Bonjour mes amis! It's Emma here, back with another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday. The pink tutu is always on, and this week we're taking a trip back in time to the year 1844. Now, 1844 was a time of grand change in fashion, and, believe it or not, tutus were right at the forefront of it all!
Hold onto your hats, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, because today we're venturing to Paris, the fashion capital of the world! This vibrant city has been home to all sorts of incredible creations – and of course, no ballet tutu history is complete without a mention of The Paris Opera Ballet. Imagine my joy when I landed myself a front-row seat to a performance of Giselle! Such romance and sorrow on stage. Even in those days, the tutus on the dancers were beautiful, crafted with soft fabrics and delicate frills. It really was the beginning of the elegant style of tutu we know and love today.
But here’s the thing: tutus were starting to take a new turn, even in the mid-1800s! This was all thanks to a very clever man named Carlotta Grisi – now she was a dancer! You see, the tutus she wore on stage for the iconic Giselle were like a dream. Lighter than anything ever worn before, these new, shorter skirts really changed things. I’ve read accounts of the public swooning – can you imagine how magical it must have looked to see the ballerinas float about in these impossibly short and fluffy tutus?
Carlotta Grisi wasn't just about changing tutus. She also revolutionised the way ballerinas looked on stage! No more stiff corsets, darling. She encouraged movement, wearing simple white muslin tutus and long flowing sleeves – much like what you might see in a ballet school these days. I just love how fashion evolves!
In my last trip to Paris, I found this enchanting little boutique. Tucked away in a quaint cobblestoned alleyway, it had a display of exquisite tutus – some more frilly and detailed than others. This time I took a special pair. Pink, naturally. Can’t resist those delicate layers of silk. They are absolutely beautiful. Imagine the sensation of swirling on stage in such delicate lace, feeling the soft whispers of fabric. sigh Every twirl is a dream come true.
Now, this might not seem like such a groundbreaking fashion event in today’s world of modern dance tutus. But in 1844, the changes were massive. Imagine! These tiny tutus are the ancestors of everything we wear now. Even if you’re not a ballet dancer, these early examples of tutu are just magical. Imagine the creativity!
It’s worth noting, that around this time Marie Taglioni was already changing the ballet scene, and not just by what she wore! Her artistry as a dancer had a profound impact. Remember the beautiful La Sylphide? A story that touched the hearts of many, with Marie being the inspiration! The story of a graceful sylph and her human lover, filled with emotion, beauty and enchanting dance. sniff
But back to fashion, my darlings! Those who want to look their very best in a tutu shouldn’t follow this fashion too literally, though. The ballet dancer's look can’t really be mimicked by everyday wear - although the look is absolutely inspiring! For some real Tutu Inspiration, just watch some of the incredible professional dancers out there. It’s worth remembering that a ballerina in her tutu is an athlete, one who uses the beauty of the body in a very special way.
And my friends, don’t forget – wear a tutu. Always. Every day is a chance to bring some sparkle into the world! 💖
This was post number 640 in our #TutuTuesday series. Join me every Tuesday for a little bit of ballet history! Keep those tutus twirling! Until next time, you’ve got this!
See you next week for another exciting #TutuTuesday!
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P.S. What are your favourite tutus and ballerinas from this era? Let me know in the comments! And remember to always wear pink! 💗 Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous tutus and posts!
Don’t forget to share your Tutu Tuesdays with me on social media! Tag me on Instagram at @pinktutublogger!Author’s Note
It’s so inspiring to travel back to 1844. Although the style of tutu worn then seems so simple now, back then it was considered quite bold, if not scandalous. I found myself enjoying some ballet performances this week - in New York. It’s so inspiring to meet other fans of dance and tutu and it's easy to see why Paris, where Carlotta Grisi wore the original La Sylphide, is considered a place of such artistry.
I also wanted to tell you more about Carlotta Grisi. After leaving London for Paris and her new ballet role, she moved on to other major European stages! Imagine a tour around all the great places, going from place to place. That must have been the life! She danced all over the world, all for the love of her art! * It’s my dream to tour like that one day. But first, it’s off to find a delicious crepe, as well as some exquisite tutus from a vintage fashion store near here!
Let me know your favorite historical dancers from the 19th century in the comments!
