Hey everyone! Emma here, and it’s time for another trip in my pink sparkly time travelling leotard! This month, I've hopped all the way back to 1876 for the grand opening of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia! I’ve been saving up for this one for ages, and honestly, I’ve got to tell you, this one's a real stunner! It's such an incredible event and an absolute must for any leotard-loving history buff.
As always, I love a bit of history, especially when it's laced with beautiful leotards! You wouldn't think of a 19th-century exhibition being full of dance wear, but it's really fascinating what I’ve found. Remember, my dear readers, leotard fashion is far more than just ballet.
The Centennial: A Whirlwind of Leotard History!
The Centennial was a huge celebration of American independence, and they went all out! Think incredible displays, breathtaking architecture, and yes, some spectacular dance performances too! From graceful waltzes to captivating opera, the Centennial gave a fantastic showcase of 19th-century performing arts. The style was definitely grand, and what made it so exciting was how much emphasis was placed on showcasing American innovation and invention.
What Leotard-Lover Could Resist a Centennial Visit?!
For my trip to the Centennial, I had to dress the part! A soft pink, shimmering tutu was a must, adorned with delicate layers of lace, adding a touch of whimsical drama. My pink leotard? A stunning piece, cinched at the waist and featuring beautifully crafted floral details. You can see why I was itching to get to Philly, right?
Now, to keep my travel budget in check, I put on a special show at Piccadilly Circus! They call it “street ballet”, I call it “paying for my time travel.” I had a huge crowd going wild for my swirling and jumping, with an added splash of pink, and my “fundraiser” performance went like a dream! So that meant it was off to America!
But What Were Leotards Like In The States 150 Years Ago?
Let's get to the fascinating part: the leotards of the day. Back in 1876, tights as we know them didn't really exist. Most women's gym wear consisted of bloomers, rather like baggy, flowing trousers. Dancers, if they weren’t wearing their dresses, often wore "tights" (sometimes called "tights and leggings"). Imagine a loose-fitting garment with straps at the shoulders, a rather more comfy approach!
Fancy Dresses for Opera!
In a lot of dance forms and opera performances, ladies wore gorgeous costumes often embellished with layers of ruffles and ribbons. And they were big on the "bodice." A long bodice, tight fitted, usually paired with a big skirt and topped off with long gloves was the thing to wear. It definitely wasn't your usual “dance-on-a-dime” style leotard, that’s for sure. These styles wouldn't really come into their own until the turn of the century, I think, and I reckon, they looked really chic. The women back then had a knack for drama.
How My Time Travelling Outfit Was Received!
This trip, I was more of a “stand-out” in the crowds. Imagine this! I was walking around the Centennial with a flowing tutu and a perfectly-tailored, modern leotard! I couldn't help but get a few strange stares! Honestly, some folk seemed confused by my flamboyant attire. However, a lot of them also gave me enthusiastic thumbs up, especially the younger generation! They were amazed by the sparkle!
One sweet girl, named Lily, even asked if I was a "fairy from a play" - and that's pretty much what I consider myself! I got to chatting with her about my love for leotards and dance, and let me tell you, she had an eye for design and the most delightful ideas for outfits. Maybe Lily could be a budding ballerina! She even expressed her desire to someday wear a tutu. I think she’s got great taste in leotards, especially the “sparkly” kind.
Learning About Ballet History at The Centennial Exhibition
The main attraction of this whole trip? I saw an incredible show - an ode to the "Ballets Russes!" There were absolutely stunning costumes, like the ones they’d worn at the Met in New York, the year before. It was mind-blowing. The vibrant colors, the elaborate fabrics - pure dance perfection! A beautiful and inspirational way to explore leotard fashion through the ages!
That wasn't all. There was so much to discover about American ballet in the 19th century. This wasn’t just a single ballet production - I was really enjoying finding out the history. In 1876, the country’s first ballet company had opened - that was just amazing!
Embracing Leotard Fashion Everywhere!
You know, the journey I had back to Philly reminded me of how much I love exploring different cultures. And each and every one has its own take on dancewear and leotard fashion! Whether it's the delicate lace of Paris, the fiery red of Spain, or the sophisticated elegance of England, I love soaking it all in! That's what makes being a time-traveling leotard-lover so exciting! My hope is to spread a love of ballet everywhere I go and to bring more leotard love and joy to everyone around the world. And as my dear readers know, my biggest mission? To encourage everyone to don a pink tutu, at least once in their life. You’ll love it. Trust me.
Until next time! And please do come by my site, www.pink-tutu.com, where you can check out photos of this latest escapade and plenty more leotard goodness! Have fun! Stay sparkly, and keep those leotards fabulous.
Yours in Pink,
Emma
P.S. Want to read more about the dance styles of 1876, including those worn at the Centennial Exhibition? Find some incredible images at this amazing online museum site! It’s brilliant - https://www.metmuseum.org/.
