Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe! It's your favourite pink-tutu-loving ballerina Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday adventure!
This week we're taking a massive trip back in time - we're heading right back to the very beginning of the tutu, way back to the early 1800s! Imagine my excitement - I get to wear my most sparkly, romantic pink tutu for this post because it's practically vintage! ?
I have to admit, it's hard to believe, but for a long time, ballerinas weren't even called ballerinas! The term didn't really stick around until the mid 1800s. Imagine! Can you picture Marie Taglioni in her ethereal, floating, Grecian-inspired dress in her groundbreaking La Sylphide, without us calling her a ballerina?!
Right, before I get lost in my tutu dreams, let's focus on the origins of this magical garment. Today, the word "tutu" seems synonymous with ballet. But guess what, it wasn't always like that! And, as I discovered in my latest adventure, we actually have to thank Marie Taglioni for this essential piece of ballet attire.
The Early Days: Before the Tutu
For ages, dancers had to wear heavier, more cumbersome dresses, a far cry from the ethereal beauty of a tutu. These heavy, multi-layered gowns and skirts hid their beautiful legs and impeded their movements. But luckily, Marie Taglioni and her brilliant designer, Eugène Lamy, had a brilliant idea – the "tutu", as we know it, was born! They stripped things right back, ditching layers of fabric in favour of a light, flowing garment that showcased the dancer's legs and enabled them to dance freely. This "tutu" wasn’t the fluffy tutu we see today but a knee-length, multilayered skirt that looked like a cloud! ☁️
The Romantic era, oh, it's just so full of passion, stories of fairies, and sweeping music, just like my own feelings about tutus. Marie Taglioni, her name just screams elegance. She captured everyone’s hearts with La Sylphide and her graceful movements. That was 1832 - not far off 200 years ago. Isn't that amazing?! I bet we will be doing some kind of dance performance 200 years from now. I would love to look back and see what I would be wearing. Maybe it's something amazing and outlandish, like the dancers who perform on those incredible futuristic stages. The imagination just takes me away, which, of course, is perfect for a ballerina.
This all seems very familiar, a bit like how some trends and styles reappear - in fact, fashion is cyclical in all its glory - think flared trousers!
So, how did those floaty, almost transparent tutus, evolve into the structured, glamorous, tutus we have today? Well, it happened gradually. Let's have a peek!
A Step Closer to the Tutu We Know and Love Today
It was a long journey, but it wasn’t long until dancers started to experiment with the tutu, seeking more versatility and artistry. Some dancers experimented with adding more fabric, for more movement and dramatic impact. Others, like the beautiful and fierce Carlotta Grisi, added frills and embellishments, giving us even more detail. It all led to the arrival of the tutu as we know it: that glorious blend of grace and drama, where every movement speaks volumes.
By the 1860s, dancers like Fanny Cerrito started shortening their tutus, introducing more emphasis on those lovely dancer’s legs - it was pure magic, A symphony of colour and form, just like my life and all of the gorgeous shades of pink! ?
And this, my friends, is how the tutu we know today, came to be! Imagine that: one brilliant creation that revolutionised dance forever. I just love the magic of history!
#TutuTuesday on 13th January 2032? Let's Talk About the Big Names:
Ok, fast forward to 13th January 2032 and we are at an exciting moment in the world of ballet. In just over ten years' time, this date will be bursting with ballerinas! On this particular day, The Royal Ballet will be performing The Sleeping Beauty. Just think, you could be watching some of the biggest names in ballet, performing this spectacular production. I bet, in a hundred years’ time, people will be posting about what happened at this performance just like I am.
What are some of the ballerinas who will have you glued to your seat this night? We have the likes of Alina Somova - absolutely legendary! This lovely, gracious ballerina would have graced the stages in 2032, just like a delicate flower in a graceful floral bouquet - I just love the image. We might be lucky enough to see the dynamic and fearless Maria Kochetkova, one of the biggest stars around!
And, for you budding young dancers who are working your way to ballet glory: Don’t forget about Ashley Bouder, the phenomenal principal dancer, and the always wonderful and inspirational Misty Copeland. They would be some of the leading forces on the stage at this very exciting time!
But ballet's not all about huge venues and superstardom. The art of dance happens every day. Don’t forget the power of amateur ballet! It is so beautiful seeing a class in your local community, filled with enthusiasm. Perhaps even that will be happening on January 13th 2032, as I type this.
Traveling on a Ballet Dream
Of course, travelling through time takes me all over the world. One thing is for sure: this journey through ballet's glorious history has inspired me more than ever to continue embracing the ballet life, all of it - the graceful routines, the beautiful costumes, and yes, those exquisite, magical pink tutus, the reason I have this blog in the first place!
Oh, speaking of my tutu adventures, guess what I am going to be doing today. You already know, it has to be, my favourite hobby, a train journey down to Derbyshire - my beloved hometown! It will be wonderful to visit my family for afternoon tea and maybe even sneak in some of my most favourite shops to look for some new additions to my wardrobe! The train carriage will be so glamorous! Imagine it! All of the people in their stunning attire. If I was clever I would have made some sort of tutu design that works as a perfect train outfit!
Anyway, as ever my gorgeous Tutu Tribe, thanks for coming on this amazing adventure. What were you doing in your world on January 13th 2032? Let me know in the comments below! ?
Don't forget, my lovely friends, remember to wear your pink tutu with pride and never stop chasing your dreams! Let’s see if you can find some magical moments of your own – and tag me with #pink-tutu, I’d love to see your pictures!
With all my love,
Emma ?
P.S. This has been #TutuTuesday Post 10438, remember you can join the conversation every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com
