Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back from another whirlwind adventure in the annals of dance history! This week, we’re taking a trip to the utterly delightful world of 1881, a time when tutus were already taking the stage by storm, even if they looked a little different than what we know and love today.
As you all know, my heart belongs to the ballet world, but my journey for the perfect pink tutu has taken me on some wild travels. This week, I found myself in a most charming little Parisienne theatre, just before a performance of "Giselle", which I must tell you, is absolutely breathtaking. I mean, how could a story about a young girl who dies of heartbreak for love NOT be dramatic? And then she returns as a spectral Wilis (ghostly dancers who kill men who have broken their hearts) – absolute chills!
But before we get to the ethereal Giselle, let's talk about the tutus! Now, 1881 is a very important year in the history of the tutu because it's the time when we see a shift from the full romantic tutu to what we know today as the tutu à la fromage – cheese tutu, in English!
Can you imagine? My dear Granny Rose told me she used to get teased for being a "cheeseface" at boarding school because she looked like she had just swallowed a big lump of cheese – but guess what, this kind of tutu was named for its rigid cone shape, reminding you of a (somewhat oversized) slice of Edam! Now, I wouldn't know where to even start finding cheese that big in the Derbyshire markets, but let me tell you, the cheese-tutu-shaped thing was quite popular in the late 1800s. It offered even more movement than its romantic counterpart. Picture a giant swirl of layers that make the dancers seem to defy gravity itself, twirling around like miniature windmills – such magical movement!
Back in 1881, the ladies in the corps de ballet would’ve worn this cheese-tutu, all made of stiff crinoline or silk that was meticulously puffed and layered. You'd need a strong corset and a LOT of practice to even begin to navigate these tutus! The famous ballerina Marie Taglioni even got her leg caught in a crinoline skirt once, but I won't bore you with the gruesome details (it was NOT pretty!).
The story of the tutu à la fromage is truly a tale of beauty and bravery. Imagine standing on a stage, adorned with dozens of layers of tulle and silk, ready to create a magical experience for the audience! This was how the ballet world of the time captivated audiences, even in that lovely old theatre in Paris, where they even had these rather charming "boudoir boxes", like personal compartments on the balcony! So much like being at a playhouse, only infinitely more elegant! I even snuck a peek in one of these luxurious boxes – can you imagine a stage filled with lights, music, and dancers, while you are relaxing in a velvet armchair, enjoying delicious refreshments?! Oh, I felt as though I was back in time!
Let's not forget the main event, "Giselle", which absolutely floored me with its beauty! The costumes were as breathtaking as the choreography! A white tulle tutu with shimmering silver trim to capture the spirit of a moonlit forest and flowing, black velvet drapes, which made the Wilis seem both haunting and beautiful, like some strange dream. It truly captured the power and mystery of that mythical world.
And don't even get me started on the story! Oh, I have a confession, darlings, I almost wept when Giselle loses her mind and tragically falls to her death! You see, even with those amazing cheese tutus and all the fancy frills, this is ballet we are talking about! Emotion and story are just as important as the dancing itself, so it wasn’t just the spectacle but the story behind it that brought a tear to my eye.
But, even though she tragically passed on in this particular story, the real Giselle (meaning "bright one") would undoubtedly be proud to know she's the star of one of the greatest ballet stories of all time! It's a masterpiece! I’ll need to go find an "original edition" and see how they have it performed in today’s world. Oh, how my mind already whirls with excitement for the ballet performances, I am to go to this week, and to imagine what treasures the shops will hold.
Now, don't forget, darlings, #TutuTuesday isn't just about ballet history; it’s about embracing your own personal tutu spirit! I know you may think a pink tutu is a little outlandish, but just imagine what you could achieve!
Have you tried wearing a pink tutu yet? Tell me your #pinktutustories in the comments below!
And remember, dear reader, there's a little ballerina inside us all – let her shine bright! And maybe wear some pink while you’re at it! 💖
See you next week, darlings!
