Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another whirlwind tour of leotard history from the pages of my very own time-traveling pink sparkly leotard!
As always, my lovely pink tutu is twirling alongside me on this journey - because what’s time travel without a touch of elegance, eh? This month, we’re stepping back into January 1st, 1862. Now, 1862 wasn't quite the golden age of leotard fashion we've come to adore (although those Victorian bodices and frilled sleeves are pretty darn fancy in their own right!).
But never fear! The spirit of the dance was definitely alive and well in those days, and we'll be peeking into the world of leotard fashion, ballet fashion, and everything in between. So, put on your favourite pink tutu and let's get travelling!
This month’s time travel has landed us in the bustling city of London, a mere stones throw from The Royal Opera House. The year is 1862, and even though leotards themselves haven't fully blossomed onto the dance scene, it’s an exciting time for the world of ballet! The stage is set for some incredible, innovative dancers who were pushing the boundaries of movement, paving the way for the future of ballet and, in turn, leotard fashion!
The highlight of the month has to be the premiere of "The Sylphide" - yes, you read that right - "The Sylphide" premiered this very day, back in 1832. Can you believe it?! Well, as I’m sure you can guess, “The Sylphide” was an absolute sensation in 1832, and in 1862, a whopping thirty years later, this magical, airy, whimsical ballet was still turning heads.
Oh, darling, if you ever have the opportunity to witness "The Sylphide" on stage - or if you can simply find it online - do not miss out. A full-length ballet, "The Sylphide" weaves a story of magic and fantasy, complete with captivating choreographic movements and elegant, flowing costumes that just make my heart sing!
Can we talk about those gorgeous costumes, for a moment?! The costumes of "The Sylphide", even for 1862, were incredibly beautiful. It was a perfect showcase for ethereal, soft fabrics like tulle and satin, perfect for highlighting the delicate movements of the dancers and bringing that magical, fantastical world to life!
Speaking of fashion, "The Sylphide" costumes heavily inspired what the fashion world was wearing for balls and soirees in that time! If you were fortunate to be a part of high society in 1862, you'd have likely seen several iterations of this soft, ethereal aesthetic. These gowns were usually white or pastel-coloured, with flowing layers of lace, chiffon, or tulle - think the classic 'romantic ballerina' style! It is a testament to the impact of ballet fashion on fashion beyond the stage!
It’s important to remember that in 1862, tights as we know them weren't quite mainstream yet. But can you imagine wearing those heavy Victorian petticoats beneath those exquisite tulle and satin gowns? Not quite my style, thank goodness. The idea of all that rustling just doesn’t suit my delicate twirls!
I just love seeing how fashion and the ballet go hand-in-hand! These connections remind us that a passion for dancing, fashion, and the arts has been a driving force for generations. It reminds us that fashion is more than just clothes; it’s about expressing your personality, celebrating the human body, and creating a connection between artist and audience!
My visit to London was jam-packed, with performances and even some time for shopping, although it's fair to say the "shopping" was more window shopping for me back then! Of course, in my time, leotards as we know them weren't available, so my own fashion journey has to be an all-pink affair. I imagine all my beautiful, pink-loving friends have a leotard of every colour!
Back then, you might have found an occasional ballerina wearing what was called a 'tights' leotard. This was a single-piece, leg-lengthening garment, similar to modern leotards but generally quite different from our fashion trends these days. Imagine tights but a bit fancier!
The "tights" leotard didn't quite reach the height of fame in the Victorian Era like it has done in the last few decades, though! These garments, often with an intricately decorated bodice and frilled sleeves, usually made from fabrics like cotton, satin or even silk, offered more of a dancer's practicality for ease of movement - perfect for that twirling action!
I'd say those tight, fitted 'tights' leotards were still fairly rare. Most ballerinas were still donning something called the 'tutu bodice.' Yes, darling, it sounds like we might be back in a vintage shop at the mention of bodices. And in some ways we are! But trust me when I say these bodices were far from dowdy or prim. Instead, these fitted tops with carefully embroidered necklines, often in shimmering silk or velvet, gave the ballerinas a classic, sleek look while giving them the comfort they needed to move freely!
They are truly inspiring to me as a ballerina blogger because you can see the beautiful silhouette of a female dancer. It has been said that, as time has gone by, those elegant costumes have helped redefine femininity, reminding us how beautifully graceful, athletic and elegant our bodies are.
I have to admit, in my personal pink tutu, I often feel a strong sense of feminine beauty and strength! There’s nothing more powerful than a woman in motion, a dancer gliding effortlessly through the air with grace and skill.
To keep my time travel in motion, I need a way to make some cash! So, between my jaunts into history, I often find myself dancing on the streets - street ballet is truly a performance art and it certainly has been a lot of fun! It really makes me feel like a true performer, and the streets have definitely given me some unforgettable memories!
I’m thinking maybe next month, we should revisit the story of that first ever ballet company right here in London! After all, nothing quite captures that spirit of a performing arts enthusiast like the chance to share stories of some truly inspiring trailblazers!
For now, let's go explore all those pink tutus and pretty leotards out there - let’s embrace fashion in all its glory!
As always, thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey through time and fashion!
Until next month, darlings!
Love always,
Emma x
* www.pink-tutu.com *
