Tutu Tuesday 21314

Tutu Tuesday in Wallerawang, New South Wales: A Celebration of All Things Tutu #tututuesday G'day from Wallerawang, New South Wales! This week on my blog, I’m taking you on a sartorial adventure exploring the history, beauty, and joy of tutus – from classic to contemporary, all in honour of Tutu Tuesday #tututuesday! As a dancer, I've worn my fair share of tutus, from the classic romantic to the daringly avant-garde. There’s a reason tutus hold a special place in our hearts - they represent ballet’s captivating grace and the unwavering spirit of a ballerina. In a world where the lines between fashion and art blur, the tutu has become a symbol of self-expression, allowing ballerinas to explore and redefine traditional interpretations of feminine power and beauty. For me, Tutu Tuesday isn’t just about admiring the elegance of tutus; it’s also about celebrating the rich history and artistic evolution of this iconic garment. Let’s journey through the captivating history of tutus, delving into their significance and how they've transformed throughout the ages. * From the Early Days of the Ballet to Today: The earliest tutus, often referred to as ‘panniers’ (big structured undergarments) and the ‘bell’ or ‘knee-length’ tutus, originated from the courtly dances of 15th century Europe. These tutus served a very different purpose from those we see in contemporary dance - they were mainly used to emphasize the form of a woman's dress and exaggerate movement and were quite bulky! In 1832, Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina, wore a revolutionary ‘romantically’ designed, knee-length tutu - a design that broke away from the bulky traditional panniers and showed the legs in all their graceful beauty, revolutionizing the appearance of the female dancer and setting a stage for a new style of dancing. These “romantic tutus”, or “classical tutus”, have evolved in design but the essence of romanticism still shines through today in the design of tutus and the way ballerinas move. * The Birth of the Tutu: As ballet styles evolved into the 1860’s the classic tutu that most of us imagine when we think of ballet began to take shape, often made from layered tulle. The ‘classical tutu’ is shorter, offering greater range of movement to allow for a faster and more athletic style of ballet - an ideal for the athletic ballerinas like those in Russia. Think of the classic tutu worn in the Sugarplum Fairy dance from The Nutcracker. These tutus were typically worn in a bright color, white being the most popular, to highlight the dancer's movements. But sometimes the classical tutu was made for the individual performance in “pastels, jewel tones, and other colours”. * The “Tutu-Less” Dancer: Although some ballerinas chose to continue to dance in the traditional long ‘romantic’ tutu in the later half of the 19th century new styles and techniques influenced the length of the tutus, leading to ‘midi tutus’, the emergence of ‘contemporary ballet’ (which allowed a range of styles and modern designs in fashion), and ultimately even the ‘tutu-less’ look, which saw dancers in simple skirts and leggings - as often seen in many contemporary ballets. The early 20th century saw a new direction of artistic innovation and movement from dancers, including the development of ‘Modern Dance’, which allowed for movement beyond just technical moves, with much expression – for many Modern Dance dancers wearing no costume at all. However, tutus still held strong as a ballet garment with a number of tutus incorporating “layered, asymmetric, and abstract patterns, adding to the depth and artistic diversity of ballet costumes”. * Tutur Revolution - Today's Tutu Designs The late 20th and 21st century brought about many design changes. It wasn't uncommon to see dancers with tutus that stretched long like in ‘Don Quixote’, for example - and a new design approach - often called “contemporary” tutus. These “contemporary tutus”, designed to make a bold statement, were usually shorter, featuring vibrant colors or incorporating intricate patterns. Think of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and how Aurora’s Tutu would have become something much more visually artistic in a 21st-century reimagined show! It's exciting to see how ballerinas from different parts of the world are still shaping tutus through their unique dance styles. And as our “international ballet world” continues to evolve, it is fascinating to observe how tutus continue to change! Ballet companies around Australia - from Melbourne to Perth - show a wide array of contemporary ballet and performance styles and incorporate modern tutu designs into their choreographed dances and performances. In places like the Sydney Opera House, a tutu on stage today could be a modern or even non-traditional style of garment for ballet. It is exciting to observe this movement. The world of tutus is truly amazing, especially if you are interested in history, design, art and of course the beautiful, athletic elegance of dance. The Ballerina's Guide to Styling Tutu's: As an avid ballerina and fashion enthusiast, I love taking tutus and turning them into something modern and inspiring for my everyday outfits! So, let’s talk about how to embrace the Tutu look - on and off stage! Here are some ideas that embrace the whimsical beauty of tutus, incorporating them into the fashionista's world. Let's make everyday Tutu Day! * “Classic with a Modern Twist.”: My favourite looks, especially if I'm not performing in a ballet show - often come from this style! For a classic approach to tutu style, pair your "romantic” or “classic” tutu with a modern and sleek leather jacket. Add black pumps, statement earrings, and a cool-girl makeup look - to add a modern twist. * “The Tutu Trend.” With tutu styles taking the runway and street fashion scene, it's clear these stylish looks are a must! I’ve found some gorgeous tutu skirts at shops like “The Tutu Project”, “Ballet Pointe Shop”, and “Ballet Shoes Sydney”, so it's definitely possible to add this chic look to your closet – with no ballet required! Get Your Tutu On and Join the Movement: As a lover of dance and all things “ballet” (in Australia or anyplace else), Tutu Tuesday encourages me to connect with my love for this artform and with others! We are all empowered to find creative ways to show off our tutus, express our own unique style, and feel the magic of dance within ourselves. We encourage you to embrace the whimsical beauty of tutus in your own way on this, and every Tutu Tuesday. Share your #tututuesday photos on Instagram! Show off those fun and fabulous tutu-inspired styles and don’t forget to tag @myballetblog. We’ll feature our faves on our stories all throughout the week.