Tutu Tuesday in Longlaketon No. 219, Saskatchewan
Hey there, fellow dance enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Chloe, back with another Tutu Tuesday from the heart of Saskatchewan. It’s a little chilly out here on the prairies, but my heart is warm with the sheer joy of celebrating this week’s Tutu Tuesday! I can’t wait to dive into the world of tutus and see what fabulous frocks the dance universe has to offer.
If you haven't noticed, Tutu Tuesday has taken the internet by storm! Every week, we come together to share our love of ballet, tutus, and all things dance. And boy, oh boy, are we having fun! You can find the hashtag #tututuesday all over social media, where ballerinas and tutu lovers alike are showing off their favourite tutus and celebrating the magic of dance.
Now, let’s get down to business. Today, I’m exploring the evolution of tutus, highlighting a few classics from Canadian ballet.
A Brief History of the Tutu
Let’s go back in time, right to the origins of this legendary garment. The tutu was born out of necessity in the early days of ballet, evolving from the voluminous skirts worn by dancers.
- The Romantic Era (1830-1870): These first tutus were made of lightweight, layered fabric, typically gauze, and often had a billowing, flared shape, designed to give the illusion of flight as dancers moved.
Remember La Sylphide, by August Bournonville? Now that’s a classic romantic-era tutu, and it was this style of tutu, with its wispy layers of tulle and gossamer lightness, that paved the way for the evolution of ballet.
- The Classical Tutu (Late 1800s and beyond): We’re getting closer to that iconic image! Classical tutus are characterized by their shorter length, stiffening boned layers, and pointed, cone-shaped silhouette. These tutus are often made of several layers of tulle, and a bristle-stiffened skirt is usually sewn onto a close-fitting bodice, creating a sense of dramatic volume.
- The Paquita Tutu: Think big! This type of tutu gets its name from the iconic ballet of the same name. The *Paquita* style, as seen in productions by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada, boasts even more layers, achieving even greater dramatic impact.
- The Giselle Tutu: This style, with its soft layers and lighter fabric, allows for more flowing, fluid movements, reflecting the ethereal quality of Giselle’s character.
You see, the tutu isn’t just a dress. It's a statement of style, grace, and athleticism. It allows dancers to move freely and beautifully. It’s the perfect canvas for breathtaking choreography! It’s time we celebrate it with a warm cup of Timmy’s hot chocolate!
Now, how can we incorporate the evolution of the tutu into our #tututuesday posts?
- Experiment with Fabric and Shape: Embrace different fabric textures, from delicate chiffons to airy silks, or embrace modern tulle for that iconic tutu look, adding your own creative flair.
- Play with Length: Go long and flowy with a dramatic, layered romantic-style tutu, or channel that powerful and structured look of a classical tutu, experiment with shorter layers that can highlight every elegant twist and turn.
- Add a Touch of Whimsy: Think embellishments! Embrace those creative sparklies, feathers, beads, sequins, or even playful accents like pom-poms and ribbons to personalize your Tutu Tuesday style.
Don’t forget to capture your creativity! Make sure to snap a few pics and share your Tutu Tuesday looks using the hashtag #tututuesday and tag @chloe.dancer on your favourite platforms.
This week’s Tutu Tuesday is about more than just wearing a tutu, it's about expressing yourself, connecting with the magic of dance, and embracing the love of ballet across Saskatchewan and Canada!