#LeotardHistory during 1874 02 February

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, and I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome you to my 182nd blog post! Today, we're jetting off on another fantastic time travel adventure, landing right in the heart of February 2nd, 1874!

As you know, my magical pink sparkling leotard isn't just a statement piece - it's my trusty time machine! I'm so grateful to have this gift, allowing me to experience the amazing world of leotard fashion across the ages!

This month, my sparkly journey whisked me back to Victorian London, where fashion was taking a very different turn. Think of it as a prelude to the "New Woman" - less constricted corsets and more focus on graceful movement!

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of leotard fashion in the late Victorian era. Think less about form-fitting spandex and more about practical, loose-fitting garments for women participating in sporting activities like gymnastics and cycling! These 'athletic costumes' typically featured long bloomers or leggings, often combined with a loose, lightweight shirt that reached just above the knees, often featuring long sleeves and a round neckline. The key here was allowing for unrestricted movement and comfort during their new sporting ventures.

Interestingly, while dance wasn't yet embracing the leotard with the same enthusiasm, these early sports-oriented garments served as the foundation for the evolution of modern leotards used in ballet! It's incredible to see how practical need influenced fashion that would later inspire artistry on stage.

I made my way to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden for a performance of Wagner's opera, 'Lohengrin' (Oh, darling, how the crowds adored this piece!), and let me tell you - I was blown away by the exquisite costumes. Even back then, these designers knew how to showcase the grace and beauty of the female form, utilising fabrics like tulle, silk, and satin in dazzling colors and intricate details. The dancers had a distinctly 'classical' style, relying heavily on intricate hand gestures and flowing movements. It was mesmerizing to watch their artistry unfold on the grand stage.

After the performance, I snuck backstage. There I found a young ballerina, Amelia, meticulously inspecting a hand-sewn, silk bodice, preparing to take to the stage for another opera performance later that week. She told me, with a blush, about the incredible pressure they were all under to perfectly execute each pose, movement, and even the smallest facial expression! It felt like they were each little storybook princesses coming to life before my very eyes!

After a whirlwind tour of the Victorian ballet world, I ventured out to explore the heart of fashionable London! One of my first stops was a charming little dress shop on Oxford Street called "Miss Marple's Dresses". I couldn't help but swoon at the selection! It was bursting with gowns of every colour imaginable, and the intricate designs just made me sigh with delight! From silk hats adorned with feathers and intricate lace, to the elegant 'New Woman' dresses showcasing a more flattering silhouette that allowed women a touch of freedom while remaining fashionable. I even discovered the origins of the 'bustle' – a device used to enhance the size and roundness of the derrière – oh how times have changed!

London was a city brimming with vibrant street performers - singers, acrobats, and even a cheeky little group performing a rendition of 'The Dance of the Hours' by Puccini in an alleyway. They had some serious street cred, darling! The energy and excitement were absolutely infectious.

However, the heart of this fashion-forward city beat a bit faster for those lucky enough to have a glimpse into the Royal Opera House Ballet's secret world. It seems the iconic pink tutus of today weren't quite as popular back then. I spotted the ballerinas primarily in longer skirts and elaborate bodice gowns, highlighting their graceful limbs and emphasising the formality of the ballet in Victorian society. There were hints of a growing trend in "leg shows" where the costumes were starting to incorporate shorter skirts, and the ballet outfits were slowly moving toward the classic, minimalist approach of a form-fitting bodice and lightweight tutu, a transition I'm excited to witness!

Later that day, I discovered an incredible antique shop overflowing with tutus of all shapes and sizes - remnants of the glamorous theatre shows that made London a center of fashion. Imagine my delight as I spotted a beautifully worn pink tutu - a timeless beauty that perfectly embodies the very essence of my favourite colour! I made a grand purchase - after a charming negotiation with the shopkeeper, who also confessed to her long-held dream of owning a sparkling pink tutu herself - we found a happy middle ground! Isn't she a darling?

After a day that took me on a fabulous trip through Victorian London, it's back to the 21st century for me. I've got to make sure those antique tutus are ready for my next show. Remember my sweet dears, I fund these fantastic time travels by spreading a little bit of pink tutu joy wherever I go!

As you all know, my passion is to inspire everyone to embrace the pink tutu. We live in a world where fashion should celebrate our individuality. Why stick to the "traditional"? A pink tutu, darling, it can take you anywhere!

Be sure to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for monthly updates.

And, darling, don't forget, a touch of pink can transform anything!

Until next month, darlings!

Emma
xxx