Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-loving time traveller, and as always, it's #TutuTuesday! Get ready to step back in time with me as we explore the fascinating history of our beloved tutu. I’m feeling positively rosy today, and this week, we're heading to the London Coliseum, a stunning Victorian gem that oozes ballet history! It’s such a treat to travel back in time, particularly when it’s a ballet performance in this magnificent venue that’s funding my journey.
This week, however, I'm focusing on the humble yet fabulous tutu, which is more than just a piece of dancewear, it's an icon, a symbol, and frankly, an absolute joy to wear. And it all starts… well, almost all starts… with Maria Taglioni.
From the Court to the Stage: Maria's Inspiration
You might recognise her name if you’ve been following my #TutuTuesday blogs, as I mentioned this stunning woman several times before! You’ll have to forgive me – I can’t get enough of the pioneer of the romantic ballet era. Maria Taglioni was one of the first ballerinas to perform in a short, bell-shaped skirt, which was basically the early form of what we now know and love as the tutu. It all happened in the 1830s, when Maria, the ultimate trendsetter (a true ballerinas' style icon, if you will), debuted in the Paris Opera Ballet as La Sylphide.
The tutu’s elegant, ethereal lightness was meant to symbolise the graceful lightness of the Sylphide spirit. Imagine: A flowing, layered skirt revealing graceful movement as if floating on air. A vision of pure, feminine beauty, an image that set the standard for ballerinas for years to come. Maria was not only the icon for this new dance style; she was a true symbol of feminine power and a truly visionary choreographer who shattered conventions with her new style, and by choosing such a transformational design.
Can you believe, this iconic look, the very first ‘tutu,’ almost never came about? She went through months of planning to find just the right shape and design, and, as we know, her efforts proved to be absolutely groundbreaking! The style of the skirt evolved over the following decades and, by the mid-nineteenth century, the tulle skirt had taken on the more form-fitting shape that we see in the ‘romantic tutu’, made from several layers of tulle, designed to flutter around the dancers as they move. It wasn’t just a change in shape; it symbolises a turning point in the world of ballet.
From then on, ballet has continued to develop. There's so much history to uncover, but we have Maria to thank for a garment that changed everything. She paved the way for countless ballet performers. Without her vision and her courage to explore new things, ballet might have remained locked in traditional dress for decades longer, and who knows how much longer it might have taken to develop to the incredibly amazing spectacle we see today?
A World of Tutus!
So, my lovelies, that’s a glimpse into the origins of our beloved tutu. Let’s not forget: tutus are far more than just skirts. It's a dance. It's an emotion. It's a celebration of artistry and creativity. So, the next time you see a dancer gliding across the stage, let the grace and beauty of their tutu inspire you, and, perhaps, imagine yourself, as if, in that same position, enjoying the same elegance. Perhaps we’ll be in the same row in the theatre one day. I’d love that!
Of course, I couldn’t talk about ballet without mentioning the gorgeous* ‘tutu shops* in London's Covent Garden district! Just imagine the excitement! Rows and rows of beautiful silk and tulle, endless colours and designs. They are like stepping into a fairytale; you’ll find some amazing pieces, classic tutus, modern takes on this stunning creation and all in various forms to match various styles and needs – and what more could I ask for as a huge ballet enthusiast?
While in the area, you have to experience the amazing Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. They are doing beautiful productions right now and their programme is truly diverse. I recently saw the most brilliant ballet performance of ‘Swan Lake’, an eternal classic, the beauty of the romantic tutus was absolutely mind-blowing!
#TutuTuesday – Today and Tomorrow
Well, I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into the history of the tutu. What an iconic item that continues to play such an important role in the history of ballet. What's your favorite type of tutu? Don't forget to leave a comment below with your favourite piece of balletwear.
Don't forget, next week we’ll be continuing our tutu tour! So stay tuned! I promise we’re going to learn something truly wonderful next week – I’m in love with what I've found out about tutus and I know you’ll adore it too!
Let's all live out our dreams and embrace #TutuTuesday. Be fearless and go and show off the fantastic outfits! I believe that we should all embrace this gorgeous creation, show off a fabulous look and be joyfully free, because, you know… Life's a dance and a good outfit only makes it more so!
Lots of love, Emma xxx
PS. Don't forget to share your amazing tutus with me! Send in your photos using the #pinktutu tag – I'd love to share your fabulous creations on the blog next week!
