The tutu was originally a universal signature piece of ballerinas. Most savvy women have a signature piece that speaks of their individuality, such as a special medallion, brightly colored silk scarves or a distinctive watch. But, when a whole profession shares the same mode of dress, it evolves to icon status.
So, where the ballerina goes, so goes the exquisite tutu. The tutu has existed for centuries, but over the years it has been modified frequently, finally transitioning into the icon of elegance we equate with today's ballerina.
In the beginning, the tutu was considered rather naughty. We will look back to the Romantic Period to understand this further, as it is this era where passionate feelings and artistic freedom were exercised strongly.
Marie Taglioni brought out the first tutu in Paris in 1832, when she was performing in the La Sylphide. This first rendition was called the Romantic Tutu. It came down to just below mid-mid-calf and was very sheer and wispy looking. This in the day was a bit scandalous.
Marie Taglioni added her own special elegance to her performances. This fact did not escape the Paris fashion scene, who loved her whimsical dancing. These fashion lovers felt her outfit gave her extra flair that made her look as if she was flying instead of just dancing.
The term of tutu developed over time, but started with the audience that occupied the less expensive seats in the theater. The poorer people sat in the low-level seats, while the wealthier people sat in the upper-level seats. This gave the poorer people an unprecedented look under the skirts of the ballerinas, who did not at the time wear underclothing.
The story goes that these enlightening experiences led to much lively "baby talk". Using opera glasses, spectators seated in the lower level were rewarded with glimpses of ballerinas' culcul. Later, culcul was changed to tutu, possibly because most were made of tulle. (culcul is baby talk when referring to baby's bottom)
Following the Romantic Tutu, made famous by Marie Taglioni, the Classical Tutu was conceived in response to audience requests to view the more elaborate movements ballerinas were beginning to perform. It extended horizontally from the hips and in consequence, exposed more leg. In the 1880s, the Classical Tutu was worn for the first time by Virginia Zucci, an Italian ballerina. It ended just above her knees and closely resembled the modern Bell Tutu.
This Classical Tut was then altered once again to show even more of the legs and feet of the dancers with the introduction of the Pancake Tutu from Russia or George Balanchine's Powderpuff Tutu. The Pancake contained stiff tulle netting. There was a wire hoop included on one of the ruffle layers that helped the tutu hold its basic shape.
Along with satisfying the audience's desire for a more-revealing tutu, this version help the ballerinas execute the pirouette, soaring leg extensions, higher jumps, and other intricate moves. However, now the ballerinas wore panties. This may have made the tutu a bit less scandalous.
Streaming technology today on the Internet has allowed more people across the globe than ever to enjoy the various moves performed in ballet. This art still performs Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and other classics from its roots, as well as more modern ballets.
A production of Sleeping Beauty requires about 150 tutus according the head person in charge of costumes for the Royal Ballet Company, Faye Fullerton. Faye also points out that tutus cost a great deal of money.
There are several reasons tutus cost dearly. Most importantly is the prima ballerina her/his self. Each tutu must perfectly fit its wearer like a second layer of skin. Also, it can take months weeks to construct the tutu.
Then there's material. Each tutu consists of: 12 separate layers of net skirting, with steel hoops inserted and finished with an over-skirt, which is enhanced with sequins, embroidery and lace.
If a tutu is too short or tight, it can hamper the movements of the dancer. On the other hand, if one is too large the ballerina may feel that the tutu will help her take flight. Tutus are considered to some as dangerous, since the dancers cannot see their feet.
Although, these costumes are gorgeous, they are not necessarily the most practical of dress. Ballerinas could get their tiaras caught in the netting during back-bends or other moves, and their dancing partners would have to lend a hand to solve the situation.
Even though the tutu had a naughty start, it has become infamous in the ballet world. It also will continue to be a part of this art for many more years into the future.
So, where the ballerina goes, so goes the exquisite tutu. The tutu has existed for centuries, but over the years it has been modified frequently, finally transitioning into the icon of elegance we equate with today's ballerina.
In the beginning, the tutu was considered rather naughty. We will look back to the Romantic Period to understand this further, as it is this era where passionate feelings and artistic freedom were exercised strongly.
Marie Taglioni brought out the first tutu in Paris in 1832, when she was performing in the La Sylphide. This first rendition was called the Romantic Tutu. It came down to just below mid-mid-calf and was very sheer and wispy looking. This in the day was a bit scandalous.
Marie Taglioni added her own special elegance to her performances. This fact did not escape the Paris fashion scene, who loved her whimsical dancing. These fashion lovers felt her outfit gave her extra flair that made her look as if she was flying instead of just dancing.
The term of tutu developed over time, but started with the audience that occupied the less expensive seats in the theater. The poorer people sat in the low-level seats, while the wealthier people sat in the upper-level seats. This gave the poorer people an unprecedented look under the skirts of the ballerinas, who did not at the time wear underclothing.
The story goes that these enlightening experiences led to much lively "baby talk". Using opera glasses, spectators seated in the lower level were rewarded with glimpses of ballerinas' culcul. Later, culcul was changed to tutu, possibly because most were made of tulle. (culcul is baby talk when referring to baby's bottom)
Following the Romantic Tutu, made famous by Marie Taglioni, the Classical Tutu was conceived in response to audience requests to view the more elaborate movements ballerinas were beginning to perform. It extended horizontally from the hips and in consequence, exposed more leg. In the 1880s, the Classical Tutu was worn for the first time by Virginia Zucci, an Italian ballerina. It ended just above her knees and closely resembled the modern Bell Tutu.
This Classical Tut was then altered once again to show even more of the legs and feet of the dancers with the introduction of the Pancake Tutu from Russia or George Balanchine's Powderpuff Tutu. The Pancake contained stiff tulle netting. There was a wire hoop included on one of the ruffle layers that helped the tutu hold its basic shape.
Along with satisfying the audience's desire for a more-revealing tutu, this version help the ballerinas execute the pirouette, soaring leg extensions, higher jumps, and other intricate moves. However, now the ballerinas wore panties. This may have made the tutu a bit less scandalous.
Streaming technology today on the Internet has allowed more people across the globe than ever to enjoy the various moves performed in ballet. This art still performs Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and other classics from its roots, as well as more modern ballets.
A production of Sleeping Beauty requires about 150 tutus according the head person in charge of costumes for the Royal Ballet Company, Faye Fullerton. Faye also points out that tutus cost a great deal of money.
There are several reasons tutus cost dearly. Most importantly is the prima ballerina her/his self. Each tutu must perfectly fit its wearer like a second layer of skin. Also, it can take months weeks to construct the tutu.
Then there's material. Each tutu consists of: 12 separate layers of net skirting, with steel hoops inserted and finished with an over-skirt, which is enhanced with sequins, embroidery and lace.
If a tutu is too short or tight, it can hamper the movements of the dancer. On the other hand, if one is too large the ballerina may feel that the tutu will help her take flight. Tutus are considered to some as dangerous, since the dancers cannot see their feet.
Although, these costumes are gorgeous, they are not necessarily the most practical of dress. Ballerinas could get their tiaras caught in the netting during back-bends or other moves, and their dancing partners would have to lend a hand to solve the situation.
Even though the tutu had a naughty start, it has become infamous in the ballet world. It also will continue to be a part of this art for many more years into the future.
About the Author:
Thank you to Tutu Etoile (www.tutuetoile.com/classical-tutus/), provider of classical tutus, rehearsal tutus, and more custom professional tutus and dance-wear.
No comments:
Post a Comment