Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where the dance of life and the magic of leotard fashion always intertwine! This month, we're zipping back in time to the 7th July, 1863. I’m not sure what your plans were this July 7th in 1863, but my dazzling pink sparkling leotard and I have had the absolute joy of getting lost in the captivating world of Victorian ballet. It’s time to twirl back in time and discover the enchanting leotards that took center stage, leaving audiences breathless… and let’s not forget my own fashion choices, you never want to be outdone when travelling to another era!
A Fashionable Leap into the Past
This time travel is all about the magic of tutus, you guys. But before I get swept away in the swirl of fabric and the sheer beauty of Victorian ballet, let's take a moment to consider this: I have spent all day exploring 19th Century London and let me tell you, I’m really grateful that I don't have to wear the bulky skirts that were fashionable then. Imagine being a dancer with all that material swishing around! I would be stepping on myself constantly and wouldn’t get any further than a step in one direction! I think I'll stick to my trusty, comfy pink sparkly leotard and tutus that give me free movement and expression! I really wish the 19th-Century ladies had known about leotards! What a relief for dancers and a perfect addition to the Victorian wardrobes! Maybe we can convince a few ladies here in Victorian times to join us in our love of all things leotard - we can make a trend, darlings, we really can!
Oh my goodness, I am getting distracted - back to our Victorian journey, my loves. Today, the fashionable dance scene of London is bustling with exciting innovations, but you’d be forgiven for thinking nothing could be more stunning than ballet dancer Madame Céline Cellier. This phenomenal talent graced the stage in London this day at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. As if dancing wasn’t impressive enough, she stunned the crowd with her beautifully elegant ballet leotards in various rich fabrics and colours - think silks and satins in soft, flowing, light pinks, delicate lilac hues and the prettiest shade of apricot. You can see why Madame Cellier has become one of the biggest names in the London ballet scene, her choice of attire is positively revolutionary! I might be biased, but for my taste, the ballet dancers here, really do rock their attire with style and a touch of Victorian flair.
A Touch of Whimsy in Every Tutu
You’ll never believe this - this little snippet of ballet fashion history actually came about because I found this tiny piece of pink lace tucked away amongst some old newspaper clippings on London's Theatre Royal. Imagine my surprise to find an advertisement tucked away there from the 7th July 1863 for a ballet production at The Royal Theatre! A perfect ballet, I felt that day was simply screaming for a pink sparkly leotard with some little lace trim! It reminded me that little touches can add so much detail and bring life to a performance. That is why I love incorporating a tiny bit of extra fashion flair - sometimes even a little piece of lace can give an extra touch of glamour, don’t you agree? I mean, think about the classic tutus you see in most ballets! Those are made up of lots of soft delicate tulle. The perfect soft touch for a whimsical performance.
Oh, and I do love tull, by the way! This delicate and airy fabric adds that lightness and grace. It’s the go-to for ballet dancing because it looks exquisite in motion. The flow of a perfectly structured tutu is like a ballet all its own. And did you know? Some ballet costumes even use real silk, oh, imagine the shimmering look it has when it moves across a stage!
A Look Behind the Curtain: The Importance of Leotards
What's the biggest plus for ballet leotards? I'll give you a clue, it has to do with our bodies! Of course, you will always look and feel your best when wearing something that fits comfortably! This is a major advantage when you want to showcase all the complex moves you do when dancing. A simple leotard can be the perfect base for ballet clothes and for me it can be just a good as a plain black one, so long as I can find a sparkly detail, right?! I also can't forget my personal sparkly pink embellishment that makes my time travels truly magical. I might be a bit preoccupied with pink sparkle, but I'm sure Madame Cellier could make a good argument for an equally fabulous white and pastel pink combo in the style of the day - the point here is the freedom a ballet leotard gives dancers! That feeling of being able to move effortlessly with style, now, that’s the best look of all!
So much to discuss - oh, the memories I've already made in 1863 and I am not even finished yet! This little pink sparkle of mine has led me on so many incredible adventures. Remember my last time travel, when I met that fashion designer at the Theatre du Chatelet, who gave me tips on some Parisian style. They always tell you that Parisians know their style, but I mean who would know ballet and fashion more than a designer right! They told me that leotards are all the rage at the moment in the Parisian theatre. They just never go out of fashion - we can definitely learn something from those French designers! And of course, the French can rock any style! We do like our chic.
Let's Keep this Time Travel Party Going
To celebrate all that’s sparkly, stylish, and twirly, let's plan a little ballet-inspired fashion party. Let’s spread some joy by getting out there and showing off our best leotards, be it our classic pink ballet outfit or something more dramatic for an extra sparkly outfit - remember that bit of pink, no matter how subtle, that will definitely give your leotard the extra 'va-va-voom' ! Remember to show off all those ballet moves, whether it's a little waltz or a pirouette. It's time for all us to embrace the spirit of Victorian ballet in our own way - go on and create a pink leotard masterpiece in your own unique way, you won't be sorry! I want you all to take inspiration from this Victorian trip - you can't fail to inspire others! Now, we are going to go and take inspiration from Madame Cellier, my fellow time-travellers - it is time for my very own little pink leotard, tulle, and sparkling shoes show. Just picture me doing my street-ballets for a little fun, maybe to even find inspiration for a brand new blog! Now, my lovely time travellers, let me know what you want me to go see next! I love your ideas, your love for the sparkly, and above all your leotard creativity - if I have inspired any of you to dance in your own special way then you are making my trip worthwhile, let’s bring back the era of fabulous ballet. Keep sparkling, my darlings! Don’t forget to visit Pink-Tutu.com for my latest adventures!
