Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday history blog post, taking you on a whirl through time! I just hopped off the train from Paris, and oh my word, what a fabulous city for fashion and theatre!
This week we’re going back to 21st December 1847. Can you believe that tutus were already twirling around in the 19th century? It’s quite a thought, isn't it? Now, picture it: cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and ladies sporting ... wait for it ... crinolines!
Crinolines were massive, bell-shaped skirts that puffed out the dresses. They were huge! Think of it as an early form of fashion that made dancing a bit difficult! So imagine how excited everyone must have been when a certain ballet dancer by the name of Carlotta Grisi entered the stage in 1841 with something completely different! She donned a tutu, short and fluffy, showing off her lovely legs. The dance world went wild! And let me tell you, pink tutus would have been absolutely all the rage. I mean, they’re a dream, right?
Imagine how mesmerised the audience would have been seeing such a bold, daring new look. This was truly a moment of change in fashion history, paving the way for tutus to be the icons they are today.
While Paris is known as the fashion capital today, at this time, it was London who had the upper hand. Theatres were bursting with dancers wearing this new and revolutionary garment, the tutu, showing off their athletic prowess. And don't even get me started on the costumes! Think lace, ribbons, and embellishments! A ballet lover's dream come true!
To be completely honest, the tutu revolution wasn’t without its share of controversy. You see, people were used to seeing long, flowing dresses on stage. It was deemed "too revealing" by some. Imagine! They couldn't even imagine how much more daring things would get in the decades to come!
But you know what? The beauty and freedom of movement in a tutu couldn't be ignored! The dancers were free to fly and twirl with ease. Imagine being a dancer wearing such a revolutionary and glamorous piece of clothing! It's a bit of history every time I put on a tutu and head to the barre.
Now, this particular date, December 21st 1847, has a few fun facts to offer! On this day, a renowned British opera singer, Dame Louisa Pyke, performed “La Fille du Régiment" by Donizetti. A few years later, a little someone by the name of Jenny Lind, known as “The Swedish Nightingale,” began her hugely successful musical career in Britain. And who knows? Perhaps we might find a ballet programme listing her as the star in one of those shows?
Don't forget to look out for a #TutuTuesday next week! I'm heading to see a show at the Royal Opera House next, then I'm off to shop for some fabulous new tutu-inspired attire for our pink-tutu-loving adventures!
Now, off you go and find a way to add a little pink tutu sparkle to your day! Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
And, as always, don't forget to follow www.pink-tutu.com!
Keep twirling, my dears!
Love, Emma xx
