#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1855-02-13

Hello my dearest tutu lovers! Welcome to #TutuTuesday, episode number 1207! Today we’re going to whisk ourselves back to a particularly exciting time in ballet history, February 13th 1855. It's the very day I, your fashionably-minded time travelling ballerina Emma, decided to pop over to Paris!

Why, you might ask? Well, dear readers, this was the date of the premiere of *“La Esmeralda,” by *the legendary ballet dancer Carlotta Grisi at the Paris Opera House! 🩰

Carlotta, known for her captivating beauty and dramatic ability, had made the world gasp with the beauty of the choreography when she debuted her revolutionary, dramatic and stunning performance. Let's delve into why!

Firstly, let’s talk about the tutu itself. You see, tutus in the mid-1800s, my lovelies, were just starting to emerge from those heavy and somewhat cumbersome multi-layered skirts that had become the fashion norm. The change in this style of skirt was not accidental - in fact, it revolutionized dance. It was all part of a shift towards lighter and more flowing designs, enabling dancers to show off the elegance of their movements.

Carlotta Grisi in “La Esmeralda” was the embodiment of this revolutionary change in design, performing with grace, agility and artistry in a beautiful and ethereal, shorter tutu made of layers of tulle. It was truly a vision of ethereal lightness which captured the imagination of all those lucky enough to have seen it! The lighter style became synonymous with grace, elegance, and dramatic interpretation.

Oh, I can just imagine, my dears! Picture it. The Grand Opera House ablaze with light. The vibrant atmosphere as people anticipated the beginning of the performance. And there was Carlotta Grisi in her flowing tulle tutu, captivating the entire audience, dancing so flawlessly as to completely rewrite what the world thought was possible for a dancer. What an exquisite dream that must have been.

Of course, there was so much more to “La Esmeralda” than just the costumes. The story itself, an adaption of Victor Hugo’s “Notre Dame de Paris”, told of the loves and misfortunes of the young gypsy dancer Esmeralda. Romantic and full of passionate drama, this tale captivated audiences for generations, proving the power of storytelling to make hearts race!

That's just the start, darling! Because of Carlotta Grisi's extraordinary talent and her dedication to wearing this shorter, elegant tulle tutu a new, more modern style of dancing took the world by storm. Imagine what that must have been like, seeing these dances for the first time, being transported to a magical world filled with drama, romance and grace!

A Change In Fashion: From Romantic Ballet To Modern

Remember the stiff, starched petticoats that dominated fashion up to that time? Well, Carlotta's tutus helped pave the way for a more flexible, flowing and delicate look. We can see her influence even today in the contemporary dance wear that graces stages across the globe! This was truly a period when dancers started to be recognised as individual artists - a celebration of the feminine, delicate yet strong body capable of expressing extraordinary emotion and artistry!

Carlotta was truly an inspirational woman. Not only was she a breathtaking dancer, but she had an adventurous spirit that drove her to explore new cultures, especially visiting Derbyshire, my beloved home county in England. Talk about a global ballet superstar!

To be a ballet dancer, one has to be not only a dedicated athlete, but an individual who can bring stories to life on stage. It’s hard work, dedication and the ability to connect with your audience. It’s the pure, honest emotional impact that stays with you long after the curtain has fallen.

I know what you're thinking! You want to catch a ballet yourself, don’t you? Now that it is so easy to find performances all over the world. Oh! And those exquisite shoes! Isn't it wonderful that you can just head to your local dance shop to find all kinds of pointe shoes, leotards, and tutus - even those fabulous tulle skirts in so many beautiful colours! But please remember, my dears, that while tulle can be light, it also represents the strong commitment and strength of a ballerina, who can stand and balance with such grace and confidence.

You want to learn? That’s even better! Head to a dance studio, learn those wonderful poses, the pliés, the chassé, and the arabesque - because every move represents something beautiful and delicate and graceful. A language of art which anyone can learn and participate in.

The beauty of ballet goes beyond the dances; it encompasses fashion, travel, creativity and a dedication to an art form that has evolved and inspired for centuries.

Carlotta Grisi and her incredible performance in "La Esmeralda” changed the world of dance. It truly proved how a graceful dancer and a beautiful and revolutionary new design could leave its mark on the world forever!

This #TutuTuesday, I'm challenging all my readers to take a look at this historic piece. Maybe even see if you can catch a local ballet performance or class yourself. Remember to look out for my next post in just a week, I'll be exploring another wonderful piece of ballet history to bring you on another magical journey in time!

Remember, my dears, if there's a colour for grace and confidence and elegance, it's pink, and don't ever be afraid to wear that tutu! It’s time to dance!