Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling fashionista, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through the whimsical history of our beloved ballet garment!
This week, my train tickets took me back to the vibrant Parisian ballet scene, all the way to 1845-04-01. A most thrilling date for any dance aficionado, darling! This was the day the first performance of the famous La Esmeralda by Cesare Pugni was presented at the Opéra de Paris. I’ll give you three guesses who was in the lead role! Yes, you guessed it! None other than the divine Carlotta Grisi!
Now, imagine, my darlings, the magic of that evening. The beautiful Parisian theatre, adorned with glittering chandeliers, the vibrant atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. I bet the whispers of “La Grisi” and “Esmeralda" rippled through the audience. The moment Carlotta stepped onto the stage in her enchanting ballet costume, the magic of that show came alive! I couldn’t imagine anything more captivating than a dance dedicated to the beautiful Gipsy dancer of Notre Dame!
But, wait! you may be wondering – What does this all have to do with tutus, you say? Oh darling! Patience! Let me weave the narrative of the magic! La Esmeralda, this incredible performance, is considered a cornerstone of what we know today as the ballet tutus. Remember what we learnt last week, how those first, revolutionary short tutus came about? Well, the dance was considered quite risqué back then, with the skirt being shorter, allowing dancers greater freedom and artistry! Imagine how the audiences felt then, to see these incredibly graceful and beautiful dancers twirling and leaping in those stunning garments. They simply couldn't resist the power of this beautiful dance and these new, incredible costumes!
And what did La Grisi wear during this extraordinary dance? You guessed it - a tutu, and a pretty splendid one too! My sources say it was white, simple and full, a timeless masterpiece, accentuated with a lovely pink ribbon. Oh, darling, my heart fluttered at the mention of pink. I'm positively convinced that pink has been a major part of the story of the ballet tutu from the very beginning!
*Oh, darling, you simply can’t help but *feel the allure of the tutu! This dance, with its beautifully executed movements and powerful narrative, certainly created a huge buzz, spreading like wildfire throughout the fashion and performance circles. People were mesmerized, absolutely charmed by the story and the graceful, flowing movements of the dance. It made everyone long for something different! **
So, I can only imagine the excitement, darling! Imagine walking through those bustling Parisian streets on your way to the opera house – people were going completely wild for everything ‘Gipsy’ themed! Everyone was in a flurry of beautiful outfits inspired by this ballet. My dear, the style became a phenomenon -- imagine everyone grabbing everything Gipsy, everything boheme and embracing the wild, unfettered spirit! The era saw an absolute explosion of colors – bright scarlet, deep sapphire, fiery orange, golden hues, and my most favourite, the darling pink, all adorning clothing, fashion, and stage costumes alike. You wouldn't see the likes of it, darling, in our Derbyshire!
The era was transformative, inspiring and captivating and the excitement that flowed from La Esmeralda can't be underestimated! Imagine a theatre bursting with life and color. All of the dancers – their clothes flowing, their movements dynamic, with an unmatched passion in every performance! How wonderful! The magic of the performance left everyone captivated. And guess what! All because of this exquisite, dazzling pink tutu!
This date also signifies a celebration of feminine beauty! Let’s face it, it is all about tutus! They add an element of whimsical charm and make us look even more graceful and elegant. Oh darling, I *can make you a queen! The very symbol of freedom and the power of dance, the tutu transcends the confines of tradition. A beautiful testament to creativity and self expression!
But here's a little secret, my dearest, the history of tutus, particularly those fabulous early ones, doesn’t always have the most flattering image for female dancers. Imagine those shortened tutus, darling, all the way up to the knee! Can you even imagine the freedom and excitement? These revolutionary costumes, with their simple silhouettes and minimal decorations, put all the attention on the dancer’s form, their beauty and movements.
Now, picture this, my lovely! I can see it the stunning costumes from La Esmeralda, the elaborate details, those layers of silk and lace! Imagine a bright pink tutu twirling with a shimmering pink silk top that adds a dash of colour and radiance. Simply magical! A visual spectacle, a vibrant display of dance, and femininity, celebrated in the most magnificent fashion! It is a spectacle that continues to mesmerise and inspire dancers, artists, and audiences even to this day!
This year in Paris, I can guarantee the tutu-wearing excitement is at a fever pitch, my dear. Paris is after all, the very hub of fashion! And I don’t even need to mention, all the darling pink shades! Pink has a magical hold over fashion, don't you think, my dear? You simply can’t get enough of this wonderful, beautiful shade, the quintessential symbol of femininity. Every detail and every stitch embodies an aura of extravagance and refinement.
My dear, let me ask you something - Do you agree? *What other colour could be better to showcase a ballet’s beauty, the fluidity of movement, the sheer artistry? Of course, pink! It truly embodies that essence! *
Now, let's bring the spirit of La Esmeralda into the modern world, darlings. Imagine strutting down a busy London street or maybe even in Derbyshire, in your fabulous pink tutu, the spirit of the dancing Gipsy girl! You're embracing your individuality and self-expression, you are making a statement, you are making magic! I simply want you all to embrace the power of pink! I am hoping to spread that pink magic with every post, darling! I want everyone, in every corner of the world, to wear their very own, special pink tutu!
Until next Tuesday, darlings! Love, Emma
