Hello my darling dears,
It's Emma here, back from another exciting time travel escapade! This month, I found myself waltzing through the cobbled streets of Paris on the 7th July 1868! I've always loved the French capital for its style, and its role in dance history, so I couldn't wait to explore its Leotard fashion of that time.
Before I set off, naturally I did a little research. 1868 was an era of burgeoning ballet. Ballet was still quite young then, and ballet outfits hadn't really begun to be as expressive as they are today. Think of graceful lines and romantic styles, a far cry from the elaborate, vibrant and often slightly outlandish leotards we see today! I can’t wait to wear one!
And let me tell you, my magical time-travelling, sparkling, pink leotard took me on a most fascinating journey. Can you believe I was surrounded by the very same streets that had welcomed some of ballet’s biggest stars? Just imagining the grandeur of the Paris Opera, where they were dancing to the music of Tchaikovsky and Gounod - glorious!
As I strutted through the streets, it felt like stepping back in time. Parisian women were so elegant, a symphony of flowy fabrics and hats. Oh! It's hard to explain how beautiful the ladies looked - it was like stepping onto a grand stage! Imagine flowing lace skirts paired with fitted bodices - all just a hint of colour. Such glamour! I bet they were all wanting to twirl too!
Now, for my absolute favourite part of the trip: the Opéra Garnier. This is such a beautiful place and was where so many famous dancers were already performing! They didn’t even need leotards in the days of long tutus - the most popular and iconic style then. Think layers upon layers of soft, ethereal tulle that swirled so effortlessly as the dancers pirouetted and danced! Such elegant, long, layered designs! They moved with a delicacy and grace that simply left me breathless! Imagine being part of that, twirling right alongside the ballerinas! How amazing would that be?
I managed to sneak into a rehearsal of "The Sleeping Beauty" - talk about iconic! Even back then, Tchaikovsky’s music was stunning! The energy and beauty were captivating! They even had a special costume department! And the ballet dancers’ make-up? Absolutely exquisite!
However, the story of leotard history during that time isn’t only about tutus. Of course, leotards didn’t feature prominently, not in the way they do now, and weren't considered stylish outside the ballet studios! But I did come across a few surprises. A beautiful little shop nestled in the heart of Montmartre had the most fascinating collection of stretchy fabric. I felt such joy browsing! It felt like it could be a dress for a fairytale, all beautifully designed and ready for its first pirouette. Imagine a dress you could dance in and still feel feminine! I could almost feel myself twirling there and then! And oh, how I wished I could pack all the beautiful fabrics I saw in my tiny time-travel leotard! I guess I'll have to wait for another journey to the past for more inspiration.
Sadly, my trip to Paris was cut short. I've been busy working on some very exciting things! I’ve been working on my new dance routine, featuring of course a very pink tutu - of course, no trip to the past can go without showcasing your best outfit! Plus, I’ve been working on some new ways to fund my time travels, as you know I have to raise enough to travel and continue posting these fabulous blog posts every month! Did I tell you that my newest performances have been drawing huge crowds? Just yesterday, I was spinning and twirling to the sounds of Beethoven in the heart of London and had to take an encore! You would think, I’d be exhausted after such an epic day, but I love what I do and how it helps me fund my amazing journeys.
I was in such a daze after all that, and a trip to see "The Sound of Music" in the West End seemed to do the trick to bring me back to reality, even if that was a different world of music and dance - what's your favourite dance scene from "The Sound of Music"? Share your thoughts in the comments! It just reminds me to appreciate the creativity and power of theatre and live performances! It just never ceases to amaze me - especially those stunning sets and costumes. Can you imagine performing on stage? It really makes you wish you were in a West End musical, doesn't it? I wonder when I'll time travel to see that!
But before you get caught up in the romance of ballet, and wondering if you could ever wear a tutu, think pink and don't forget that my blog will be back next month! It’s my time to travel again and see how leotards evolve. Until then, keep the dream of the dance alive, and of course, *don’t forget to wear a pink tutu - maybe even two! * You never know where they will take you, or what fashion statement they could make. Remember, it’s a pink tutu world out there and there is a little ballerina inside everyone!
Keep twirling,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. What’s your favourite tutu style? Mine's the long, flowing tutus in a romantic style like the Parisian ballet dancers, but let me know in the comments if you have another favourite, I’m always on the look out for my next fashionable inspiration!
P.P.S How have you been wearing your tutus? Don’t forget to send me your photos!
