<P> A third, related theory suggests a derivation from the more vulgar French word, "cul" (which can be used to refer to the bottom or genital area). During this era, women (including dancers) wore pantalettes as underwear, which were open at the crotch . The abonnés favoured the very front rows in the hope of a scandalous view, and the skirt was modified for that reason . This is supported by the description by nineteenth - century balletomane, Charles Nuitter, who defined tutu as "a slang term for the very short petticoat worn by danseuses in the interest of modesty ." </P> <P> The skirt that became known as the Romantic tutu made its first appearance in 1832 at the Paris Opera, where Marie Taglioni wore a gauzy white skirt cut to reveal her ankles, designed by Eugene Lami in La Sylphide . From the late 19th century onwards, the tutu was steadily shortened, for ease of movement and to show off the dancer's legs . </P> <P> Fashion designers have often been involved in design for ballet . Fashion designers Cecil Beaton in England, Christian Lacroix in France, and Isaac Mizrahi in the United States have all designed tutus . Among the leading makers of tutus around the world, few designers have matched the reputation of Barbara Karinska (1886 - 1983), costumer for the New York City Ballet for many years, She designed and constructed tutus of extraordinary beauty and durability . </P>

Who took away the hoop aspect from the short tutu