Tutu Tuesday in Mount Vernon, New York
Hey dance fam! It’s your girl, Lily, coming at you live from Mount Vernon, New York, for a very special Tutu Tuesday! This week, I’m diving deep into the history of the tutu, those magnificent, swirling pieces of fabric that have captivated audiences for centuries.
Now, before we get lost in the archives, let’s talk about what a tutu actually is. A tutu is basically a short, very fluffy skirt, usually made from tulle (or, to get all technical, nylon netting). You know it, you love it, you probably want to wear it all the time. But did you know that tutus weren’t always about pirouettes and grand jetés? In fact, the tutu started its life as a very different garment.
Our tutu tale starts in the early 19th century. Back then, ballerinas danced in what they called a "jupe à panier," which translates to "basket skirt." This contraption, essentially a bunch of fabric draped around a large wire hoop, was a nightmare to wear. I’m talking restricting, itchy, and downright heavy. Ballerinas couldn’t even jump properly! It was essentially a giant, fluffy, cumbersome ball gown.
But the early 20th century brought us a whole new vision for ballet, one driven by the desire for more fluidity and grace. The iconic romantic tutu, which we often see in classical ballets like "Giselle," emerged with its flowing, soft lines and "bell-shaped" silhouette. You could say this was the "Cinderella" story of the tutu - going from bulky and restricted to light and graceful! And even then, it’s not like the skirt is "comfortable." We ballet dancers are tough cookies, I tell ya.
The evolution of the tutu didn’t stop there, of course. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, we saw the development of several iconic styles, each contributing its unique flair to the ballet world.
Let’s talk about the most beloved among ballerinas - the "tutu à la roman." If you’ve seen "Swan Lake," this is your girl. The romantic tutu, with its super-layered, long and wispy form, really takes you to a whole new level of elegance. The movement, it’s ethereal - it makes every plie, every arabesque, feel so graceful.
Next up, let's check out the "tutu pancake." Oh, this is a real showstopper. It’s known for its structured, flat appearance - think a circle skirt. This style isn't afraid to put on a show! Think about the Sugar Plum Fairy in "The Nutcracker" – the dramatic movement, the flouncy style – pure magic!
But it isn’t all about the romantic and the classic! For those of us who crave some modern sass, the "tutu platform" is a hit. This short and tight silhouette has a distinct angular, contemporary look. You’ve got all that amazing freedom of movement but in a much more defined style - just a whole lot of fun!
Let’s talk about something you might have seen at a dance convention or competition. There's also the "tutu pas de bourrée" style. It's a tutu in its classic form, but think smaller and streamlined – imagine that elegant bell silhouette, but much, much shorter! It really shows off every beautiful detail of that arabesque you’ve been working on.
These are just a few of the many wonderful tutus that have graced ballet stages around the world. There are even tutus in the contemporary, neoclassical, and even modern dance realm. Who would have thought a tiny skirt would inspire so much creativity, eh?
But beyond their beautiful aesthetics, tutus represent something much deeper: the embodiment of artistic expression, tradition, and history. Ballet and tutus are truly a powerful combination.
So, as I stand here in Mount Vernon, New York, surrounded by the vibrant ballet community, I feel incredibly grateful for the beauty and artistry that tutus have brought to the world.
As always, feel free to share your Tutu Tuesday pics using #TutuTuesday - and let’s spread the love of the ballet world!
Love,
Lily