L'history of the tutu dance is intimately linked to the history of the Paris Opera.

C’est la danseuse Marie Taglioni qui, pour incarner en 1832 le ballet « la Sylphide », décide de porter une superposition de jupes. De tulle ou de gaze, ces tissus légers  soulignent la grâce angélique de cette créature aérienne dansé par la ballerine.

The tutu was the emblematic petticoat of the white or romantic ballets, one of the best known of which was Giselle in 1841. The white colour and vaporous materials seen on stage were all the rage throughout Paris and became one of the mainstays of Second Empire fashion. Dancers became so popular that they were immortalised by painters such as Degas and Renoir.

Where does the word tutu come from?

First of all, the word tutu est apparu plus tardivement, en 1881 environ. Le mot est peut-être issu de la répétition du « tu » de tulle  puisqu’il était composé de deux couches de tulles ou de tarlatane. A l’époque, les dimensions du tutu étaient imposées : entre de 50 et 60 cm de longueur.

However, the word tutu could come from a childish alteration of the word "cucu" meaning a child's little arse.

The evolution and different types of tutu

The dance tutus have evolved over time, with the evolution of classical dance and the liberation of morals.

The first tutus are white, ankle-length and not very thick. Later came the "Degas" tutus, which were thicker, more colourful and popularised by the painter of the same name. At the time, for reasons of propriety, dancers did not lift their legs above the hip line. Ballets from this period told romantic and tragic love stories.

At the end of the 19th century classic tutuThe knee-length tutu gave the dancer greater freedom of movement. Thanks to the ballets of choreographer Marius Petipas and the influence of Russia, the richly decorated tutu was born. Orientalist, derived from traditional folklore or fairy tales, the tutu was adorned with wonders. You can admire them in ballets such as La Bayadère (1877), Sleeping Beauty (1890) and The Nutcracker (1892).

The dance tutu was subsequently shortened after the Second World War due to a shortage of fabrics, but also with the contribution of the technique of George Balanchine, founder of the New York City Ballet. Balanchine choreographed ballets with minimalist tableaux, highlighting the technique and bodies of his dancers with pure, monochrome outfits. He favoured maximum extension of the legs, large-scale développés, speed and precision.

Nowadays, tutus have a thousand facets and are the stuff of dreams. Their creation and decoration are left to the limitless imagination of costume and fashion designers. Christian Lacroix is a perfect example, having collaborated on several occasions with the Paris Opera to create stage costumes.

Moreover, when the dance tutu is very short, it is said to be "Italian". On the other hand, when it is majestic and imposing, it is called a "plateau".

When the tutu becomes the tutu skirt

De la scène à l’écran il n’y a qu’un pas. En effet, la magie de la mode des années 50 on la doit à  Grace Kelly grâce à son rôle dans le film « Fenêtre sur cour » d’Alfred Hitchcock, en 1954.

Then, in the 90s, the ballerina skirt is back on screen thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker. The fashionable Sex and the City heroine has appeared several times in tutu including a famous short white one with several tulle ruffles, known to purists as the "Carrie Bradshaw". In another episode, worn more formally, she appeared in a classic green tutu.

In Paris, Jean-Paul Gaultier gave it pride of place on the catwalk for his July 2011 collection.

Long, short, puffy, with small or large flounces, the tutu skirt dresses our biggest stars. It regularly appears on red carpets around the world and in collections by Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. 

Too often categorised as princesses, dancers or brides, the tulle skirt could well be making a comeback on the high street. And fashion designer Giambattista Valli is a prime example, having made tulle one of his signature fabrics.

How do you wear a tutu on stage?

The full dance tutu
The leotard and skirt are sewn in one piece. It's an ideal choice for galas and schools; a house classic.

A plateau" or "Degas" tutu bottoms
Choose your costume according to the theme of your variation. Then combine it with a matching corset or leotard with a lace back for a romantic effect. For a more contemporary effect, you can choose a leotard in a contrasting colour.

At Balletto Dance Shop, we're here to advise you on your shows and auditions. You'll find our tutus for children and adults in different colours and lengths.

Our women's tutus

Our girls' tutus

How to wear a tutu in town?

The Rock tutu
A nude or pink tutu with a t-shirt, black perfecto and Dr Martens. This combo will break up the romantic effect and create a pretty, glamorous rock outfit.

The tutu in summer
A white or navy blue tutu with a sailor suit or pretty shirt and sneakers. A simple, preppy look.

The tutu in winter
Go for colour and colour block with a matching mohair jumper and boots or ankle boots. With this chic look, you'll be ready for the cold weather and will warm up the atmosphere.

The tutu for big days or big nights
You can afford anything. Pair your skirt with a satin shirt, asymmetric top or strapless top and a pretty pair of pumps.

On stage or in town, join the movement and you'll be the prettiest girl on the dancefloor.

Romy Lebessou