#LeotardHistory during 1871 07 July

Hello, my darling Leotard Lovers! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina, back again with another exciting escapade from the annals of Leotard History! This month, we're venturing back to the 19th century, to the vibrant year of 1871, to explore the fascinating world of Leotard Fashion in Victorian England! I simply adore time-travelling in my magical pink sparkling leotard - it's so much fun!

As you all know, I'm always on the lookout for inspiring outfits, so naturally, I've got my eyes peeled for all the latest trends – past, present and future. Let’s step back in time to Victorian England! This is, after all, where ballet history and leotards intertwined in a spectacular way.

And yes, you guessed it - I am, naturally, wearing my very special pink tutu! This particular number is a masterpiece, crafted with gossamer tulle and delicate sequins that shimmer with the merest flutter. I feel absolutely radiant wearing this - and it certainly adds an air of glamour as I waltz through time! Let’s explore what this magical month, July 1871, brought us for our leotard fashion and theatre journeys:

The year 1871 is actually a really important date in the story of modern ballet. We were a mere ten years away from the “new wave” in dance and its beautiful effect on dancewear. If you travel just a few years forwards to 1877, you’ll discover the Russian dancer, choreographer, and dancer extraordinaire, Marius Petipa - a legend in his own lifetime! His ballets introduced new leaps, and spins, and dramatic stories. You might like to do your own time-traveling to the Royal Opera House to catch one of his ballets and marvel at the spectacular costuming and elaborate tutus - an incredible theatrical spectacle. But as for what people wore in the world of Leotard Fashion in 1871, well - let's just say, things were a tad different than what we see on the ballet stages today!

While ballet took a dramatic step forwards into the 20th century with beautiful costumes, the fashion world in general, at this time, was experiencing something we call "The Dress Revolution". Gone were the corseted, heavy layers of the previous century, replaced with a more graceful, free-flowing silhouette. Dresses were often slim, cinched at the waist and fluttered out in the wind. Imagine the incredible colours! Ladies were sporting gorgeous shades of crimson, lavender, sky blue and softest pistachio. So stylish, my darling dears! And just think, this time period saw the invention of the “bustle”! Imagine that! It gave the skirts an elegant puff in the back – absolutely darling, wouldn’t you agree? However, it would be a while yet until these revolutionary fashions made their way to the stage! So we're looking at a pretty structured and very conservative era for Leotard Fashion, to be precise. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fashionable!

Let’s take a moment to admire those elegant Victorian ballet dresses and how their shapes and forms inspired the leotards of tomorrow! While you won’t see a ballet dancer in a simple Lycra leotard on a 19th-century stage, there are a few little insights we can uncover into leotard fashion in 1871:

The Victorians had their own version of "Dance Wear," and think what you like – these outfits were truly breathtaking! While a real ballerina might be sporting the long, beautifully-layered ‘tutu’ of the period, imagine an undergarment inspired by those shapes and flows? We might just be seeing a hint of where the famous ‘tutu’ came from! There was an ‘under-skirt’ or a 'ballet tunic' worn beneath that amazing ‘tutu’ , and it was often a kind of 'leotard' but for the 19th century! Made of satin, it featured a little bit of a tight-fitting ‘legging’ style to hold its shape and allow for movement – the beginnings of our beloved leotard. Imagine a kind of little leotard that could be a perfect little ‘base’ layer! Think ‘under-skirt’ and ‘ballet tunic’, and you're imagining an incredible outfit worn for dance – the very first ‘leotard’ of Victorian dance. And then think about it, how much we have all evolved! Imagine a ballet tunic inspired by the fashionable colors and hues of 1871 - we are on the cusp of so much creativity! Think the prettiest tones of soft, rosy, lavender – think a soft coral - you’re already a vintage fashion queen. Let’s see if we can’t find the next leotard style based on that ballet ‘tunic'!

So, now that I’ve taken my time traveling back to 1871, let me get you inspired with a gorgeous ballet look, as seen through Emma's fashionable pink-tutu eyes. And since ballet is my life, let's take ‘the-look’ of Victorian Ballet fashion and let the pink-tutu inspiration begin. Just think about this beautiful colour palette, and those incredible dance shapes and flows… and picture a contemporary twist…

A leotard in the most delicate peach-blush - such a charming vintage shade – think soft apricot or salmon hues… then imagine a sheer layer of tulle in the prettiest pink-gold! We can’t forget those gorgeous sleeves from Victorian outfits - let’s imagine a beautifully flowing sheer sleeve - and a dramatic sweep of silky tulle fabric for the skirt - you'll be the star of any ballet class or stage show. If you are looking to add a few accents, take those vintage ballet dresses from the 19th century, and have a little look at the embellishments – and consider a few strategically placed gems or beading to your leotard - absolutely fabulous!

I must tell you, my darling fashionistas, you can actually find leotards with vintage and modern fashion styles that will blend those graceful silhouettes of 19th-century ballet with our love of ballet! So, darling Leotard Lovers, that’s it for me for today’s Leotard History travel journal! I must dash - another pink tutu journey calls! But please do keep reading and sharing! You never know where the next fashion discovery might come from! I do hope to have more pink tutu news for you next month. In the meantime, make sure to join me at my favorite leotard stores and enjoy a good street performance or two!

See you soon! Emma, Your Leotard Love Queen

Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more of my adventures and fashion inspiration!