#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1861-09-24

Welcome back, darlings, to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week I'm whisking you off on a time-traveling adventure to the 24th of September 1861 - buckle up, chums, we're going to the Paris Opera House!

I love how these early tutu designs are still relevant, don’t you? Just the lightest hint of flounce, a touch of elegance, and such freedom of movement. Makes my little heart pitter-patter just thinking about it. 💖 This week, our time travel will be centered around one of the absolute stars of Parisian ballet, the utterly captivating Carlotta Grisi! Now, my dears, let’s talk a bit about this extraordinary dancer!

Carlotta Grisi: A Ballet Superstar

Now, let’s travel back in time! Imagine a young girl named Carlotta Grisi, born in 1819 to a family of dancers in London. But here’s the twist: her family decides to set off for Italy, where Carlotta's natural talent bloomed in the heart of the Italian ballet world.

By the time Carlotta turned eighteen, her star had ascended in the most glamorous of ballet capitals - Paris! In 1837, she had captured the heart of the audience (and perhaps the critics, too, but we won't dwell on that!) with her captivating performances in the Paris Opera Ballet. It was in those shimmering halls where the ballerina was known as much for her exceptional dancing, a beautiful expression that came with pure joy, as for her elegant and charming presence.

An Inspiring Look at Ballet TutUs

As for tutus, darling? Well, Carlotta Grisi was the influencer, and not just for her beautiful dancing, but for her elegant choice of attire - the romantic tutu! Now, think flowing, graceful fabric, a shorter length allowing the dancers a freedom of movement we can only dream of. Remember, in this period, ladies wouldn’t have dared show a leg above their knees, so this little glimpse of skin through a frothy layer of tulle? That was pure revolutionary and breathtakingly beautiful.

The romantic tutu was a true game-changer, and Grisi's iconic looks left their mark on the world of fashion - as well as on the hearts of every ballet fan! Oh la la! Her tutus were the embodiment of lightness and freedom, echoing a sense of movement. I picture the Paris Opera Ballet filled with those delicious tulle blooms, swirling through the air with a whimsical flourish. A pure symphony of ethereal charm and effortless grace!

The Romantic Period in Ballet: Where It All Began

Carlotta Grisi, she was the leading lady in a glorious ballet era, the Romantic Period. And guess what? The romantic tutu played an important part in making those iconic performances even more dramatic! The world was mesmerized by these delicate, dreamy costumes! Can you even imagine the buzz, darlings? I bet you every single performance was sold out - and probably more if it were possible!

Carlotta was a trendsetter, she made wearing these tutus all the rage, from “La Sylphide” in 1832 (where the first shorter, full-skirted Romantic tutu made its appearance - talk about making history!) to “Giselle,” one of the iconic ballets of all time! These breathtaking shows made the tutu the most desired outfit in the city of Paris and beyond! The graceful romantic tutus danced on the Paris stage. From those stages to the theatres of the world!

Let’s Talk Colour, Darling!

What makes me particularly tickled pink are the colours of those romantic tutus. We can't talk about tutus without colour! What were these ballerinas rocking, you ask? Well, I think I speak for us all when I say... they did not disappoint! Just the name alone screams out elegance - romantic tutu. Picture beautiful fabrics in white, pale blue, and the sweetest pink! Those delicate fabrics? They just added to the ethereal and captivating allure of ballet. So beautiful, I’m ready for a trip to the shop!

The Romantic Era’s Impact on Fashion

It wasn't just the world of ballet that took notice! Carlotta Grisi was such a force in the fashion world, and it spread! Everyone was smitten with her looks! Women from Paris to London and all over the world, everyone wanted to embrace the Romantic style - I mean, we can't really blame them! We are in it, too, here, now in this wonderful time-travel tutu blog journey! She changed the world of fashion!

My Personal #TutuTuesday Tip!

As the story of the ballet tutu reveals, the way we wear a tutu speaks volumes about who we are and what we want to express! Whether it’s a shorter, flowing romantic tutu or a more classical, structured tutu, there’s a style for everyone! This time-travel tutu journey isn’t about a style being better than the other. This story is about *celebrating the tutu, celebrating its power to uplift and inspire, and remembering the strong women like Carlotta Grisi who embraced their creativity and pushed the boundaries of art and fashion. *

Don't forget to check out the #PinkTutu hashtag for a beautiful dose of ballet style, my darling readers!

Time for a Cuppa and Tutu Reflections

Let me tell you, I could spend hours exploring this time-travel tutu story, wouldn't you, dear? But for now, it’s time to sip my tea and think about all the wonderful times I've had in ballet. From those early stages to all those ballet shows, there is something about tutus, a pure and beautiful expression that's always captured my heart. So much so that it’s given me the courage to become the ballet lover I’ve always wanted to be. And a little tip from my time-traveling ballerina: don't let anyone ever hold you back from being yourself and making the world your own, wear your heart on your sleeve, wear your tutu with pride – the world's a stage and we're all in it together. See you next #TutuTuesday, my lovely friends!

Don't Forget to Dance!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

Blog post # 1552