Hello my lovelies,
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu! It’s Emma here, back from another amazing time-travelling adventure. This month, we're heading back to 1864 – a year packed with history and, as you might imagine, some rather wonderful sartorial choices!
As always, I was off to a flying start. My trusty time-travelling leotard, sparkling like a constellation of pink diamonds, transported me with a shimmering pop – a bit like a magical, pink bubble popping – right into the middle of bustling London.
The moment I arrived, I knew this trip was going to be a special one. I was in a bustling Victorian market, surrounded by aromas of freshly baked bread and pungent fish, all crammed into colourful stalls bursting with exotic wares. And in the midst of it all, I spotted a rather unusual sight: a woman dressed in a white leotard, more closely resembling a modern-day gym garment than the graceful attire of a ballerina.
Now, you may be thinking – what does a white leotard have to do with pink tutus, darling? Well, let me explain. This leotard, ladies and gents, wasn't just a simple leotard. It was a revolutionary garment, the precursor to what we now call the "Leotard."
Imagine, if you will, the year is 1864, and the only garments women could wear for physical activity were clunky, restrictive, and very unflattering corsets and skirts. Enter the French acrobat Jules Léotard, who, quite bravely, decided to do away with the traditional fashion restrictions and introduced a streamlined, fitted garment designed for movement. This was a truly revolutionary design – it allowed for greater range of movement and, most importantly, it looked amazing!
In my opinion, this is where the story of the leotard becomes truly fascinating. Jules Léotard's invention, though not originally designed for ballet, quickly became adopted by dancers and actresses alike, evolving into the elegant, inspiring pieces we love today.
After that initial glimpse of the revolutionary garment, I wandered the market with my heart soaring! Everywhere I went, people seemed genuinely excited by this new, forward-thinking fashion! Ladies, just imagine a world where the only choice you have is between restrictive, layered dresses or a stylish, flowing leotard! Oh, how the fashion world has evolved since then!
As my wanderlust led me further into London's labyrinthine streets, I realised just how much 1864 was brimming with vibrant artistic movements. Theatres, opera houses, and concert halls were filled with music and movement, creating a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences. And believe me, darling, you couldn't escape the spirit of dance! Every corner I turned, it seemed, was brimming with graceful gestures and theatrical beauty.
To fully immerse myself in this captivating era, I had to attend a show, of course. After all, what better way to experience a different time than by attending a performance where costumes and movements took you right back to that specific moment in history? My journey led me to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a haven of vibrant theatricality, where a new play, "The Frozen Deep," was in its second week.
This was the pinnacle of Victorian melodrama and one of the very first productions to feature a real-life couple, Charles Dickens and his close friend Wilkie Collins. Although the costumes, especially the elaborate gowns worn by the women, were far from the streamlined leotards I adore, I was completely mesmerised by the performance.
After the show, as I glided through the foggy streets of London, the buzz of the performance still reverberated within me. You know what it's like - the magic of a captivating play, where every word and gesture, every movement and melody, just sweeps you away. The play left me wanting more, hungry to explore more theatrical delights hidden within the very soul of 1864.
I wasn't done yet. This era was also about pushing boundaries, expressing oneself through music and art, and even in fashion! So, where else could I be but at the Royal Albert Hall? This grand Victorian landmark was a haven of classical music and artistic expressions. And just like that, I was whisked away to the first ever concert held in the Royal Albert Hall, where I found myself entranced by a performance of music composed by Mozart – an absolute treat for my ears!
Oh, and what did I wear for this dazzling trip through time, you ask? My pink tutu, of course! It's so wonderfully versatile. As I sashayed around the streets of Victorian London, I got so many intrigued glances. Many people smiled and stopped me for a quick chat. Turns out, everyone just loves a splash of colour in the middle of a monochrome era! It's the easiest way to attract attention! And as a true lover of tutus, I've already set my heart on a new piece inspired by the Victorian era! It will be a masterpiece of layered tulle with intricate floral details – something absolutely elegant and graceful!
Time travels to the past allow us to see the world with fresh eyes. It helps us understand that what seems familiar to us – fashion, style, even basic clothing – is a product of its time. We can appreciate where these pieces started from and just how revolutionary even the seemingly most mundane of fashion choices can be.
Well, darling, that's it for this month's adventure. Don’t forget, you can see what I get up to on Instagram at #PinkTutu, and don't forget to leave me a comment below! Next month, we'll be jet-setting to the swinging sixties for a full-blown mod fashion experience. But for now, remember, wear your pink tutus loud and proud, my lovelies, and always aim for grace and style, no matter what decade you find yourselves in!
Until next time, keep dancing,
Emma xoxo
