#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2030-04-02

Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and it's Tutu Tuesday again! Can you believe it's already the 2nd of April 2030? Where does the time go?

I just have to share some truly amazing news! I travelled to 19th century Paris, and oh my, the fashion scene is just... chefs kiss. But today, we're not just talking about those glorious hoop skirts and billowing sleeves. Today, I'm bringing you some history! It's the time period where the humble tutu, the iconic ballerina’s garment, really took centre stage.

19th century ballet… well, let’s just say, it was a different era. Those ladies, bless their souls, would've been exhausted in my modern classes. All those long, full skirts with a petticoat underneath? It wasn't exactly conducive to leaps and twirls!

You know, tutu, is actually the French word for “tulle”, which is what that fine netting material that our beloved tutu is made from is called. That little word was all it took to revolutionise dance fashion! Imagine that - just tutu and all those layers gone! Talk about a dramatic shift!

What a difference that little word made! The original ballet skirts were quite a production, weren't they? Those ladies were like human pavlovas, moving in circles and swishing their long, cumbersome skirts! Not ideal for those breathtaking pirouettes and jetés, don’t you think?

That’s where Maria Taglioni comes in, she’s a true icon in the world of ballet. Her groundbreaking “La Sylphide” in 1832 had the audacious audacity to embrace a new kind of costume. A shortened, multi-layered skirt that ended mid-calf – a precursor to the tutu as we know it! Now that's what I call revolutionary fashion!

Imagine her daring to wear a tutu-ed, shorter, more flexible garment! What a leap of faith (pun intended, darling!) The beauty of the change wasn't just in the silhouette but how it let the ballerinas’ movements be the centre stage, you know? They were like ethereal wisps, swirling and soaring, and that is the essence of ballet!

The tutu, much like the world of fashion, is always evolving. It has gone through several styles, but my favourite? It’s gotta be the romantic tutu - just look at that delicate, tiered, cascading layers of tulle! Oh, how it makes me want to swirl around in its airy elegance!

We also have the classical tutu - that shorter, tighter, stiffer silhouette with a more defined shape, perfect for showcasing powerful, technical steps, especially those beautiful, athletic, leaping jetés, which I love

Then, there’s the plateaux tutu (I don't recommend doing a tour jeté with those) - you can imagine those incredible dancers lifting those enormous layers - it takes so much strength!

These beauties weren’t just about fashion either; they played a pivotal role in bringing movement to the fore. I truly think that’s what makes the tutu such an incredible garment. It’s the perfect blend of art, grace, and athleticism, don't you think?

Well, you know me - I like to see tutus outside the confines of the ballet stage. And honestly, darling, the world of fashion has completely embraced it. Whether it’s a long tulle skirt, a whimsical dress, a little tulle bow adorning a stylish handbag or even a bold tutu - it’s everywhere! We're all channeling our inner prima ballerina these days.

Just take a walk through your favourite city - you’ll find street fashion that embraces the delicate charm of a tulle skirt, or see an evening gown incorporating layers of shimmering tulle. We are living the tutu dream!

You've gotta love how versatile it is! It's like the chameleonic ballerina of fashion, darling. It's ethereal for the gala and edgy for the everyday! It's bold, it’s elegant, it’s playful!

So let's spread the love! Wear a tutu to that cocktail party or just on your daily commute. Tell me about it! Send your stories to pink-tutu.com and share them with us! I want to hear all about your tutu adventures!

Speaking of adventures... ahem, it’s time for me to jet set off for my next trip! This week, I’m heading to New York City! It's always vibrant and captivating. They have the most amazing museums, fashion shows, and a ballet scene that will knock your socks off!

See you all next Tuesday! And don't forget to share your pink tutu style!

Lots of love and twirls, Emma

P.S. Oh! Remember today is April 2nd - that means it's the annual “Tutu Day” for charity! They even have a little fundraiser where you buy a tutu and wear it to spread joy and raise money for good causes! I will definitely be sporting mine.

This year, the cause is all about spreading the message of acceptance, diversity and creativity – it’s about dancing with joy and expressing ourselves, so wear it with pride! ?