Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another dose of Ballet Tutu History on this lovely Tuesday! Today, I'm taking us on a whirlwind journey back in time to June 23rd, 1885 - a date brimming with balletic excitement! I’ve popped my time travelling tutu on (naturally) and I'm ready to whisk you all away!
Imagine stepping off the train at Charing Cross station in London. The bustling air is thick with anticipation for a delightful evening at the Royal Opera House! The gaslight illuminates elegant ladies and gentlemen all dressed up in their finest attire, heading for the ultimate night of theatre and ballet.
This very day, June 23rd, 1885, the legendary Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi took centre stage. Now, you may not have heard of Carlotta (it’s okay, history has a way of forgetting the most talented of dancers!), but trust me, this was a legend! She was known for her incredibly expressive, passionate movements - quite unlike the elegant, measured style we see today. Imagine an explosive whirlwind of emotion and skill – it's truly breathtaking!
And here's the twist, darlings: the tutu Carlotta would have been wearing that very evening, on this June 23rd, would have been unlike any you'd find today! Imagine a graceful, knee-length skirt of gauzy tulle – absolutely exquisite! It wasn't quite the classic, fluffy tutu we know and adore today, more like a soft cloud, perfectly enhancing each delicate movement.
So, let’s rewind and take a peek at the world of ballet tutus in the 1880s. While tutus had become quite common at this time, the “ballet dress” wasn’t necessarily made from the tutus you think of. There were long flowing dresses, yes, but also variations that allowed for some flexibility. Think of it like a dancer’s modern dancewear – made from lightweight fabrics and with a little bit of bounce and fluidity, like my own gorgeous pink number I wear every Tuesday, of course!
As for the dancers themselves – just think how absolutely glamorous they must have looked. The makeup, the elaborate hairstyles (a real masterpiece to create those perfectly pinned buns and rolls), the shimmering brooches… it was a full-blown show of femininity and elegance! The whole experience, from the carriages to the performance, was just magical! And yes, there were a few whispers of scandal too. The dancers, some even claiming to be "French", were renowned for their daring, dramatic interpretations, which some would say were scandalous and provocative. But, the real question is: can a tutu ever be scandalous? No, darling!
But enough of history! You want to know what's on at the theatre in my little corner of Derbyshire right now, right? We’re lucky enough to have a very lovely Ballet and Dance School, in a stunningly Victorian building – just the kind of setting to perfectly transport you back to those 1880s ballets! The school has organised a wonderful "Dancers through the Decades" program showcasing various dance forms. There's even a fabulous fashion show planned – they’ve taken inspiration from the past century of dance outfits, and trust me, the tutus are glorious! You just have to go to "Dress Up Day!" It's just like stepping into a Parisian ball - I've already bought a new, vintage-style tutu (that perfect pink!) - and it wouldn't be "Dress Up Day" without my pink tulle ballet shoes!
Oh! You know what else I love? Shopping for pretty things! Luckily, a new store has opened right near my home, the "Lace and Feathers" boutique. It’s a real heaven for fashion enthusiasts, just brimming with the most wonderful accessories and clothes – feathers, velvet bows, beaded fabrics and of course, those beautiful ballet pumps - I'm just in love! I’ve just finished a dance lesson at our local school, a bit further than walking, but a delightful jaunt. There is a new shop just opening at the end of our little village. Just one block over from the charming flower shop and deli. I saw the dress I'd been yearning for just a few blocks from my home in Derby, a beautiful lace blouse and flowing floral skirt in pink! I’m definitely stopping by there next week!
You’d never believe what I saw at the railway station this week. This group of lads were trying to sell their homemade necklaces, trying to get money for a football ticket, such a cute idea. One was even wearing a brightly coloured tutu. I nearly burst into laughter! Such a cute sight! My best friend said she would buy his necklace - she was tempted by his charm, his persuasive talk - if he came to dance class in the tutu - no doubt a great story for next Tuesday. I did warn her they may have some dodgy moves. I had a few dances in the station before jumping on a train to get to London and I’ll admit I did feel slightly embarrassed - but hey! If you can pull it off, what’s to be embarrassed about?
So, until next week, darlings, keep your eyes open for the world of dance, keep twirling, and remember: life's too short to be afraid of pink!
XOXO,
Emma
