Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, back with another peek into the fascinating world of ballet history for your weekly #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a little trip back in time to 27th November 1832, a day that wouldn't have felt particularly noteworthy to anyone back then, but in ballet history? Oh my!
Today marks the birthday of the grand dame of French ballet, Carlotta Grisi. You might be thinking "Carlotta... who?". But this remarkable ballerina, a legend in her time, was known for her unparalleled artistry, particularly for her performances in Giselle! This role cemented her position as a ballet superstar. Can you imagine, just a 22 year old dancer becoming an iconic figure!
And if we're talking about "Giselle" we HAVE to discuss those incredible, flowing, romantic tutus, right?! While ballet was starting to move into a more "serious" stage, and tutus became increasingly shorter and more form-fitting, Giselle's story still allowed for those elegant, graceful lines and billowing fabrics. A real testament to the power of the art of dance!
I travelled all the way to Paris just to catch a glimpse of Carlotta Grisi in action! Let me tell you, Paris in 1832 was electric! Imagine being a part of this incredibly glamorous period – the fashion! The balls! The beautiful theatres! It was enough to inspire the greatest of ballerinas, especially Carlotta with her delicate features and powerful performances. Paris, it seems, was where ballet really blossomed, much like a perfectly grown rose in bloom.
This week's journey was absolutely brilliant – seeing history come to life is magical! If you can imagine the streets buzzing with carriages and gentlemen in fine coats with elegant hats… And speaking of fine hats… cough… don’t worry, I always try to maintain a bit of pink elegance myself. But more about that in a bit!
I can almost imagine Carlotta on the stage in a beautifully designed white tutu, just shimmering in the stage light. She would have been quite a sight! My heart flutters at the thought, don't yours? Even I have to confess to coveting some of those 19th-century tutus with the beautiful romantic flounces – though maybe not for an everyday ballet class! It is just delightful to witness this history through these glorious outfits!
Now about me… a bit of pink!This time, I took the train down to London! Yes, you heard that right, I’m taking the train to Paris, to London… you name it! And for this #TutuTuesday adventure, my pink tulle skirt was a sight to behold, like a fairytale in motion – that’s exactly the kind of statement a little pink tulle skirt can make! Let’s face it, nothing makes a trip better than some lovely, lovely pink!
As I strolled through the Victorian London crowds, I can’t help but picture Carlotta as a young dancer – her journey must have started somewhere like this.
This grand dame had it all. Glamour, art, a captivating passion for the art of ballet – oh! and that exquisite pink-tinged personality! (But we'll leave the details of that story for another day)
After all, ballet was a magical escape then, and even now.
As we continue our Tutu Tuesday adventure next week, be sure to keep an eye on this very space – pink-tutu.com – to learn about other incredible women who paved the way for today’s modern ballerinas. And of course, don’t forget to keep sharing your thoughts with me on Twitter and Instagram – the more the merrier!
Oh, and be sure to look for pink tutus in the wild, darlings – I know, you’re going to see one! Remember, everyone looks gorgeous in pink – even gentlemen. I just KNOW it!
Until next Tuesday!
Yours always,
Emma
A little reminder about the beautiful tutu – an *extra special pink-tutu discount for this week only in honour of the lovely Carlotta - for all those fabulous tutus and dance wear – simply use code ‘CARLOTTA’ on the checkout, you are very welcome! ** *
Post-Script As for me, this trip to Paris, I got myself a stunning pair of white ballet slippers, with just the hint of a sparkly pink detail (can't help myself!) Perfect for ballet class, and a new pink ribbon, so elegant... and naturally a brand new tutu – a classic ballerina pink one...
After my tutu hunting spree I headed straight for the ballet! The Grand Opera, that's where! So inspiring, with the orchestra playing, a packed audience – what's not to love! The ballets themselves… pure art... and such talented dancers… it's no wonder the world fell in love with this art form! I was absolutely blown away.
