Hello darlings! Emma here, from the Peak District, where the crisp Derbyshire air and stunning landscapes are a constant inspiration for my ballet! It's time for another month's post on Pink-Tutu.com, my fabulous fashion time-travel blog dedicated to all things leotard and tutu.
Today weāre waltzing back to November 11th, 1868, a day brimming with style and stories! My sparkling pink time-travel leotard (it's positively shimmering today, darling!) zipped me through the centuries, and landed me right in the heart of Victorian London! Oh, the bustle! The horse-drawn carriages, the charming gas lamps casting that soft golden glow, and the unimaginable outfits! It's truly a dream come true for any leotard-loving time traveller, and you wouldnāt believe the fascinating discoveries I made.
My research started at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, as that's where all the fashionable ladies in London would be seen! 1868 saw a particularly brilliant season of ballet and opera ā "The Flying Dutchman" was the big show this week, with its impressive staging and intricate costumes, and that is exactly where I began my leotard journey!
The ladies in the audience were absolutely divine, with their flowing dresses and bonnets. Oh, the hats! Feathers, silk flowers, velvet ribbons, so much delightful extravagance! I confess I might have briefly wished for a pink feathered fascinator ā just for the picture-perfect touch! But letās get back to leotards, shall we?
A peek at the dance world in 1868
You know how much I adore a classic dance tutu, but I have to admit, they havenāt been around too long, darlings. This era, just 30 years after the invention of the ballerina, was all about the dramatic and elaborate āRomantic Tutuā!
Picture layers of billowing tulle, carefully draped to create the silhouette of a butterfly. It's such an airy, graceful style, so different to the tighter, more defined tutu we see today. They were beautifully adorned with floral details, beads and ribbons - absolutely fit for a princess! The whole effect was utterly captivating. And, my lovelies, I was not at all surprised to learn that the āRomantic Tutuā had a revolutionary effect on women's fashion in its time! I imagine women in these lavish dresses taking their inspiration directly from the delicate beauty and romance of the Romantic Tutu ā how fascinating!
And the leotards worn under the Romantic Tutu were every bit as delightful! They weren't called āleotardsā back then - that name came later! But these garments were usually a soft, flesh-coloured bodice with matching long trousers or drawers that made the perfect foundation for all that fluttering tulle. Now, as much as I adore my bright pink leotard, I confess I felt a bit shy going for a brighter colour back then ā I could only imagine the gasps I would have elicited, walking around in bright pink, in the midst of all that Victorian grace. (Besides, darling, there werenāt enough stores for pink leotard-loving ballerinas in 1868, but I'll see to it that this is remedied!)
And oh, did I mention the ballerina, Virginia Zucchi? I simply had to meet her. She was a legendary figure in the ballet world, famed for her powerful performance and dazzling technique. The entire theatre erupted with cheers as she took to the stage, and it was quite a thrill for me to see this iconic ballerina in the flesh!
This whole journey is reminding me how incredibly much leotard fashion has changed through the years ā and how every generation has had its own unique leotard flair!
1868 in Review: What's In for Leotard Lovers?
This little trip to 1868, my lovelies, reminds us that classic is timeless.
It's wonderful to see that despite being in its early years, the world of dance was already brimming with fashion. The āRomantic Tutu,ā was a triumph, its airiness and romance truly inspiring fashionistas for generations to come. I believe the delicate, flowing tulle will always have its place, as a perfect blend of grace and whimsical magic ā much like the way pink evokes pure joy and delightful fantasies! And letās be honest, ladies, nothing quite feels like twirling in tulle!
Of course, the style and cut of the "Romantic Tutu" has been tweaked a lot over the years, with fashion designers taking it in all sorts of captivating directions. As a modern ballerina, Iāve discovered my own style with bright colors and innovative cuts and embellishments, and I love seeing what other ballet lovers do with the leotard too! The modern "balletcore" look takes inspiration from many trends throughout the ages. It's like taking the most gorgeous parts of leotards from each era, and combining them in an incredible new way!
The more I see these beautiful styles, the more I believe that leotard fashion is for everyone - for every generation and every stage of life. Let your personality shine in your choice of leotard!
And I will keep searching the world for my beloved leotards through the ages ā sharing their unique history and showing you how much leotards can empower and inspire!
Before I end this post, remember, my darlings, my blog has one big aim ā to get the world wearing pink tutus! Pink just feels good! It's fun! It's girly! It's bright and exciting! Pink can really help you tap into your inner ballerina and make the most of every day. So keep your eyes peeled for my pink tutu performances in a park near you, or check back here next month!
Until then, Happy twirling, and keep your inner ballerina shining bright!
Love,
Emma,
The Pink-Tutu Blogger
