Hello darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back again with another delightful delve into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu!
Oh my, wouldn't you just love to be a flitting, swirling butterfly, floating across the stage in a shimmering, tulle masterpiece? Just imagine that feeling...
This week we're on a thrilling journey right back to the dawn of the modern tutu - hold onto your tiaras, it's going to be an absolute blast!
October 14th, 2025 is a very special date indeed! Today marks the 200th anniversary of the very first public performance of 'The Sylph' ballet, and if you ask me, the modern ballet tutu was born with this iconic production!
It's all thanks to the fabulous French choreographer, Jean Coralli, and the brilliant composer, Jean Schneitzhoeffer. It was a time of huge change and innovation in ballet, with exciting new moves and stories replacing the old courtly styles. The very first ballerinas were confined in corsets and tight, heavy dresses - no way could they really show off their talent! Then, as if by magic, The Sylph brought about the elegant evolution of the costume!
The tutu for this famous piece was truly groundbreaking. It wasn't just some elaborate frock; it was light as a feather, airy, ethereal, and truly freeing for the dancer! A billowing cloud of tulle - the very picture of graceful lightness. Imagine what a game-changer this was for the ballerinas of the day! They were able to express themselves in entirely new ways, leaping and swirling, soaring high above the stage!
And what about the look of those early tutus? Now, those were some serious eye-catching beauties! We're talking layers upon layers of tulle, like the very clouds in the sky - some were even trimmed with feathers or ribbons! Just thinking about it sends shivers of pure joy down my spine!
Since then, my darling dears, the tutu has become an ever-evolving icon! It's come in all sorts of forms: The Romantic Tutu, so billowing and fluffy, the Classical Tutu, so refined and graceful, the Tutu à la Française, and of course, the Tutu à la Russe, often favoured for its lavish detailing.
Oh, but it's not all about those beautiful ballets and world-famous companies - it's about everyday ballerinas too, dancing their hearts out in local studios, wearing their very own tutus, dreaming big! There's just something magical about the way a tutu makes you feel, transforming you into a whimsical ballerina in an instant. Don't you agree, my loves?
This week, why not channel your inner Sylph and unleash your inner ballerina? Grab your best tutu (preferably pink, of course!) and get ready to twirl with joy. Maybe try out some new moves or simply waltz around the living room. Let your imagination take flight, just like those graceful ballerinas from centuries past.
Oh, and a little something special just for YOU! On my blog today you'll find a selection of fantastic shops where you can find a breathtaking selection of tutus, from the most classically elegant to the modern and funky! If you fancy trying your hand at creating your own, there's a DIY project that's a doddle, with all the steps you need to design your very own stunning tutu masterpiece. And of course, a fabulous list of some of my favourite online shops, with fabulous designs to inspire you!
I hope you enjoyed this little jaunt back through time, my dears! Remember, you can share your ballet adventures with me on social media! Use #TutuTuesday and don't forget to follow me @EmmaOnTheRails - you never know what new adventures I'll be embarking on next!
Next week, we're jetting off on a brand new journey - come and discover the history of those magical tutu accessories - stay tuned!
And now, I'm off to a dazzling performance! But before I go, I have to share the most wonderful thing! I spotted a brand-new tutu shop in Paris today - it's just divine! They have an entire section devoted to pink, you can imagine my excitement!
Keep twirling my dear friends,
Emma
(Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet-licious blogs!)
P.S. If you’re ever in Derbyshire, England, you’re welcome to visit me! We can grab a lovely cream tea and chat about tutus for hours!
