Helloooo, my darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to another week of exploring the wondrous world of ballet tutus! I'm your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, ready to whisk you off on a historical adventure, all while rocking the most fabulous pink tutu you've ever seen.
This week, we're travelling back to 30th September, 2025, a date brimming with exciting ballet events across the globe! It’s always thrilling to witness how this magnificent dance form evolves through time. Today’s adventure takes us to Paris, the City of Lights, where tutus have been captivating audiences for centuries.
Tutu Tuesdays are all about tutus! As a ballerina at heart, my love for tutus knows no bounds! From their graceful twirls on stage to their sheer elegance in everyday life, these whimsical creations embody the essence of ballet itself. My aim is to spread the tutu love – to encourage everyone, everywhere to embrace their inner ballerina, and who knows, maybe even wear a pink tutu! It’s a vision I truly believe in, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Speaking of tutus…
I absolutely adore how these little masterpieces of fabric have changed throughout history. This week’s topic is all about exploring the evolution of tutus, and we’ll begin with the first time that those fabulous tutu skirts graced a stage, and follow them through to the contemporary designs we see today. Buckle up, lovelies, we’re in for a ride!
The Very First Tutu: An Unexpected Heroine!
As a little girl, I was fascinated by the tale of Marie Taglioni, who in 1832, introduced a revolutionary change to the world of dance. This incredible ballerina, dancing in La Sylphide, shocked everyone with a radical choice - a short, tulle skirt replacing the bulky, restrictive costumes of the past. Her debut was an absolute sensation. She became the Sylphide - an ethereal, mythical creature, and she literally redefined how we think of ballerinas!
Tututus Evolving: From Romantic to Contemporary!
The early Romantic tutus were all about light, airy movement. The skirts, quite literally, skimmed the stage, leaving the dancer free to explore her art in an entirely new way. Think ethereal wisps of fabric, swirling and twirling, creating a dreamy atmosphere of delicate grace and ethereal beauty. And can you imagine the reaction? Just picture audiences gasping at this audacious change - it was revolutionary!
But the ballet world never stands still, and tutus followed this dynamic movement. As styles evolved, so too did tutus. They gradually became more ornate and complex, reflecting the bolder, athletic styles of later ballets.
Now, picture fluffy tutus, beautifully constructed with layers of netting and delicate lace, adorned with sequins, beads, and even feathers! Oh, the opulence!
In the 20th Century, we saw some of the most iconic tutus ever created! We have Coco Chanel to thank for the introduction of “le tutu de ballet,” that fabulous black, calf-length tutu worn by the danseurs. She created this stunning piece as a revolutionary garment, and it still holds a significant place in fashion history today!
And don’t even get me started on the exquisite ballerina skirts we see in today's contemporary ballet performances. It’s a beautiful tapestry of fabric and design, an expressive, visual story that adds so much to the magic of the ballet.
Tututological Thoughts: Fashion & the Ballerina!
Every tutu lover knows: The beauty of tutus goes way beyond the stage! They are an incredible testament to creativity, a stunning fusion of style, fashion, and art.
Tututology is a real thing! The word is an abbreviation for ‘tutu technology’ which relates to the complex technical elements required for crafting tutus, their structural mechanics and how these relate to ballet, and the dance of design. There’s even a magazine dedicated to tutus, called “Tutu Times”, where you can read about all the latest developments in tutu design and its historical importance, so I encourage you all to find out more! They have some fantastic articles about how different fabrics, techniques and styles came to be, from the Victorian burlesque tutus through to today's creations.
But back to my passion, let’s talk fashion! Because I have a burning question for you: Have you ever worn a tutu yourself? As you can probably imagine, pink is always my favourite! I’ve always believed in wearing a tutu everywhere. There’s a reason they are often incorporated into street style looks nowadays and it’s precisely because they make such a bold fashion statement.
But let’s get real, even today, a ballerina in full costume can definitely be considered an unusual sight.
We’re all about individuality! Every tutu tells a story and it's time to unleash the tutu within, even if you're just a casual viewer. I see all those amazing designs being embraced for fashion, from streetwear, to contemporary wear, to designer collections – even on the catwalks at fashion weeks!
My Favourite Tutu Tip: Embrace your personal style. Whatever colour, fabric, or design you choose, it is sure to evoke confidence and individuality. And let’s not forget – tutus always bring a little joy into the world.
Tututuations & the Importance of Sharing a Passion:
To me, a tutu is a celebration of all things ballet. It symbolises dreams, movement, and the transformative power of art. When you wear a tutu, you don’t just look the part, you embody the heart and soul of the dancer. And you never know, maybe your unique style might inspire someone to wear their own tutu, creating a ripple effect of positive vibes, confidence, and beauty!
Now, before we go, I want to tell you all about the delightful events happening in Paris on this magical September 30th, 2025.
It’s opening night of a new production by the legendary Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris. Imagine, this glorious historical venue and the stunning grandeur of Le Palais Garnier – it truly doesn’t get more magical than that! To make this moment even more special, they’re presenting the ballet of La Sylphide, exactly as Marie Taglioni danced it, all the way back in 1832! Oh my darling, how divine! This is not to be missed! And I just have to go to it!!
Now, my dears, time to wave goodbye and head back to the present!
Don’t forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, every Tuesday to read my #TutuTuesday ballet history blogs. Until next week, stay twirly!
With love, * *Emma
P.S: I'm always on the lookout for my next grand ballet adventure, and as usual, funding my travels takes a little ingenuity.
So, for this trip, I’m going to perform a small piece for a private event here in London, at a luxurious private country house for the benefit of the ballet charity The Friends of the Royal Opera House. I will also perform at the private viewing for the launch of the brand new London exhibition of Ballet Couture: A History of the Ballet Tutu. The tutus on display include those by Coco Chanel and those designed by Christian Lacroix, which is exciting and such an honour. I love nothing more than sharing my passion with others! And remember, a love of tutus is a love of life itself!
