Tutu Tuesday in Coulsdon: A Dance Through the Decades #tututuesday
Coulsdon, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Surrey, may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of tutus. But let me tell you, my fellow dance enthusiasts, there's a hidden world of tutu magic just waiting to be discovered right here in the heart of suburbia.
So, I decided to take a wander around Coulsdon on my trusty Tuesday, armed with my trusty phone camera and an unwavering commitment to embracing the whimsical world of #tututuesday. The aim was simple: to document the evolution of the tutu, to unearth those timeless classics and those contemporary styles that make hearts skip a beat.
My journey began in the heart of Coulsdon's High Street, where I encountered my first sartorial surprise - a vintage shop with a charming collection of garments that seemed to whisper stories of bygone eras. Amidst the antique brooches and flapper dresses, I stumbled upon a delicate, diaphanous tutu, its ivory silk adorned with hand-stitched lace. Its delicate folds, like a whispered secret, hinted at the elegance and refinement of a bygone era.
The vintage tutu got me thinking about the origins of this iconic garment. While the earliest versions of the tutu - or the 'tutu' as it was originally known - emerged in the 19th century, it was in the hands of the famed choreographer, Marius Petipa, that the tutu truly became synonymous with classical ballet. His choreography demanded freedom of movement, and so, the tutu transformed, shedding its cumbersome layers in favor of shorter skirts, revealing a greater freedom of movement and a newfound athleticism.
The early 20th century, saw the rise of the 'romantic tutu,' which, characterized by layers of tulle, gave the dancers the illusion of lightness and airiness, symbolizing ethereal, romantic characters and dreams.
Next up was a stop at a local library, a bastion of knowledge and history. My mission was to find a tutu with a bit more personality. I was on the lookout for something bolder, a style that represented the progressive spirit of the modern ballet.
After sifting through some stacks of classic ballet books, my eyes landed upon a captivating image, tucked away within a vintage dance journal - the 'contemporary tutu'. Unlike its predecessors, it dared to be different, defying conventions with its uneven lengths, innovative cuts, and the use of contrasting colours. This was a style designed to speak to a world beyond the confines of classical ballet, a world of diverse expression and emotional depth.
In its modern guise, the tutu is an instrument of storytelling and self-expression. No longer confined to traditional interpretations, it's now employed in contemporary choreography to narrate stories and amplify a dancer's physical presence and personality. It’s an evolution of an idea that has grown, twisted and evolved as dancers' have broken through traditional confines, looking for a medium for self-expression and expression. The contemporary tutu can be a kaleidoscope of textures, fabrics, and colors.
While the Coulsdon Library may not have any contemporary tutus (it's mostly filled with dust, moths, and very good books!), I found some classic dance journals that captured the essence of these artistic marvels. I then took my search to a local craft store - not because I needed anything craft-related - because it is my secret trove of colourful fabric and inspiration!
To say that I went crazy over the bright hues, shimmering threads and slippery silks, would be an understatement. For a fashion conscious ballerina, it’s paradise! You see, every colour tells a story; pink can be the hue of childhood innocence, whilst deep reds can evoke emotions of intensity and longing. The use of color is another way for a choreographer to showcase his or her art and provide the audience with an interpretation of a theme and character in an almost instinctive way.
My inspiration brimming with new ideas I decided to head for a spot of lunch - a cute little independent café that had an absolutely wonderful outdoor seating area which would have made a very charming stage. You’ve guessed it… more tutus! As I gazed around this charming establishment, I spotted the cafe owners - two lovely ladies dressed in stylish, knee-length, pale blue tutus and a chic headband in coordinating turquoise! I gasped with delight as they took my order! A modern, classic ballerina look. No doubt the best dressed baristas in town! And as I sat there sipping my cappuccino and thinking, you have to admire this little slice of Parisian elegance right in the heart of Coulsdon! There's truly no limit to the ways in which the tutu can be incorporated into our lives!
Of course, I’m not going to let you into a tutu secret… and leave you empty-handed! So, for my dear Coulsdon ballet lovers, here are a few pointers on how you can embrace your inner ballerina, even without an actual tutu:
- Embellish: Let's face it - those layers of tulle and the twirling possibilities, have always made the tutu a timeless fashion icon. If you're craving a little tutus magic in your life, just find a skirt or piece of fabric that inspires you - consider a tulle or silk skirt to create your own interpretation - and a touch of embellishment and voila – you are dancing to the tune of fashion.
- Tutus on the cat walk: Be it fashion shows or red carpets, tutus are becoming an increasingly popular trend on the fashion circuit! You can see the effect in the increasing number of designers, fashion icons and celebrities choosing tutus as a daring statement - you only need to see Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City (you know she would approve of this article!). So embrace this trend – be brave and add your own little flair. Perhaps a pop of colour or some statement earrings. And, be confident, as every fashion enthusiast knows, confidence is the ultimate accessory.!
- A Tutu for Every Occasion: Remember the sheer, romantic, classic tutu from my vintage shop encounter in Coulsdon. Think soft colours, floaty fabrics and a touch of whimsy, perhaps on an evening out. And don’t forget - think back to my discovery of the 'contemporary tutu'. When you want to be bold and expressive - be a modern ballerina with sharp tailoring, structural shapes and bold patterns. After all, there is a tutu for everyone and any occasion. And always, if in doubt, stick to the ballerina’s rule - keep it short!
- The Magic of Tutu Tuesday: Of course, if you want to join the ranks of the #tututuesday warriors, embrace your inner ballerina – you can easily whip up your own version - all it takes is a little inspiration - remember, you can't have too many tutus!
As I walked back towards my studio, heart soaring and creative juices overflowing, I couldn’t help but ponder the timeless appeal of the tutu, how its very essence embodies a delicate balance of femininity and strength, tradition and evolution. And the magical part, its inherent ability to transform a simple outfit into an occasion worthy of a dance performance. It's more than a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of grace, elegance and imagination.
So next time you find yourself wandering through the quaint streets of Coulsdon (or wherever you happen to be!), keep your eyes peeled, embrace the tutu's whimsical spirit. And remember, in a world full of rigid rules and predictable fashion choices, the tutu reminds us that there’s always room for a little whimsy and a whole lot of beautiful creativity. Let's raise our pom-poms and tutus high to a fabulous #tututuesday!