What's In a Tutu?

Whenever Tutu's are mentioned, pictures of ballet dancers and little girl's fairy costumes spring to mind.

Evolution of The Tutu

The Tutu evolved out of necessity towards the end of the 19th Century.  Prior to that ballet was more of a social affair where the dancers dance wear  clothes were their normal everyday clothes which were heavy, clumbersome and highly restrictive in the range of movements exercised by the dancers.

As Ballet and opera, was associated with more than an art form and has won recognition in the years after 1800, the dance costumes of the knee was worn by women in long skirts with lace knickers and tight corsets for the legs to down. Over time more and more short so that viewers watching the intricate footwork.

Style Tutu

This ballet was born in the outcome of the train alwaysprofessional and the dancers need for greater flexibility and ever more freedom of movement into what we recognize as the Tutu.  There are a number of different types of Tutu which are defined by the shape of the skirt such as: -

The Romantic or Bell Tutu as defined by the flowing three quarter length bell shaped skirt
The Pancake Tutu which sticks out around the hips kept stiff and flat through the use of wire and netting
The Powder Puff Tutu with its light fluffy appearance

The Tutu Today

Today, they come in a whole range of colours and sizes and more professional dancers may even wear them adorned with rhinestones to give that extra sparkle. While it is still a popular item of dance wear clothing for certain types of dance the Tutu has been largely usurped by the leotard.  They also remain very popular with young children who get a great deal of excitement and joy wearing variations of them as fancy dress costumes.