Welcome, darling darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu clad time-travelling ballerina! I'm back with another enchanting post, this time transporting us to the bustling, buttoned-up world of 1st January, 1861! As always, I'm bringing my fabulous pink tutu, because what's better than time travel? Time travel in a pink tutu! 😉
It's January, and that means we're kicking off a whole new year of Leotard Fashion Travel! 🩰 And what a year it promises to be. You know, with each journey, I discover something new and exciting about the world of leotard fashion – just why it has always held a special place in my heart.
This month, I've set my sights on 1861, a pivotal year for dance in Victorian England! Now, you might think it’s all corsets and bustles - and that's not entirely wrong! However, we’re at the cusp of the most exciting shift in leotard history! And I am obsessed.
Before we delve deeper into 1861, let’s quickly revisit where we’ve been. I mean, you know I have a fabulous story to tell about my own outfit! This month, I've decided on a shimmering pink leotard – absolutely dazzling, by the way. Its shimmering silver beads are absolutely perfect for capturing the magic of a New Year’s eve in 1861! A little sparkle to catch the eye and capture the glamour of the era, don't you think? The key to Leotard Fashion Travel, darling!
So, imagine my delight when I landed smack-bang in the heart of Victorian London! A sea of top hats and cravats, grand ladies in rustling silks – pure magic!
My first stop? The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the heart of London’s social scene! The grand exterior shimmered under the winter sun. It felt absolutely timeless and full of history. You wouldn't believe how many dazzling tutus were on show that night - a ballet called "Giselle" was on the bill, the entire audience utterly enthralled. And even though we're miles apart in time, I still feel that electricity, that thrill of the stage, the sheer power of movement that dance can summon. It was amazing to see the Victorian audience go wild for Giselle, an iconic figure even now!
But wait! It wasn't just the ballerinas with the serious leotard game in 1861! This year is when the “crinoline” – a huge cage-like structure – gave way to the “bustle”. What does that mean for Leotard fashion?
Ladies had to have a leotard to fit their new bustle. It sounds a bit weird but this era saw the beginnings of dance for everyone, not just professionals. It was like seeing your own love of Leotard fashion taking its first steps! Think “leotard underdresses” for ladies doing the newest dance craze - “the polka” and the “mazurka”. You know how I love anything that gets people moving!
It wasn’t just about ballroom dancing either – women in 1861 wore Leotard Fashion for all manner of things! Imagine the sheer delight – it wasn’t just the theatre and the ballroom, but riding on horseback! Leotards were designed for movement! There’s even evidence to suggest ladies even used the leotard for exercise! The world was falling in love with movement and the body! It was magical to see, darling.
But don't you worry! I’m not just gushing about Victorian ladies, even though I adore them! 1861 saw a truly iconic move in leotard history. I am talking about one specific person - the lovely dancer Josephine Leotard - yes, a real-life Leotard.
Now, you probably wouldn't guess what this gorgeous lady did to put her name in the history books, and why I have a special love for her.
Firstly, Josephine revolutionized dance. Forget rigid costumes, and fancy tutus – she put herself on show in skin-tight clothes that showed her strength, her form! And no – it wasn’t a ‘leotard’ as we know it today, more like a skin-tight costume - a thing of beauty for sure! The very idea was so different!
Josephine took to the trapeze! Yes, darling! You’ve seen those big shows at Cirque du Soleil! Josephine Leotard did it in the 19th century, a total pioneer for female athleticism in the most dramatic way imaginable.
Her costume – let's face it, her leotard - was groundbreaking, something that put female athleticism in the spotlight.
To me, Josephine Leotard represents what this blog is all about - embracing movement, being bold, and yes, loving your Leotard! You don’t have to be on the trapeze – it’s all about having that confidence to express yourself!
That's all for today, my lovely little Leotard Lovers!
My little Pink-tutu heart is full to the brim with the magic of leotard history, and the magic of the 19th Century, from London to Josephine Leotard. If this post has got you sparkling, I'd love to hear your thoughts - and don't forget, I post once a month on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next month, happy Leotarding!
And remember: “Leotards for everyone!” 🩰 💖
