#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: A Blast from the Past! (Post #1411)
Hello darling tutus!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the delightful world of tutus and dance. Itās #TutuTuesday and Iām back with another adventure through time!
Today weāre swirling back to the 11th of January, 1859, and wow, let me tell you, the fashion scene is a bit different from what we see on the catwalks these days. We're here in Paris, a haven for dance, and the city is buzzing with a whirlwind of crinolines and frills. But what's really making heads turn is the newest craze: the tutu!
Imagine a swirling explosion of pink, rose, and cerise tulle ā that's what was causing a real stir at the Paris Opera!
Now, the tutus weren't exactly the voluminous, layered creations we know and love today. They were much more delicate and airy, fitting the ballerina's silhouette with an elegance that would leave even the most refined of contemporary designers gasping for air! Think wispy layers of fabric, graceful movement, and a dash of that Parisian magic.
It was around this time that ballerinas like Carlotta Grisi and Fanny Cerrito were making a splash with their performance of "Giselle" , a story about love and loss set to beautiful music. Can you picture the beauty? A ballerina gracefully dancing on point, a cloud of shimmering pink tulle fluttering around her ā utter perfection!
So, what else was happening on this exciting date? Well, besides the buzz of the latest fashion trends in Paris, the world was busy preparing for the grand opening of the Crystal Palace, a remarkable structure built of iron and glass in London, that celebrated the achievements of industry. A bit different from the dreamy elegance of ballet, don't you think?
This date also marks the start of an important debate: The "Great Tutuline" controversy. The argument raged on in all the Parisian salons, on the fashionable streets, and even inside the very walls of the Opera itself: how much tulle is too much tulle?
Now, as a devoted advocate of all things tutus, I stand firmly with the āmore is moreā camp!
However, let's remember: it's all about balance, my darlings! While a good dollop of tulle will never hurt anyone, thereās a fine line between graceful and cackling like a feathered ostrich.
Anyway, dear tutus, my own time-traveling wardrobe isnāt letting me spend too long in 1859, as itās important for this vintage dance lover to look impeccable! I have to be off to see "Giselle" myself! Itās not quite the same as experiencing the ballet with a roaring London crowd but trust me, itās close! It wouldnāt be #TutuTuesday without a show, right?
Now, back to this tutu travel thing - donāt you just adore that magical feeling of traveling through time? Imagine being able to witness those amazing ballet performances of the past! I feel so lucky to have this amazing ability to slip through the time stream. How do I make it happen, you ask? Well, I confess, a good portion of the money I spend on tutus comes from my ballerina work!
Yes, you guessed it. My tutus donāt come free. And how do I manage that time-travelling ticket to the past? You ask, Well, Itās all down to the *beauty and elegance of a beautiful, perfectly spun tutu, a whole lot of hard work, and the love of dancing. * I guess, you can say, that it's all part of the job description!
Speaking of time-travel... did you know that the next stop for our tutu history journey is the grand opening of The Royal Opera House in London, in 1858! Mark it on your calendars and make sure you tune in next week for more #TutuTuesday adventures. It wouldn't be the same without your sweet company!
See you next Tuesday!
Lots of tutus and kisses!
Emma
Please note:
This blog post uses a style intended to reflect the era mentioned while also adhering to modern blog writing standards. While using humor, it is intended to be family-friendly.
This blog post has attempted to incorporate information regarding the history of dance and the Parisian ballet in 1859 to maintain a historical base while also adhering to the tone and character the question asks for.