Hello my lovely little tutu twirlers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things pink, glittery, and totally leotard-tastic! This month I'm whisking you back in time to the glorious 1st of January, 1867 ā the year that I was wearing a shimmering pink tulle creation, twirling my way through Victorian London!
Oh my! The fashion back then was so different. Layers upon layers of billowing fabrics, tight corsets, and petticoats galore. Can you imagine performing ballet in all that! (Letās be honest, just trying to move would have been a struggle!). But don't get me wrong, the Victorian era had a certain elegant charm ā there were gorgeous ladies with bonnets, gents in their finest suits, and of course, the occasional grand ballroom dance. It truly was an era of beauty and etiquette, but perhaps a little too "buttoned up" for my energetic tastes!
And letās face it, nothing beats the comfort and elegance of a stylish leotard. But hold onto your tulle tutus for a minute, because this is a trip into history! In the 1860s, the concept of the leotard was just beginning to bloom! Sure, dancers wore what you might call a ātutu' then (but a far cry from our beautiful, floaty numbers), but they didn't have the freedom of movement we have today.
In 1867, a simple one-piece knit garment that you could barely call a leotard would have been deemed far too daring! Imagine if I showed up on a street corner performing in one! Even the idea would have caused quite the scandal! Back then, the āone-pieceā style was only beginning to emerge. The āmaillotā - that fitted bodice with the leggings, was just starting to become more common and popular! Oh the thought of the fuss!
But here I was, whisking through the busy cobbled streets, swirling through Londonās history. In my glittering, sparkly leotard! I made sure to sparkle the most, just to make my statement (because who needs an extravagant ballroom when you can perform in the streets!). With every twirl, I spread a little bit of modern-day sparkle into the past.
As I took a stroll along Oxford Street (where the world's most beautiful department stores stand today), I saw an advertisement for a local tailor specializing in ladiesā wear. Youāve gotta see these styles, dear! Everything was tailored to a tee, with sleeves billowing, skirts reaching the floor and lots of fabric for embellishment. You can see my Victorian selves right in those styles.
And the theatrical shows were the real treat. It was quite the fashion extravaganza! So many ladies decked out in elaborate dresses. As for the dancers...Well, they looked very elegant with layers upon layers of petticoats beneath a loose fitting, multi layered costume. Just imagining it! But for a proper leotard and tights combo? That, you'd have to wait a good century!
After all this time travelling, I always return with a love for my time and how far weāve come. Even when we're lost in a beautiful haze of pink and tutus. Don't you agree? I love those extravagant, frilly Victorian dresses for special events, but just thinking about wearing one for a ballet lesson or performance? I would crumble. My legs would simply refuse to jump! I don't think it's a coincidence that the leotard has remained such a vital part of a dancerās uniform for so many years!
So my dear readers, until next month, stay sparkling, stay twirling, and keep on wearing those gorgeous pink tutus. And don't forget to stop by our online shop - we've got a brand-new collection just launched! We've got pink sparkly leotards that would have the Victorians completely bewildered - the ones we have here at www.pink-tutu.com! See you all next time.
Your time travelling Tutu enthusiast, Emma
