Hello darling tutus!
It's Emma here, back again with another blast from the past in my fabulous pink, time-travelling leotard! This month, I'm whisking us back to a wonderfully vibrant, and very fashionable, 6th of June 1859. Oh, how I wish I could pop my pink tutu into this date, it would look so fabulous! It's a time that saw some incredible ballet creations, and leotards of all sorts were taking the world by storm. But more on that in a bit!
You've all been so wonderfully encouraging with my previous posts about my adventures in leotard fashion through the ages, and I'm so excited to share another glimpse into history with you. And just a little reminder - this time travel isn't just about fashion, it's about the magic of the stories woven into the threads of history. It's about feeling connected to the generations that came before us, and realising how much we all have in common, particularly in our shared love for all things fabulous!
London, 1859: The Grand Ball at Buckingham Palace
My first stop in 1859 is, of course, London! I am particularly drawn to London as this is where ballet really started to take off, and there was a buzz of excitement in the air! The Queen, the lovely Victoria, held a grand ball at Buckingham Palace and the whole city was aglow with the energy of it. Oh, if I could have only popped in my sparkling leotard and danced with all the ladies and gentlemen! It’s always been so romantic to think of them all, twirling and waltzing in their lavish attire, with their delicate jewellery and handsome gloves.
What were ladies wearing in 1859?
Speaking of leotards! While ballet as we know it today wasn't quite as established, ladies in 1859 were embracing some amazing clothing, influenced by ballet trends! For instance, there was a distinct shift in fashionable dress. Gone were the restrictive stays, and instead, ladies started to favour a flowing, comfortable look. It was all about highlighting a natural, delicate figure and looking utterly charming! You would see long, elegant dresses that were fitted to the bodice, gracefully flowing to the ground. The fabrics were beautiful too – silk and lace were the favoured choices, making for a dreamy silhouette.
It's fascinating how fashion and ballet influenced each other back then. Ballet was a real trendsetter, you know! I love seeing that same spirit alive and kicking today, with contemporary fashion so often inspired by ballet's grace and beauty. I, personally, think the tutu and the leotard are still the ultimate expression of femininity! There's something simply divine about the way these pieces effortlessly merge practicality and style. I even see traces of this influence in modern clothing like dresses and tops that flow, just like a ballet skirt!
The Fashionable Theatre and Performances
I also managed to catch a performance at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, which is one of the most prestigious theatres in the world, and oh what an exciting evening it was! The dancers were so agile and captivating! You know what’s particularly fascinating, darling tutus? In 1859, ballet performances weren't just about dancers; there were so many talented individuals creating elaborate stage settings, enchanting music, and breathtaking costumes! The world of fashion played a massive role in shaping these spectacles into an art form that left everyone captivated!
As I soaked up the atmosphere in 1859, I was amazed by how much fashion mattered to people then! The way they put thought and care into their clothing, even their choice of fabric! It reflected their values and identity – so beautiful! Even today, our love for ballet reflects a shared fascination with creativity, with artistic expression! The power of these two, the beauty of the clothing and the grace of the dancer, they’ve always gone hand-in-hand and always been a magical combination. We’ve got a long tradition to appreciate.
And I have to admit, my latest purchase:
While in London I picked up a wonderful pair of pale pink satin gloves! So soft and luxurious! These are going to look stunning paired with a blush pink tutu for a special street performance I have planned in Derbyshire – more details on this later! If you follow me on Instagram @PinkTutu, I’ll give you a glimpse into what I’ve planned! There’s a beautiful park where I like to perform; I often see families coming together to enjoy the sunshine and picnics on Saturdays and Sundays, and this weekend I think they’re in for a little treat.
Speaking of which... my journey around the world
Before I sign off for this month, I have to tell you about some of the places I travelled to besides London! From there, I took a little trip to Paris! It’s so exciting seeing the early evolution of dance in the heart of the world’s most fashionable city, and what is truly amazing is the way dance continues to be intertwined with fashion in the city of lights! From fashion shows to street performers, the elegance of movement and design have always gone hand in hand.
This wasn't just a London affair either; I hopped a boat to Italy too and, oh my, Italy in the 1850s, just a haven for creative spirits! Ballet and fashion were thriving everywhere I looked! It was a place where you could truly express yourself, with vibrant colours and flamboyant costumes. You might catch me posting some pictures from this adventure next month - just watch this space, darlings!
Well, this month’s been full of exciting adventures. So tell me, darling tutus! What are you most looking forward to? Have you seen any exciting ballet performances lately, or gone shopping for leotards? Don't forget to share your stories with me! Leave a comment here, or better yet, tag me on Instagram and let's chat all about our shared passion! I'm also posting photos of my street performance from last weekend - and I'm wearing the lovely satin gloves I picked up in London, so don’t miss out!
Until next month, when we'll explore even more of the magical world of leotards, I wish you lots of joy and graceful adventures!
Much love and sparkly tutus,
Emma
P.S. You can visit the www.pink-tutu.com website every month for my latest travel blog. Don't forget to share and tag #LeotardHistory. See you soon!
