Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another fabulous entry from the whimsical world of Pink Tutu! This month, I'm whisking you away to the fascinating, fashion-forward world of 1871. Buckle up, because this trip is bursting with glitz, glamour, and of course, a delightful dash of pink!
Now, if you're wondering how a girl from Derbyshire ended up travelling through time, well, let's just say a certain dazzling, pink, sparkling leotard possesses some rather magical properties. I simply step into it, spin, and poof! We're off to a different era.
This month's journey took me straight to 4th April 1871. It was a chilly Spring morning in London, and even though the scent of lilac and blooming apple trees filled the air, a certain air of Victorian sophistication permeated the streets. I was drawn to a bustling theatrical hub, the Covent Garden Opera House. It's an iconic place in ballet history, and boy oh boy, I was keen to soak in all the leotard loveliness!
First things first, youâd be surprised to know that back in 1871, the leotard wasnât even remotely a ballet garment! Can you believe it? It was primarily used for circus performances, especially for daring trapeze artists. Those brave performers, dressed in tight, colorful costumes, had their own, rather daring fashion sense. It was the very image of athletic beauty and graceful movement! I wouldnât have minded swapping my pink tutu for a trapeze, just for a few minutes to channel that playful, acrobatic energy!
The opera, however, was a whole other ball game! This was the time when ballerinas, both in Europe and America, wore something that was essentially a predecessor to the tutu we know and love today! They wore a sort of elaborate, romantic version of the tutu, a skirt made of tulle, sometimes with layers and layers of petticoats.
Imagine shimmering layers of silk, a graceful swish of tulle, and maybe even a touch of intricate lace embroidery! Ballet was already making its mark as a fashionable art form back then, and the dancers' outfits, with their ethereal and feminine qualities, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the era. It wasn't all about pink then - although the pastel shades and florals were always in, colours like ivory and delicate lavender graced the stage with aplomb.
My dear friend, Princess Marie, who you might remember from my time in the opulent 19th Century, actually started her ballet career around this time! She confided in me about how they'd been working on an innovative dance sequence for the opera production of "La Esmeralda." I was captivated to see how theyâd reinterpreted the choreography using all that graceful flowing fabric and the stunning use of space. She said the design inspiration was derived from Gypsies and even boasted a certain gypsy skirt she'd had created specially. They truly knew how to make a statement back then, embracing every element from flowing sleeves to luxurious velvets in a dramatic flair.
I actually went on to see the show! And oh my goodness, it was breathtaking! It was an immersive experience filled with passion, dramatic lighting and storytelling! The whole thing had me practically hopping with excitement, and let me tell you, after that show I felt an absolute urge to hit the nearest fashion shop! It was clear that even in 1871, they understood how to work that leotard magic. They might not have called it a "leotard" back then, but those tight, flattering bodices and whimsical skirt creations were absolutely magical.
You wouldn't believe the ballet shows I caught! There were the opulent, larger than life ballets featuring dramatic costumes like those worn in âGiselleâ and even some beautiful, intricate performances at the Royal Opera House with their more dramatic ballet repertoire, using flowing white dresses that gave way to billowing movement, like those from âCoppĂ©lia." I truly was spoilt for choice, especially with the grand, dramatic styles featured in productions like the Russian "The Nutcracker." Those magnificent stage designs were a feast for the eyes.
This month, I also got a little adventurous and explored the streets of Victorian London. It was truly a cultural explosion, a hub of theatre and creative energy! I stumbled upon a charming dance school hidden down a cobbled alleyway. The children there were learning steps, perfecting their pirouettes, and learning how to create the graceful arabesque. They werenât wearing tutus in those days, but it reminded me so much of the joyful world of ballet we all love!
Even though the ballet fashion was more extravagant then, it truly gave me inspiration to start playing around with new ways to style my tutus! For example, I found a darling shop with beautiful silks and fabrics! They showed me all kinds of fabrics and techniques for adding extra layers and details. Imagine it - billowing chiffon skirts paired with my sparkly pink leotard? The possibilities were endless! I felt truly inspired and ready to give my own pink tutu a makeover!
This month was about discovering how much fashion is about evolving, reflecting time and making statements with style. It was about the passion for performance, the artistry in every pirouette, the magical impact of costumes, and above all, how beautifully ballet encapsulates the spirit of every era. So, darlings, whether youâre in a leotard or a fancy tutu, always remember - embrace the history of dance, the allure of the stage, and the boundless magic of your own style!
Donât forget to visit our fabulous online shop for your very own dazzling, time-traveling pink tutu! Until next time, keep swirling, keep shining, and never stop believing in the magic of fashion!
Much love, Emma x
P.S. Make sure you check out Pink-Tutu.com every month for the latest updates on my fashion escapades and for more leotard adventures!
