Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here! As always, I’m so thrilled to welcome you to another edition of my monthly adventures in leotard fashion history, because - let’s be honest - who wouldn’t want to take a trip through time to explore the world of dancewear throughout history? And where else can you find the best time travelling tips, fashion updates and travelogues but here on www.pink-tutu.com?
Today, we're twirling back to the Victorian era, more specifically to the 10th of October 1872! Oh, the glamour of this bygone era! It was a time when corseted waists and extravagant gowns were all the rage. Think layers upon layers of tulle and lace, creating an air of elegance and grandeur that we can only dream of today.
Now, you know me, I love my pink, but the Victorians… well, they didn't quite have the same fondness for this delightful hue. Their preferred colours for their ballet wear tended to be more subdued and elegant – think deep blues, midnight greens, and luxurious browns. But even without the pink, their leotards were utterly captivating!
As you can imagine, their dancewear differed considerably from our modern-day attire. Forget about the streamlined leotards we have today! Picture tight-fitting, flesh-coloured garments worn underneath heavy skirts. They might have lacked the freedom of movement we enjoy in modern leotards, but they sure made for a stunning visual spectacle.
Speaking of freedom of movement, this is where we have our revolutionary little friend: The Tulle! This incredible fabric gave dancers a chance to express themselves on stage and gave their movements an incredible lightness that is unmatched by other materials. I’m practically besotted with its floaty beauty!
This month I decided to perform for my travelling funds at a lovely outdoor market in a little town in Italy. The locals were so welcoming. The little shopkeepers brought out a stool and a stool-top was my impromptu stage, as a small crowd gathered and the sounds of mandolin music drifted from a cafe across the square. I donned a shimmering pink tulle skirt, a delicate lace-trimmed leotard with a velvet ribbon tied around my waist, and a pink flower tucked behind my ear - of course!
My performance featured a little piece based on a ballet from the time - the graceful steps, the controlled gestures - the crowd lapped it up!
Of course, you have to admit that travelling back in time in a pink-sparkling leotard does make a bit of an entrance. Even the time travelling aspect of my little hobby can sometimes cause a bit of a stir - but then, we mustn’t forget the world we inhabit today wouldn’t be the world we know today if there weren’t people who have been brave enough to take a chance on something different. We just have to ensure we’re prepared! It’s my pink tutu that makes people accept I mean well! I certainly learnt this lesson this time when I accidentally startled a few startled shopkeepers by making a grand appearance in 19th-century Rome - quite by chance, while pursuing a bargain on lace!
Well, off to continue my leotard quest, but be sure to check back for my next post – I've got more time travel adventures in store for us.
Stay sparkling and embrace the pink!
Love,
Emma
