Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday for www.pink-tutu.com! This week, I've travelled all the way back to the 6th of January 1835 to dig up some fascinating tutu history for you.
Imagine stepping off a steam train into the bustling, exciting atmosphere of London. Think horse-drawn carriages, elegant ladies in beautiful bonnets, and a whole world of opportunity and theatre in front of you. And guess what? Today's date, 6th January 1835, happens to mark a really special moment for our beloved tutus!
Can you believe it, darling? It’s a whole 70 years ago!
On this date, one of the greatest ballet stars of all time was born – none other than the legendary, stunning Carlotta Grisi, the epitome of a ballerina and the lady whose performance forever changed our view of tutus! She wasn't just graceful on stage, she had the most elegant of tastes. Swoon!
She danced the role of Giselle, that famous ghostly story of a tragic love and betrayal in the beautiful romantic ballet, Giselle (1841) which made her famous, not to mention making history, because Giselle transformed the ballet world in many ways, not least through Carlotta's dazzling dress.
And what did Carlotta wear? Oh my dear, it's nothing like our modern day tutu. The skirt was so much fuller, longer, and, well, it was even heavier than our everyday handbags. Think long layers of fabric - you wouldn’t believe the number of ruffles and layers that went into making these stunningly complex garments! I must tell you, she really put her trust in those waistlines. Imagine being so light on your toes yet having to move about with such weighty skirts!
She called it "le tutu." "Le tutu"? What a darling little name! It is just divine, isn't it? I simply adore it!
It seems Carlotta's le tutu changed ballet, allowing dancers to be light on their toes, giving us that graceful air, showing off their amazing jumps and elegant leaps. Just imagine what a difference it made when she danced! So many lovely people went to watch. They all came out to see her. I wish I had been there to see her perform, she must have been incredible!
So you see, dear readers, today is all about Le Tutu and its remarkable story! This was a groundbreaking style that redefined the silhouette of dance! This romantic, feminine, and elegant garment helped Carlotta show off her breathtaking movement. I am convinced it was this revolutionary dress that pushed the art of ballet to a new, more elegant and exciting height!
Today, our tutu may have gone through quite a makeover (in a good way!), becoming shorter, lighter, and maybe even more spectacular, thanks to developments in materials and the designs of amazing costumers! I love the lightweight chiffon, the layers of delicate fabric that flows with each dance. You could say, today’s tutus are made for movement, light as a feather, and all the more fun! And of course, I can't forget the importance of color. Our little pink tutus just dance with us and bring so much joy! Isn't pink just the loveliest of colours?
This week, I think it's time we go shopping, darling, to find a gorgeous tutu that reflects Carlotta Grisi's brilliance. I feel a bit of tulle-shopping is in order!
After all, we owe it to ourselves to experience the enchantment and magic that a ballet performance evokes, especially in a lovely, new pink tutu, inspired by Carlotta's historical artistry. Don't you agree?
Remember, keep on twirling, dear readers. I hope you all find some tutu-licious fun! And don’t forget to visit my blog, www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday posts and find your own personal history of the most beautiful garment known to mankind: the tutu!
Love always, Emma x
