-chosen tutu is a must!”
I was lucky enough to catch a stunning exhibition in a quaint Parisian gallery devoted entirely to “The Tutu – The History Of Dance”. It was such a fascinating journey, chronicling how the tutu transformed, how its appearance was always intricately linked with changing fashion trends and ballet’s ever evolving dance techniques, right from the Romantic era through to contemporary styles.
Speaking of the ballet, did I mention that I attended an absolutely magnificent ballet performance last week? It was at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, no less, and my dear friend (and fellow time traveller), the delightful and stylish Amelia, was the prima ballerina – of course wearing a splendid tulle tutu! It was utterly captivating.
And did I mention Amelia is also my style inspiration, my own personal “tutu guru!”? Her wardrobe is absolutely legendary - the perfect blend of classic elegance and bold statement pieces, and a fabulous example of how to wear a tutu for almost any occasion – a classic pink tutu for a morning at the royal stables (and I have to admit it is just a little bit difficult to explain that one in 19th Century England - but it worked!) and a sparkling silver tutu to grace a high-profile event, even with her magnificent vintage tiara to top it off.
As we discussed earlier, in the 2020s, ballet dancers from around the world have helped elevate the tutu beyond the traditional stage to become a powerful expression of personal style and creativity. Ballet inspired trends even reached high fashion, making tutu designs truly diverse – think vibrant hues, layered styles, and edgy textures. It’s truly inspiring, and so much fun to see the tutu embraced by so many talented women – and some talented men, too! I remember, it wasn't too long ago when the only tutus seen off-stage were those worn by children in a charming ballet school – and then in 2024, along came a major pop star wearing a full-length tulle tutu on tour. Now, that was something else!
And that, my fellow tutu-lovers, is exactly the spirit that the #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog hopes to cultivate - the confidence to wear a tutu and make a statement – an expression of self, and a testament to ballet’s beautiful legacy that brings so much joy to my time travelling life.
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I am so happy to share with you my passion for all things tutu! So whether you're a seasoned ballerina, a fashionista, or just someone who loves a bit of tulle and sparkles, I hope that this #TutuTuesday blog inspires you to embrace the tutu in your own way.
Don't forget to come back next week for more tutu-licious insights, including the time a group of us wore our tutus at a vintage market in Derbyshire, England to fund my time travelling! Because even though we’re living in the 2020s, I have a huge love for my beautiful home county and for the people and countryside of Derbyshire. Oh, and keep an eye out for those photos from the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris and from Covent Garden.
And, for goodness sake, wear pink - life’s too short to be dull!
Have a delightful #TutuTuesday, lovelies!
Until next time, Emma xxx
