Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another jaunt through time ā and this week, itās back to the fabulous era of Romantic Ballet! Buckle up, because this weekās Tutu Tuesday dives into 1849, and oh, my dears, the tutu situation is fascinating!
Now, picture it: cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and an air of anticipation buzzing around the theatres in Paris. Romantic Ballet was all the rage back then, filled with ethereal characters and fantastical plots, and who needs fancy sets when youāve got glorious, billowing tutus? They weren't just tutus, they were a whole experience, swirling and fluttering as ballerinas moved with an elegance that would make a modern-day swan look clumsy.
(Excuse me a moment while I pinch myself and gasp in awe... swoon! Oh, those delicate, sheer fabrics ā itās pure magic.)
The year is 1849, the day is the 9th of January. Paris is about to experience a spectacular premiere. Itās the opening of "Giselle" by Adolphe Adam and Jules Perrot, starring none other than the luminous Carlotta Grisi. Carlotta? She's an icon! With a captivating stage presence, her signature was a kind of fairy-like lightness, and guess what? Her performance in āGiselle" truly changed the game. Not only for Romantic Ballet, but also for, well, you knowā¦tutues!
Imagine a costume with a tiny, delicate skirt, barely touching the ballerinaās calves. It flowed and danced like a cloud ā no more restrictive corseted dresses or heavy petticoats. The "Giselle" tutu wasn't just an amazing dance garment ā it was an artform! I'm almost afraid to mention this, darling, but in some ways, Iād say that we owe the "modern" tutu to this fabulous piece of theatrical history. Oh, the sheer joy! The freedom of movement! The sheer romance!
Now, this particular "Giselle" tutu wasn't all silk and lace though ā it was made of layered, white, gauze, which gives a perfect combination of billowing grace and a subtle peek of movement. Just gorgeous! You could barely make out the form of a ballerina as it danced ā they literally seemed to float like gossamer spirits on stage! Talk about a statement!
You can imagine, all over Paris, women are rushing to recreate their own "Giselle" looks, with ribbons, bows, and that iconic gauzy material. Even if they can't dance as beautifully as Carlotta, they're ready to embody the airy, free-spirited elegance of Romantic Ballet. Now, whereās that needle and thread? My time travelling pink tulle is in desperate need of a āGiselleā makeover!
But the journey through Tutu history continues, and guess what? The tiny, Romantic tutus started a trend that changed dance forever! And who could be better to keep you up-to-date with all the fascinating tales than your favourite pink tutu-loving, time-travelling blogger? (Thatās me, darling! Me!) Join me next week for another captivating episode of Tutu Tuesday. Donāt forget to share your own tutu-loving thoughts on the blog or with me on my favourite social media platforms!
As ever, stay fashionable, stay fabulous and letās keep this tutu train rolling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. If you're wondering how I fund these amazing trips back in time, I have to share my secret with you, my dears! You guessed it, ballets! Yes, itās all thanks to my ballet performances. (I've always been quite the performer! Imagine that, I'm a real time-travelling ballerina! Pinch me!) I dedicate my dance shows to showcasing the magic of ballet through all ages ā a passion for dance is something that unites us all, regardless of what century we happen to find ourselves in. Oh, and did I mention the most wonderful side-effect? Gorgeous tutus galore!
P.P.S. My dear readers, there are absolutely NO rules when it comes to wearing a tutu ā wear it with pride and confidence, whatever shape, style or colour it may be! I even travel with my little suitcase full of pink tutus! So why donāt we start a movement and inspire the world with this fabulous fashion staple? Who knows, maybe with enough tutus, weāll be able to make the world a more joyful and fashionable place. Oh, to dream! **
