Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina and time traveller. Welcome back to another episode of Pink Tutu Time Travels. This month, I'm whisking us away to August 8th, 1872, for a glimpse into a world of Victorian elegance and (yes, you guessed it!) fascinating leotard fashion.
I'm always telling you that the leotard has been a fashion staple for centuries. It’s so true! As a time traveller who happens to be utterly devoted to the magical power of pink tutus and leotards, I've been lucky enough to hop around different eras and witness the evolution of this amazing garment. But back to my journey.
Now, I'm a little embarrassed to confess this, but this month, my time machine played tricks on me! Normally, I zoom around in my magical, sparkly pink leotard (which is so very fabulous I might add), but this time, it was behaving a little wonky. I ended up landing, not in my usual sparkly finery, but in a simple, long-sleeved white bodice, gathered at the waist, and full skirt. Don’t panic, dear readers! It wasn't too far removed from the ballerina outfit we know and love, with a touch of Victorian grace, and of course, my signature pink tutu - that I snuck into the outfit somehow - just adding that hint of playful colour.
Fashioning History: The 19th-Century Ballerina
Landing in a quaint English theatre, I was immediately transported by the era's sense of refined grace. Women's attire was all about demure femininity, and the theatre was no exception. The Victorian era was in its prime, and while it may not be the first thing you'd associate with leotards, I can assure you that leotards - or rather, their 19th-century predecessors - played a crucial role in the world of ballet!
While I'm sure we've all imagined ballet dancers waltzing in romantic tutus for centuries, it's fascinating to discover that it wasn’t until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that women finally embraced those beautiful tutus. Ballet, during that era, began moving from the royal court to the grand public theatres and thus demanded costumes that expressed movement and grace. That is when we started to see the shift towards lighter, flowing, and increasingly feminine ballet attire.
Imagine my excitement! The theatrical fashions back then were nothing short of breathtaking - silk gowns, feathered bonnets, and elaborate headdresses - all beautifully showcased the artistry of the period. However, one detail that captured my attention immediately was the “tutu”, or as it was often known, the "tulle skirt". You see, back then, ballerinas didn't necessarily wear the full-blown tutu as we know it today. Instead, they donned short, frilly skirts called "tutus" – that often included several layers of tulle. This design, I discovered, allowed for much greater freedom of movement, enhancing the ballerina's elegant steps.
So while I couldn’t showcase my dazzling sparkly leotard for this particular adventure, I was pleased to find that the "leotard" spirit, as we know it today, had already been present in ballet. Imagine that - back in the 19th century, dancers were already finding ways to express freedom and fluidity in their movements, paving the way for the future of the leotard!
What’s Going On: Theatre Delights and Artistic Exploration
And now for the exciting part: August 8th, 1872, was bursting with theatrical delights! Just think of the incredible shows that I witnessed. There was a grand opera at the Royal Opera House in London. Oh, to imagine those soaring melodies and costumes of pure enchantment! And let's not forget the grand pantomimes that were the highlight of London's theatrical scene, captivating audiences with extravagant sets, colourful costumes, and a hint of comedy!
Fashion Fever
If you know anything about me, you'll know I am obsessed with shopping, particularly when it comes to leotards. Now, whilst 1872 didn’t offer up the array of dazzling leotards and tutus that we see today, the shops were overflowing with the essence of Victorian fashion: layers upon layers of frills, ribbons, and lace. But as a true believer in all things pink and playful, I managed to find a little corner in one shop full of brightly colored ribbons, perfect for creating the perfect pink accent for my tutu, no matter how traditional the garment itself might have been.
Pink is the New Black (Or, Why Pink is Always the Perfect Choice)
From my travels through history, I’ve noticed that even in a world that championed soft, feminine colours, there has always been a hidden desire for a dash of colour. My message, dear readers, is simple: Pink is not just a colour; it’s an attitude, a playful spark, a reminder that even amidst elegance, we can still embrace a touch of the bold, and yes, it is always the perfect choice. It's about expressing your individuality, your confidence, and your own personal style, because when it comes to fashion, the true power is in celebrating who you are. And if that means twirling in a bright pink tutu while dancing through history, I say, embrace it wholeheartedly!
Now, I'm off to pack my sparkling pink leotard (it has recovered its magic, thank goodness!), as I’m heading to Derbyshire for a series of impromptu street performances. And who knows where my next journey will take me? Stay tuned for more fabulous fashion discoveries and #LeotardHistory updates on the www.pink-tutu.com blog next month. And don’t forget to spread the word about the magic of pink! Until next time, stay sparkly and never stop believing in the power of a pink tutu!
xx
Emma
