Hello my dearest Leotard Lovers,
Welcome back to another exciting edition of Pink-Tutu.com! It's Emma here, your trusty time-traveling, tutu-wearing, leotard-loving guide to the fabulous world of dance fashion through the ages.
This month, we're stepping back in time to December 12th, 1871. Buckle up your ballet shoes, ladies, as we prepare for a truly dazzling trip!
I have to tell you, I’m thrilled to share with you my adventures. You know how I feel about a pink tutu (it’s my absolute fave, darling!), and honestly, December 12th, 1871, did not disappoint.
My magic leotard took me to Vienna, Austria, where I found myself amidst the glamour and sophistication of the imperial court. It seems Vienna in 1871 was all about the waltz. You see, waltz dresses of that time were simply stunning. Think soft fabrics like tulle and silk in pale pinks, blues, and whites, flowing gracefully in all the right places as dancers twirled and dipped on the ballroom floor.
The silhouette? Oh, so elegant and graceful. A nipped waist with full, gathered skirts and off-the-shoulder or low-cut necklines. Now, I won't lie, the corsetry involved was certainly less comfortable than our stretchy, modern day dancewear. But I must say, it was utterly fascinating.
And then there were the leotards… You wouldn't believe the evolution! I mean, back then, dancers were mainly wearing tights. You wouldn't find much in the way of modern leotards in 1871. Imagine this – a fitted, elegant silk bodysuit with perhaps some intricate embroidery and delicate lace detailing, and voila, you have the equivalent of a leotard from 1871! Talk about simple, yet timeless elegance, right?
My next stop was in London, the theatre hub of the Victorian Era. As I arrived at the Drury Lane Theatre, I couldn't help but be utterly smitten. It was as though time had stood still! The stage, bathed in a warm, yellow glow from gaslight, had a wonderful, romantic atmosphere.
While we might not be familiar with the dancers on stage today, it was absolutely fabulous. These dancers wore tights that often featured lace, embroidery, and ribbons. The gowns they wore for the grand finale were made from yards upon yards of tulle, lace, and velvet! And of course, no outfit was complete without a dazzling display of jewels.
Let's chat a bit about this Victorian era fashion. It was all about dramatic silhouettes. Imagine puffed sleeves, lavishly adorned gowns, and elaborate headwear. These were the days of serious theatricality, and the audience expected to be blown away by every ounce of fashion and finesse!
I must admit, I’ve always had a special soft spot for this period. You see, Victorian fashion really championed elegance and femininity, even when it came to stagewear. Now, a little known fact about my travel journal. The Victoria & Albert Museum, nestled in the heart of London, is where I was lucky enough to visit a special exhibition dedicated to the theatrical costume designs of the period!
Can you imagine, all these delicate designs – painstakingly hand-painted on fabric, so full of life and vibrancy! Seeing these sketches on display, alongside original costumes, felt magical. Talk about a time capsule, it was like walking into the mind of a creative genius.
After I had my fill of Victorian theatre magic, I hopped back in my sparkling pink leotard, headed to Paris. A beautiful and charming city even in 1871. But wait, it wasn't quite the glamorous Parisian affair you might think of. I arrived to discover the city in a period of reconstruction. The Franco-Prussian War had left its mark, and there was a palpable air of change in the air.
However, Parisian women in 1871 still maintained their impeccable sense of fashion! Even in times of hardship, a woman’s spirit will never be truly broken. And to top it off, dance was a cherished pastime for them. The theatre and opera houses were brimming with stylish and enthusiastic patrons. You’ll be glad to know that Parisian fashion was still quite the eye-catcher in 1871. The iconic Belle Époque, the "Beautiful Era" was on the horizon. Think swirling dresses with delicate ruching, bold lace detailing, and an array of soft hues like lavender and pearl grey.
The highlight of my time travel journey on December 12th 1871, had to be my visit to the Opéra Garnier, in the heart of Paris. This gorgeous building stood tall and proud even then, a symbol of artistic ambition.
I spent the evening there enjoying a grand production. Oh, the beauty! The set designs, the lighting, the costuming—a true visual feast! But the highlight, of course, was the dancers themselves. I was so captivated.
While they might not have worn our modern leotards, they truly embody grace and elegance, each twirl a masterpiece of skill and passion. What they did lack in elastic and stretch, they more than made up for with their technique, artistry, and grace.
From waltz gowns in Vienna to Parisian theatrical magic, this time travel journey really underlined the timeless beauty of dancewear. What struck me the most was the passion that ran through all these historical periods, and of course, the sheer brilliance of the costume designs.
This little trip reminded me how leotard and dance fashion has a captivating history all its own. Every era has its unique way of expressing itself through fashion. And as a true Leotard Lover, I find myself fascinated by all these diverse inspirations!
Oh, and before I go. A big thank you to all you gorgeous Leotard Lovers for joining me on this time travel adventure! Remember, the beauty of a pink tutu transcends time!
Be sure to check out my previous posts. Don’t forget, my fabulous blog is always full of style and history! Next time you spot a vintage leotard, remember, it's not just a piece of clothing. It’s a story.
See you next month, with my magical pink tutu and lots more Leotard history to share!
Yours truly,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
