Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things sparkly, pink and twirly! This month Iâm going to be a little bit dramatic (and who better than a ballerina to be dramatic?!).
Youâre probably all wondering why I havenât posted a new blog since last month, and, well, my dears, it's because I was away⌠Time travelling! As a regular visitor to the past, you'll know that it's a tricky thing to navigate. Especially when you have a strict policy of only wearing pink tutus and dazzling leotards when you visit the bygone days.
My trip this month took me to a crisp, chilly November day, the 11th, to be precise, back in 1875. Why that date, you ask? Well, dear readers, it was an absolute whirlwind of a day. My dazzling pink time-travel leotard whisked me away, right into the heart of a world very different from our own.
The moment I landed, the 1875 streets of London swirled into view. It felt so different! Such a busy, vibrant place, even if I did need to do a double-take at the horsedrawn carriages and ladies' enormous hoop skirts. Of course, I immediately dashed off to a charming vintage clothes shop, brimming with lace, ribbons, and amazing bonnets.
What did I discover about 1875 leotards, I hear you ask? It's interesting because it was before the era of leotards being widespread in fashion! If you look at portraits and paintings of the time, dancers wore costumes, typically very form-fitting in white cotton. These were actually often created with lots of layers of cotton to give the body shape.
Imagine my surprise when I strolled into The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, that very night! You see, in 1875, it wasnât just any night at the opera, oh no, it was a special performance - the grand premiere of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake! I absolutely couldn't have missed that for all the tea in China!
The moment I stepped inside, the majestic grandeur of the theatre washed over me. The opulent decoration, the plush velvet seats, the sound of hushed anticipation hanging in the air... It was incredible! The only thing more exquisite than the setting was the exquisite costumes. The ballerinas danced in magnificent, swirling tutus and intricately detailed, silky bodices. Oh, the drama!
After the performance, I did what any good fashionista would do and ventured into the nearby shops to admire the wares! It turns out 1875 saw some beautiful lace bodices and flowing, graceful gowns in full-blown, swirling silk. Oh, what a joy for the senses! It made me long for the graceful, flowy styles, all made with luxurious, shimmering materials. And of course, a whole new world of inspiration to try for the next leotard I create!
But even though 1875 fashion had its own appeal, it made me appreciate the amazing history of dance fashion in general.
Fast forward to the early 1900s! By 1909, leotards started being used more widely in theatre shows, mainly in light entertainment acts and cabarets. It is said that these leotards weren't tight or athletic, but made in the form of bodystockings with added detail! Imagine being a dancer in 1909, the liberation of moving and dancing in such a form-fitting and functional garment! You can almost feel the excitement. It would have felt modern and chic back then.
One of my favourite leotard eras is the 1950s. A perfect decade of dance fashion, I love those chic lines and timeless elegant styling. Imagine a leotard, a simple elegant ballet dancerâs shape, with a few ruffles or maybe some soft chiffon at the neckline! I have been working on designing my next âpinkâ tutu inspired collection of 1950s styles to wear and to sell for those with a retro flair! You have to wait and see!
Of course, it's hard to talk about dance fashion and not mention ballet shoes! A trip to the theatre would be incomplete without a new pair! From ballet slippers in soft pastel shades to the bold reds and blues of jazz shoes. Even the classic black dance slipper can become incredibly versatile with the right decorations.
So, the next time you slip into your leotard and twirl around the room, spare a thought for the fabulous dance fashion pioneers of the past! They had a real je ne sais quoi (fancy French for something wonderful!) and paved the way for us all.
If you are reading this from Derbyshire like me, we have a lot to celebrate in the dance and ballet world too. Weâre famous for having amazing dancers in the UK. Even back in 1875, Derbyshire was known for its artistic flair! From local opera houses to a vibrant arts scene. There was even a local dressmaking class held at St. Johnâs House of Industry and Refuge on the same day that I travelled! Can you imagine that, such dedication to their craft! It is the kind of inspiring dedication we need in the world!
Finally, the question we're all pondering⌠How exactly do I time travel? Well, I do have my secrets (it's kind of a magical, pink, sparkly thing, you'll just have to believe me!), but itâs actually all thanks to you! I love seeing the passion and love for dance in the photos you send to me and of course all the people who visit my shop at my shows. It is all the pink love and encouragement that gives me the sparkle to travel.
Until next time, remember: You donât need to travel back in time to wear fabulous dance clothes, just slip into your favourite leotard and twirl your way to a brilliant day.
And if you want a reminder of all the leotards in history, remember to check out the Pink Tutu online fashion archives, and visit the www.pink-tutu.com shop for new additions for your collection.
Now go forth and twirl, my little loves, until next month!
Emma x
