Hello, fellow dance lovers! It's Emma here, back from another fantastic voyage through time in my magical pink, sparkling leotard, ready to share the latest dazzling discoveries from the world of leotard fashion!
Today's journey takes us back to the 19th century – specifically 5th May 1869! It's hard to believe it was over 150 years ago. The year of many things: the opening of the Suez Canal, the beginning of the construction of the first transatlantic cable, and of course, exciting developments in leotard history!
Now, settle into your comfiest seat – I've got plenty of juicy fashion insights to share. Grab your favourite cuppa (English breakfast tea, of course!), and let's start our journey together.
Leotard Fashion 1869 – A Glimpse Through the Looking GlassStepping out of my sparkly pink leotard and into 1869, I was immediately captivated by the sense of drama in the fashion. Ladies, imagine! This was an era of extravagant corsetry, sweeping hoop skirts, and billowing silk dresses. Even ballet wear followed these dramatic silhouettes! The famous "tutu" that we know and love was still in its infancy. Imagine long, flowy skirts with decorative ruffles, sometimes accompanied by bloomers for practicality – this was the stage-wear of the day.
Oh, and imagine the fabric! Think luxurious satins, silks, and velvets in vibrant colours like emerald, crimson, and sapphire. It truly was a spectacle, but let's be honest – a far cry from the simple, elegant leotards of today!
Where Did My Pink Tutu Go?
Of course, I had to put my signature pink tutu to the test. Just imagine me swirling and pirouetteing through 19th century London streets, in my modern-day leotard and a fluffy, fabulous pink tutu. To be honest, the people gave me the side eye. You see, the 19th century was all about keeping it classy and demure - and a bright pink, fluffy tutu wouldn't have fit the bill!
Thankfully, I brought my trusty vintage-inspired, pink-tinged ballet costume as backup - a ruffled and voluminous pink silk dress with a matching bustle - just imagine the grandeur!
Theatrical Delights and Hidden TreasuresI spent the day exploring the vibrant theatre scene of 1869 London. Opera houses pulsed with energy, the air alive with music and vibrant chatter. I particularly enjoyed a spectacular performance of "La Traviata" by Verdi - the drama! The costumes! The passionate music! It was utterly spellbinding!
While the ballet wasn't quite as prevalent in London as it is today, I stumbled upon a quaint ballet studio tucked away in a quiet lane. There, a group of aspiring young ballerinas were practicing their technique in the graceful styles of the day. They practiced in lovely, but restrictive, long-sleeved and full-skirted costumes in pastel tones, completely different to the leotards I usually wear! They looked so graceful - and with the amazing grace of a true ballet dancer - I could not help but get up and dance with them.
It was such an eye-opening experience, learning about the unique styles and nuances of the time. I realised how much leotard fashion has evolved over the years. But there's one thing that remains the same: the sheer joy of dancing!
Fashion and FunctionalityAs I wandered the streets of London, I felt like a stylish time traveler observing the 19th-century leotard fashion. While the modern day leotard is all about functionality, form and ease of movement - it was interesting to see the leotard fashions of this era were all about visual elegance, the flowing graceful skirt silhouette being at the forefront of the era.
It made me realise that both eras - today's and the 1869 - were about a dedication to a dancer's form and grace - it is just the leotard trends that have evolved, adapting to dance styles and social customs over time. I can’t help but think of all the talented dancers in this time that would have worn the full, restrictive, silk skirts and bloomer combinations for a ballet performance and think about the grace and skill needed for all their choreography, despite such restricted dance attire!
Street Performances and the Joy of SharingOf course, no trip is complete without some street performances! I grabbed my trusty ukulele, popped on my sparkly leotard, and headed for Covent Garden.
You know, when I first began my street ballet, it was for more than just the thrill of the performance - It was for fundraising, to help fund my leotard history travels, as it’s not easy taking tutus back to the Middle Ages! I do like the extra pink sprinkles though…
I danced my heart out with a flurry of spins and leaps – you could say my street performance had a "sparkling-tutu, Pink Tutu Travel, extra sprinkles " kind of feel, in keeping with the modern pink leotard trend I was hoping to get my 1869 audiences hooked on! As a matter of fact, lots of onlookers cheered for my performance, so it was quite the positive experience and a fabulous journey!
I hope this trip back to 1869 has inspired you to look back at your own leotard wardrobe. Do you have some vintage dancewear you treasure? What is your favourite period in leotard history?
Don’t forget, be sure to check in next month on PinkTutu.com to follow me on a whole new leotard time-travel adventure. Let me know where you want me to go next! And remember – life’s a dance, and always worth wearing a pink tutu!
Until next month, dear dance enthusiasts,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com*Ps. You can find me at Covent Garden every Sunday, performing a street ballet routine at midday, raising funds for my next leotard travel adventure! *
You’ll know me by the big pink tutu!! Don’t be afraid to stop by and say Hello! I love to hear your ideas for where I should travel next and of course, to answer your burning questions on all things pink tutu!
I have always said, ‘life is worth wearing a pink tutu’!! What do you think? Let me know!
