History Of The Universal Signature Piece Of Ballerinas The Tutu

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.

We will start with Marie Taglioni, who in 1832 first introduced the tutu in Paris, as part of performing in the La Sylphide. This early model was deemed the Romantic Tutu. The sheerness of the tutu and the fact that it showed the ankle gave it a seductive air to in that time in history.

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 ‘tutu’ name was derived from patrons of the art who had to frequent the cheap theater seats. Wealthy people were seated in the upper levels and commoners in the lower level. As a result, the commoners were treated to a glimpse underneath ballerinas’ skirts, which were sans underwear.

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.

On top of satisfying the requests of patrons for a shorter tutu, this garment provided extra comfort for the dancers to perform some very detailed movements such as leaping leg extensions, the pirouette, and higher jumps. At this time in history though, the ballerinas also were wearing panties with their costumes. This may have gone a long way in calming the critics of the naughtiness of the early tutus.

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.

According to Faye Fullerton, head costumer Royal Ballet Company, it takes about 150 tutus to perform a ballet such as “Sleeping Beauty”. Fullerton goes on to say, tutus are expensive as a ‘Faberge egg’.

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.

For all their beauty, tutus are still a bit impractical for the dancers. A ballerina could do a back-bend and wind up getting her tiara caught in the netting of the ruffles. Her ballet partner would have to help free her.

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.

History and the ballet tutu came information from tutuetoile.com. Tutu Etoile is a leading provider of custom made tutus and professional tutus.

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