Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink, sparkly, and most importantly, tutus! Today's Tutu Tuesday is all about history, my darlings, and a little trip down memory lane, well, a really big trip down memory lane, actually! Let's hop in my trusty time machine, the one powered by glitter and the dreams of little ballerinas, and let's journey back in time, shall we?
Now, it's 30th July 2030 today, a gorgeous, balmy Tuesday perfect for twirling in your favourite tulle. And you know me, always a fan of a bit of history, so today I'm going to share some juicy details about the history of the tutu! Because what would ballet be without those magical puffs of tulle, right?
But let's back up a tad. Why are we even here in 2030, you might ask? Well, you see, it all started when I saw this absolutely breathtaking performance at the Paris Opera Ballet - you know, the ones with the exquisite tutus! It gave me the absolute wildest inspiration. So, I took my little bit of savings, bought a slightly pre-loved, oh-so-chic time machine on eBay (the deals online these days are fab!), and poof! Here I am!
Now, before I embark on my historical tutu adventure, let's have a moment of quiet appreciation. Remember that pink sequined tutu you've been dreaming about? The one you imagine swirling in under the stage lights, the feeling of pure joy? This, my dear reader, is all because of the little garment we're talking about today. The tutu. The queen of the ballet stage!
A Tale of Two Tutues: The Romantic Era & the Classic Tutu
If you go all the way back to the 19th century, ballet was a rather different beast. You see, back then, the women were pretty much all about those flowing, gigantic skirts, almost like gigantic bell-shaped versions of modern dresses. Very Victorian and elegant.
And then came the Romantic era, the real inspiration for the tutus we know today! Now, you could even say that this is the true story of how the tutu came about - a time for graceful lines, emotions, and… let’s say… a little bit less fabric! Enter, stage left, the Romantic tutu! The Romantic tutu was essentially just a skirt that went very short! I imagine they took those big old skirts and poof, gave them a major, dramatic snip.
But then things evolved even more in the beautiful world of dance! Around the turn of the 20th century, ballet decided to embrace another level of extra (and let's face it, ballet loves its "extra"!): Enter the Classic Tutu.
Think big, voluminous tulle, layers and layers of it, and this gorgeous design that really highlights the dancer's legs - the kind of design that just seems to float when a ballerina is en pointe! This was the big boom in the evolution of the tutu. It really solidified the modern day, glorious image of the ballet tutu as a symbol of grace, lightness and perfection itself!
Oh, the tutus! What are they made of?
Think, think! Of course, tulle, our amazing tulle! It is such a wonderful fabric. It feels light as a feather and makes you look like a graceful fairytale princess. Tulle is the core of every tutu and comes in various weights and patterns, and this beautiful thing? It’s literally made of a kind of net - quite strong yet surprisingly light, too!
It’s so versatile! Did you know, the Romantic tutu, because it was made with only a few layers, is called the single-layered tutu? While the Classic, because of all that gorgeous fluff and volume? It's called multi-layered!
Beyond the Ballerinas: Tutu Dreams
Now, while the ballet is, of course, the heart and soul of tutu wear, let's get a bit more modern with this Tutu Tuesday! These days, the tutu's influence extends beyond the stage! The humble tutu is no longer just about grand entrances at the Royal Ballet, it is, for real, a global symbol! We see tutus everywhere - they are a huge inspiration for streetwear, high fashion (like those fabulous haute couture tutus in all the glossy magazines!), and for theatre, just to name a few!
So, let’s just say, the tutu’s got style! And frankly, you'll find me rocking a tutu pretty much everywhere.
Today’s must is to celebrate our amazing tutus. And just like a true dancer who is constantly evolving, I'm always ready for my next tutu adventures! It’s 2030 after all! Who knows what the future will hold? I'm certainly here for it!
What’s happening this day in 2030?
Remember this year we’re all celebrating the 150th anniversary of the London Underground with its first underground railway line being constructed. I do love travelling by train! They take me to ballet performances, shows, and to find the perfect tutus. If you haven’t travelled by train lately you should! The interiors are absolutely divine and everyone looks glamorous, very fashion forward. And I will say it again and again - let’s all dream big, make sure that we don’t forget our twirls and celebrate the joy of tutus!
Until next Tuesday!
XOXO, Emma
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