Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, here with another blast from the ballet-loving past for #TutuTuesday! This week, my magical tutu has whisked me back to October 12th, 1847, a date that, you might be surprised to learn, holds a special place in ballet history. Before we go on, be sure to pop over to the fabulously chic www.pink-tutu.com after reading this. I'll be giving some fantastic ideas for pink tutus that are positively bursting with 19th century romance.
Now, where were we? Right, 1847! London was alive with excitement as the Great Exhibition showcased some of the most inventive minds of the age, from steam engines to intricate machinery, all brought together to celebrate the age of invention. Meanwhile, in the heart of the city, a quiet revolution was brewing in the world of ballet.
Remember how I always rave about those fabulous, impossibly voluminous Romantic period tutus? The ones that were all gossamer fabric and dramatic flourishes? Well, the history of that exquisite, airy look, with its breathtaking, romantic effect, is intricately intertwined with this day in 1847!
You see, October 12th saw the premiere of a revolutionary ballet: "Giselle," composed by Adolphe Adam with choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Now, this wasn’t just any ballet - it became an instant sensation. Giselle set a new standard for romantic ballets, featuring a young peasant girl who tragically falls in love with a nobleman, leading to a heart-wrenching finale. It’s not only a moving tale but, importantly for me, a masterpiece of storytelling and stagecraft. The ballet’s very essence is rooted in ethereal beauty and grace, a truly Romantic era touch that was mirrored in the innovative tutu design that adorned Giselle.
Imagine a skirt, billowing and flowing like a wispy cloud, composed of layers and layers of white tulle. That’s what Giselle, danced by the legendary Carlotta Grisi, wore! This new style was dramatically different from the heavy, voluminous, almost matronly skirts that ballerinas had been confined to until this point. Gone were the restricting skirts, replaced by light, airy layers of tulle that became synonymous with the Romantic period in ballet.
The "Giselle" tutu was an embodiment of the Romantic Era itself. Think of it as the very embodiment of love, sorrow, and ethereal beauty! It allowed the ballerina a new level of freedom on stage, elevating ballet from being merely spectacle to a medium for nuanced emotional expression. Imagine swirling those lightweight tutus while leaping across the stage! I must try a romantic "Giselle" tutu for my next performance. I’m already brainstorming colour combinations: imagine blush pink overtop of ivory! Or even a very pale, very ethereal lilac… It truly must be done.
To give you a bit of context about 1847 - let’s take a step back! Imagine life at the time! It was a period of tremendous change. The world was embracing the Industrial Revolution, technology was changing life in the west. Ballet, too, was experiencing a period of significant change. The Romantic era had already begun in earnest by 1847. A wave of elegant and expressive choreographers brought in the more passionate story ballets. These ballets explored love, passion, despair, and tragedy. Gone were the lighthearted divertissements and pantomimes that had once graced the stages. Ballet was moving from playful to emotional, with the dancing mirroring these evolving sentiments.
It wasn’t just ballet itself that was evolving; fashion was experiencing its own exciting changes, too! Think high-waisted gowns and opulent jewellery, all reflecting the burgeoning romantic mood of the time. The burgeoning Victorian fashion trends that were influencing clothing for women all over London were reflected in the airy, billowing skirts of "Giselle."
While I can’t travel to 1847 and join Carlotta Grisi for a spot of tutu shopping in London, I can definitely channel the elegance of this historic ballet moment when I design my latest tutus! Imagine an exquisite, airy white tulle layered over blush pink fabric. The very essence of a romantic ballet, it would be a perfect testament to the legacy of "Giselle," with a hint of timeless elegance that transcends the ages!
If you ever want to delve further into this beautiful period of ballet, take a look online for archival photographs or, better still, catch a performance of "Giselle" at the ballet! It's a truly enchanting journey, just waiting for you to embark.
Before I set off on my next exciting trip, be sure to drop me a line over at www.pink-tutu.com. I love seeing what tutus you’re designing, you all look incredible!
And, as always, remember: The world looks better in pink! Don't forget to join me next Tuesday for a whole new adventure in #TutuTuesday!
XOXO, Emma.
