Tutus are an iconic part of ballet, but what’s the purpose behind the poofy skirts?
Tutus were first worn in the mid-17th century during the romantic period of ballet. The skirts were designed to give dancers an ethereal, weightless look that would emphasize their leaps and jumps.
Originally, tutus were constructed of several layers of stiff tulle that would puff out when a dancer jumped or spun.
Today’s tutus are made of softer fabrics and can be either pre-made or custom created for each individual dancer. The shape and texture of the skirt still serves to add a lightness to a dancer’s movements while also emphasizing the lines created by their technique.
The length and design of a tutu will often reflect its purpose in a particular ballet. For example, in classical ballets such as “Swan Lake” or “Sleeping Beauty,” tutus tend to be longer with very full skirts that reach down to the ankle or calf.
These long skirts help create an ethereal atmosphere onstage and allow for more dramatic leaps and turns from the dancers.
In more modern ballets such as “Romeo & Juliet” or “Giselle,” tutus are often shorter and less full in order to create a more contemporary atmosphere onstage. The shorter skirt also allows for more intricate footwork from the dancers while still emphasizing their technique through movement.
Conclusion:
Tutus have been an integral part of ballet since its inception in the 17th century. They are designed to give dancers a light, ethereal look while also emphasizing their technique through movement. The length and design of a tutu is often reflective of its purpose in any given ballet performance – whether it be classical or contemporary – allowing them to create beautiful shapes with each leap and turn they make on stage.