Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darlings!
It's me, Emma, your time-traveling, pink-tutu-loving guide to all things ballet and fabulous! It's #TutuTuesday, and today we're taking a trip back in time to 1853 – hold onto your tutus, this one's a real spin!
I'm standing in the grand lobby of the Paris Opera House, the air thick with anticipation. It's the 8th of November, and tonight's performance is going to be one for the ages!
But let's back up for a moment, my dears. You might be surprised to learn that the "tutu" you know and love today - that floaty, billowing, cloud of tulle - wasn't always so common! Back in 1853, things were much different.
Remember Marie Taglioni, the prima ballerina assoluta who basically made ballet history? She's the one who brought that iconic romantic tutu into the limelight, you know - that little pouf of fabric that only just covered the knees, showing off those perfectly toned legs! It was revolutionary, oh darling, a triumph of grace and airy lightness over those long, cumbersome skirts the dancers had been wearing before. It truly helped launch a new era in dance, where beauty, lightness, and movement took center stage!
So, why am I taking you to 1853? Well, you might know about the "ballet revolution" of the early 19th century, but things were just starting to change then. 1853 was a crucial year for ballet in France. It saw the debut of Carlotta Grisi, another iconic ballerina whose style completely redefined what ballet looked like. And it all revolved around that fabulous tutu!
The Parisian audience is buzzing about this show. Everyone’s talking about how Grisi redefines the romantic tutu. Gone are the fluffy and long skirts of the earlier romantic style. It’s short, like a very, very, very short skirt, barely touching the ankles - you could hardly call it a skirt at all. She moves with such grace and ease, swirling like a whirlwind of pink! The way she twirls, her legs barely touching the ground – well, it's a revelation. You know what? It’s totally inspiring! This is a true celebration of dance!
It’s even being whispered that her costume was influenced by her friend, the infamous dancer, Fanny Cerrito. But more on that another day! I have a feeling there’s a whole world of ballet fashion to be explored here in 1853!
But now, it’s time for the show to begin! I can almost feel the excitement in the air. My anticipation is growing. My mind is abuzz. Can’t wait to tell you about it!
Catch you all next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday! Stay glamorous, darling!
P.S. Have a wonderful week filled with sparkling dresses and graceful twirls, my loves.
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.P.S. I fund my travels to exciting times in the history of ballet through my performances. Would you like to come and see a show with me sometime? I think you'll adore the choreography in the ballet productions of the 1800s. And oh darling, just wait until you see the costumes! It's just utterly exquisite, it truly is! Don't miss it!
