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Helloooo beautiful dancers! ?
It's another fabulous Tuesday, which means it's time for our weekly dose of all things tulle! As always, I'm Emma, your very own tutu-obsessed time traveller and blogger from the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire, England.
This week I'm bringing you all the glitz and glam from June 17th, 2031. I popped over to Paris for the day to catch a glimpse of fashion week – a truly thrilling experience! I can't even tell you how much I adore seeing the latest creations from some of the world's top designers, and this time, guess what? There were TUTUS! Yes, my lovelies, tutus were actually on the catwalk!
Paris always seems to embrace the dance and ballet world. The streets are bursting with life, a swirling vortex of artistic energy, and a perfect place to get some fabulous tutu-inspired fashion inspo. This time, the designers were really embracing the fluidity and elegance of the classic tutu – lots of soft pastels and sheer layers. Oh, I can't wait to add some new additions to my collection based on these designs. It's going to be my mission to bring a little Parisian flair back to the English countryside!
But today, I'm talking history! You lovely lot are the best tutu enthusiasts around, so I’m excited to take you on a journey through time. Buckle up and let's dive into the history of the ballet tutu, and why they are SO AMAZING.
So where did this beautiful garment come from?
It all started way back in the 1800s when a little lady called Marie Taglioni took the stage and changed everything with her stunning performance in La Sylphide. This remarkable dancer challenged the traditional ballet gowns and donned a wispy white tutu. It was revolutionary, like a whirlwind of delicate fabric, swirling with every pirouette and grand jeté. It was shorter than previous costumes, allowing for a freedom of movement and allowing us to witness the elegance and grace of a dancer in full flow.
Fast forward through the Victorian era and those white tutus – the romantics, they are called - continued to evolve. The fabric became even more airy, giving a light and delicate feel. You’ve probably seen images of this classic tutu style with dancers gracefully leaping through the air in all their glory.
By the 19th century, a new breed of tutu arrived on the scene - the classical tutu, featuring the now famous 'bell shape', sometimes known as the 'pancake' tutu, which gave ballet dancers a beautiful symmetrical skirt with many, many layers of fabric. The result was spectacular – a magnificent, billowing circle of tulle that accentuated every graceful movement. These tutus are incredibly delicate, but when you watch a ballet, you understand the beauty and the performance and dedication these tutus symbolise. They can look like a cloud on the stage, so effortless and beautiful.
As you can see, the tutu hasn't always looked the way it does today. The designers really played with shape, volume and style throughout the centuries. And while many of us might fall head over heels for the classic ballerina style, it wasn’t always the standard. Let’s take a peek at the world of the 20th century!
The tutus started getting a little rebellious, darling! Some designers started pushing the boundaries of the traditional forms – introducing asymmetry, experimentation with colour, and more dramatic designs that took the form of a swirling cloud, or perhaps, the silhouette of a blooming flower. In the 20th century, they experimented with fabrications that were different to tulle - the lightweight material we associate with the tutu - such as satin and chiffon, they added colour – often pastel hues, and they created tutus for different types of dance performances including lyrical ballet and contemporary works.
It is so refreshing to know that the traditional styles, with their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate design, are always a source of inspiration for modern day designers!
A Love Letter to Pink
Now let's bring things back to present day (for me at least!), and take a little peek into my tutu wardrobe – that's right, I have a whole closet dedicated to my tutus! I have to say, a lot of my personal collection reflects my love for all the beautiful and expressive forms the tutu has taken on over the years, but if there's one shade that reigns supreme, it's definitely PINK!
I'm not shy about my passion for pink. I truly believe that it's a shade of absolute delight – it radiates confidence and creativity, and there's nothing better than a dash of pink in my wardrobe! Pink is also associated with innocence and femininity, something we find strongly tied to the elegant movements and expressive gestures of the ballet dancer.
My pink collection isn't all dainty pastel either – oh no! I've got bright, sassy fuschia numbers perfect for those street dance classes – I find street ballet so much fun - where you can really have a bit of fun with the costumes! And let's not forget those deep rose and crimson beauties that look absolutely gorgeous under the stage lights of the theatre. Oh, and have you seen how much a sparkly pink tutu makes a statement at a gala ball? It's nothing short of breathtaking.
I always say – if you have a doubt, just slip on your favourite pink tutu and watch as your inner ballerina blooms!
So where to from here?
So, what's in store for the future of the tutu? Oh, the possibilities are endless, lovelies! Imagine the gorgeous iridescent, multi-coloured fabrics. Think ethereal, lightweight gowns that morph with the dancer's movements, imagine them twinkling under stage lighting, sparkling, shimmering, perhaps changing colour as the lighting changes? There's also talk of adding advanced tech fabrics with integrated sensors to create incredible lighting effects and special visuals as the dancers move.
Now, who wants to make these a reality with me? We could create tutus inspired by galaxies, waterfalls, or even your favorite animal! And just think of all the amazing looks we could design for our weekly tutu walks around town.
Don't forget to show your love for tutus on social media with #TutuTuesday. I'm on Insta as @EmmaTutu. Tell me all about your favourite tutus, where you found them, and if you wear them for your ballet lessons or shows! I would love to see your stories!
Remember to check in next Tuesday for more adventures in the world of tutus. I promise we'll delve into even more delightful tidbits of history, talk about some exciting new designs, and most importantly, share some major tutu-loving vibes.
Keep dancing, keep dreaming, keep rocking that pink tutu, and I’ll see you soon.
**With Love,
Emma** ?
