Greetings, darling tutu lovers!
Emma here, your trusty time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back again with another #TutuTuesday deep dive into the wondrous world of ballet's most iconic garment - the tutu! Today we're taking a trip to a truly momentous occasion: 1851-07-15, right here in the heart of London!
You see, darlings, that date marked the opening of something quite extraordinary, a spectacle that attracted visitors from all corners of the globe. No, not the Great Exhibition! While I'll admit, it was quite the happening place, with fascinating displays of innovation and technology, what really stole the show for a ballet enthusiast like me was what happened a few days later at the Her Majesty's Theatre.
Let's rewind to that very special day…
On 18th July, the renowned French ballerina Carlotta Grisi graced the stage in a truly ground-breaking performance. And no, I'm not talking about her exquisite dancing (although that, as always, was superb!). I'm referring to her tutu! Now, you all know that the tutu is practically synonymous with ballet, right? But back in 1851, they weren't the billowing, pouffy marvels we see today. No, the ladies were still swirling around in full, heavy skirts, cumbersome and impractical. Imagine trying to perform a graceful arabesque in layers of velvet and satin! It's like trying to pirouette in a ballgown… not a good look, darling.
But then came Carlotta and her revolutionary change: the tutu à la Grecque. Picture it, lovelies - a delicate, shimmering tulle skirt, clinging to the legs, accentuating the dancer's graceful movements like a second skin. No more clunky hoops or yards of fabric hindering their artistry!
It was a sensation, my darlings! This new tutu wasn't just about comfort and practicality; it was about revolutionising the way the world saw ballet. It was all about showcasing the beauty and agility of the dancer's form, like a vision of lightness and freedom in motion!
What's it got to do with me?
You might wonder, darling, why a Derbyshire girl like myself is so obsessed with this ballet fashion evolution. Well, think of it this way - every time I pop my head through that fabulous time portal (it’s like a very elegant magic wardrobe!), it’s a chance to be a little bit more involved with this incredible history of dance.
Being a part of these monumental moments in the world of ballet just feeds my soul! There’s nothing I love more than the romance, the elegance, and the stories that swirl around every performance, every costume, every era! And of course, it goes without saying - there is always a time travel tale I can squeeze in! (Let’s just say that travelling from 1851 London to 2023 Derbyshire on a budget takes more than a steam train!)
Where are the Pink Tutues, Emma?
Now, before you say it, you know I’m waiting to see a dancer spin onto the stage in a bright, glorious pink tutu, just like the ones I favour! But hey, progress is made one elegant step at a time, right? (Perhaps my next invention will be a time travelling sewing machine!)
*I’ll catch you lovely lot next #TutuTuesday with a new exciting dive into the history of the Tutu! Keep on twirling, darlings! *
P.S. Remember, I'm all about inspiring a bit of tutudom in your life! Even if you can't quite pull off a pirouette, you can rock a cute pink tulle skirt for a fancy tea party or a picnic with friends. Embrace your inner ballerina, and let your fabulous self shine!
X Emma
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