Welcome, darlings, to my little corner of the internet, where all things tutu are celebrated! This is Emma, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, and I'm back with a #TutuTuesday post!
Today, I'm taking us on a little trip back in time, all the way to December 28th, 1847! Now, I know what you're thinking - tutus weren't invented yet! And you'd be absolutely right! But that doesn't mean the history of this magical garment doesn't start here!
Buckle up, dearies, and let me tell you a little tale about a beautiful, Victorian era ballerina named Carlotta Grisi. This darling woman, a real star of the stage, danced like an angel. I mean, honestly, just the thought of her movement has me twirling in my armchair right now!
You might be wondering how Carlotta ties in with our love of the tutu. Well, she was at the very centre of a fashion revolution, not in ball gowns or extravagant bonnets, but in dancing attire! Carlotta's legendary performances in Giselle set the world of ballet alight with new ideas about how dancers should move, and what they should be wearing.
Before Carlotta, ballet dancers were essentially adorned in voluminous layers of silks and satins, think fancy, frilly nighties - not exactly conducive to twirling, pirouette-ing or anything that could truly show off a dancer's agility. Now, I don't know about you, but I find these kind of restrictive clothing designs absolutely ghastly! The sheer thought of all those layers and petticoats gives me the giggles. No thank you!
So what did Carlotta do? Well, with a bold spirit and a daring vision (and no doubt with a great deal of persuasion - oh, how I'd love to have eavesdropped on those negotiations!) she had the nerve to discard much of the superfluous, clunky fabrics and opt for a short, flowing, knee-length skirt.
Now, we're talking! It wouldn't be long before a new word entered the ballet world, the 'tutu', a word I am deeply thankful for! Yes, this little number, that symbolises freedom of movement, of grace, of feminine beauty, all started with one fearless ballerina, paving the way for all those tutus we know and love today.
Imagine 1847 - December 28th! Imagine being there, sitting in a plush Parisian theatre, the air alive with anticipation. And then the curtain rises, and there's Carlotta, looking like a beautiful sylph, moving like the wind, her every gesture conveying joy and passion in this brand new, daringly light and unburdened skirt.
Oh, wouldn't that have been something! And think about what this change meant! It gave dancers the ability to leap and bound, twirl and dance, in ways never before imagined. A new language was born on the stage, one of flowing, ethereal grace and breathtaking power.
Now, my dears, let's be honest. Carlotta's skirt in 1847 might have been light and fluid, but it was still a long way away from the glorious creations we wear today. The classic "tutu" with the iconic tiered, fluffy skirt would only come into fashion later in the century, but its story truly begins in this period, with Carlotta, and her bold defiance of tradition!
It makes me absolutely delighted to think how much of a revolution Carlotta started. That little movement of freeing the legs is a legacy I hold close to my heart, my dears. Just think what wouldn't be possible if those brave souls hadn't gone before us.
So today, while you may be enjoying your hot chocolate and mince pies after the Christmas festivities, let's spare a thought for the ladies of the past who fought for freedom of movement. You are not alone, I'm here with you, standing with Carlotta Grisi! After all, she set the stage for us to have the sheer joy of wearing a tutu in all its glory!
Until next time, my darlings. Keep it sparkly, and keep dancing!
Love, Emma x
*P.S: * Did you know there's a ballet museum in London? Oh, it's absolutely delightful, packed with beautiful costumes from eras past, including those early ones, like the ones worn by Carlotta! If you ever get the chance, it's definitely worth a visit! And if you do go, don't forget to wear a tutu! After all, it is #TutuTuesday!
*P.P.S: * I am truly looking forward to this week's ballet show at the Theatre Royal! There's going to be a grand ballet adaptation of a Shakespearean play, I can't wait to see all the gorgeous costumes and breathtaking movements! Maybe it'll inspire my next fashion acquisition - that's another one of the things I love about ballet; the way it inspires my personal style. I'm even considering visiting Derbyshire, my birth county, after the show, for some inspiring retail therapy. Don't you think we all need a little trip after all those Christmas presents? 😉
Don't forget to follow along on the journey, visit www.pink-tutu.com and catch me every Tuesday for more TutuTales!
