#LeotardHistory during 1866 04 April

Pink Tutu Travels: Episode 88: A Victorian Vogue - 1866! 🩰💖

Hey everyone! Emma here, back with another delightful jaunt through the history of our beloved leotard! This month, we're stepping back in time to a gloriously Victorian date: 4th April 1866. I'm feeling rather dashing in my new lavender pink tutu, the ruffles swirling like a cloud of sweet dreams, and a hint of floral embroidery that’s sure to be a conversation starter in the Victorian Era!

As usual, my sparkly pink leotard zipped me back in time for a venture that took me straight into the world of fashion, theatre and a whole lotta frills! Now, imagine a world where women only wore dresses, corsets, and cumbersome layers of clothing - that was Victorian fashion in a nutshell. A time of long, sweeping gowns, heavy bodices, and a certain stuffy attitude towards the human form. You can imagine my delight at the contrast! A brightly-coloured, sparkly pink tutu dancing in the middle of all those dull shades was quite the statement, don't you think?

It was quite a spectacle walking through the cobbled streets, past the horse-drawn carriages and women clutching parasols. I must confess, the gaslight wasn’t quite as flattering for a performance as I had hoped, and I found myself quickly hiding from the glare of those inquisitive eyes! Perhaps it wasn’t quite time for the tutu takeover quite yet!

Luckily, the real magic was hidden away in a magnificent Victorian theatre – one of those wonderfully grand, red velvet and gold-gilt beauties! There, I witnessed the majesty of ballet as it was back then. Imagine an entirely different approach, a much more intricate style of dance compared to the flowing, dynamic styles of modern ballet! It was captivating to watch the graceful leaps and delicate movements, showcasing strength and fluidity all at the same time. And you know, despite the tight bodices, I was impressed with their incredible stamina! It definitely put my ballet practice to shame for a little while, haha!

Speaking of styles, while the Victorians may have lacked leotards in our modern sense, there was something remarkable happening. The tight, fitted garments designed for men were starting to morph into what would eventually become our beloved leotards! We’re talking about the crinolines, my dears! You might not picture them in your usual leotard vision, but bear with me! These undergarments, with their hoops and stiff layers of fabric, helped form a specific silhouette, one which became vital for those captivating dance routines. In this way, a leotard-like essence was starting to emerge, albeit covered with layers of cloth! Think of the evolution – those crinolines led the way to tights, then leggings, and finally, those amazing leotard creations that we can move freely in today. How wonderful!

One of the fascinating things I learned this trip was that dancers actually performed with their dresses on! I'm talking heavy silk, with layers of frills and the occasional decorative ribbon thrown in for good measure! Now, just imagine a dancer attempting to perform with all of that flowing around their legs! Truly amazing, they must have been incredibly strong and adaptable to create the graceful movements! It makes me want to jump back in time with my new tutu just to show them a thing or two about efficient dancing and a little less fabric, don’t you think?

There was an interesting contrast between the street fashions and the dance world that day. Outside, those Victorian women wore the heavy gowns with bustles, cinched waistlines, and layers upon layers. Yet, within the theatre, these ladies were shedding the cumbersome garments to reveal those beautiful ballet crinolines in all their glory, giving way to more flexible and athletic movements. Perhaps the first hints of freedom within a tight world!

To help you explore the leotard fashions of this time period, I always like to leave you with a little challenge. Why not try incorporating the classic lines of those early Victorian outfits with the comfort of your favourite leotard for your own stylish touch! Perhaps a romantic, full-skirted tutu over a basic leotard, a classic neckline with a little hint of ruffles – let's get playful! This period definitely encourages embracing your personal style.

Don’t forget, my dear leotard lovers! You can find me every month on the Pink Tutu website – www.pink-tutu.com – to experience my next time travelling adventure with me. I will be bringing you more amazing leotard stories, performances, and even the occasional ballet tip or two. Don’t forget to drop me a message about your favorite style – I love hearing about what gets you dancing!

Stay stylish, my beautiful ballerina dreamers, and see you next month! 💖✨🩰

#LeotardHistory during 1866 04 April