Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whimsical journey through time, ready to share the secrets of a leotard lover's life! As you know, my time-travelling tutu lets me dance through the ages, and this month, I landed myself smack bang in the middle of the Victorian era. Let me tell you, my pink sparkly leotard caused quite a stir! 😉
This month's trip took me to 12th December 1877, a date brimming with Victorian fashion elegance and exciting artistic innovation.
Before I delve into the fashion scene, I must tell you about the absolutely splendid performance I witnessed on this day!
Ballet by Moonlight
The Covent Garden Opera House was adorned with twinkling fairy lights (well, gas lamps back then, but just as charming!). The audience, resplendent in their finest Victorian garb, was eager for a taste of the "Faust" ballet - the most popular piece of the era.
It was such a delightful experience, the drama of the story was heightened by the ballet's graceful moves. I couldn't help but steal glances at the ballerinas' stylish costumes - they were elegant and demure, their pale pink and cream leotards laced with exquisite black ribbon, so chic and classic!
Their tutus? Let me tell you, even in this more conservative time, there were tutus in all sorts of beautiful fabrics, flowing silks and crisp linens - they moved with such effortless grace!
Fashion Favourites - Leotard Delights of the Era
Now, onto the real reason you all gather here – leotard fashion! What were the 1877 leotard fashion darlings sporting, you ask? Well, here’s the scoop:
The Victorian Era embraced modesty and practicality, especially for the fairer sex, so the ‘tunic leotard' was the favourite choice. It offered both comfort and style, fitting close to the body, then flaring out into a soft, knee-length skirt.
Imagine, you might see a tunic leotard made from luxurious velvet, perfectly tailored for a ballet class, then imagine this with intricate embroidery, ribbons, or lace trimming for a stage performance! They were absolute gems, radiating charm and grace!
As for colour, navy, burgundy, black, and brown were the most sought after hues. Although some ballerinas dared to embrace lighter colours, pale blues, pale pinks and light creams were favoured for a soft, romantic look.
Remember the Victorian love for all things decorative? So, you could find a leotard featuring delicate floral motifs embroidered around the bodice, perhaps paired with sleeves featuring dainty lace trims. The attention to detail in these pieces was stunning.
I saw several women, who seemed to be preparing for ballet rehearsals, sporting gorgeous ‘basque leotards' - a stylish bodice leotard design featuring a close-fitting top that often had a decorative bodice that ended just above the waist. They looked exquisite in black satin, accentuated by pearl embellishments and flowing lace sleeves - they were such stunning garments!
Now, you know my beloved tutus always deserve a shout-out. Back then, you couldn’t walk a street, or, dare I say, attend an extravagant opera, without spotting the intricate patterns, shapes and sizes of tutus. The era’s tutus often resembled the shapes of flowers, or had elaborate patterns that captured the very essence of Victorian artistry.
And let's not forget about accessories! I noticed how women accessorized with a simple ribbon around their waist, perhaps tied in a delicate bow for a feminine touch, or used a lace collar peeking out from beneath a warm jacket to add a touch of elegance and Victorian chic to their everyday looks.
Shopping for a Piece of History
Oh, what I wouldn't give to own a Victorian leotard for my own collection! Alas, I shall have to find my own leotard fashion inspiration from more recent times.
But darling, you don't need to travel through time for leotard fashion inspiration! You can create a Victorian-inspired outfit without stepping out of the 21st century! Simply visit vintage shops or search for patterns online.
Take a stroll through local charity shops to hunt for Victorian treasures - imagine the glee of finding a delicate lace trim or some intricate vintage buttons to enhance your leotard's beauty!
And, let’s not forget the amazing world of contemporary leotards, available in a vast array of modern cuts, colours and fabrics!
Finding the Perfect Pink Tutu - A Global Mission!
My mission is to get everyone in a pink tutu - to spread the love of all things leotards! My mission has taken me to places near and far.
In London, where ballet has been embraced for centuries, I witnessed inspiring performances from emerging talent - there’s so much youthful creativity in the leotard scene in the city, it makes me beam!
I even went all the way to Australia and fell in love with the vivacious energy and passion of its ballet scene! Down Under, leotard fashion boasts bold colour combinations and experimental styles that are oh-so-exciting.
From the classic, to the modern and to the playful, I aim to find leotard fashion gems, share the inspiration and encourage everyone to find their own perfect style!
And guess what, darlings? My mission has just taken a new turn - I am organising a ‘Leotard Extravaganza’ right here in my Derbyshire village. Imagine a ballet celebration with workshops, talks on leotard history and an open stage to share the joy of movement!
This will be a grand celebration of all things leotard fashion - tutus, leggings, bodysuits and more, from every era! I'm planning a grand event featuring local talent - you never know who will surprise us with a dance floor spectacular!
I cannot wait to get this project up and running - to showcase local artists and bring a taste of leotard history to everyone's doorsteps!
A Call To All Leotard Lovers!
So, come and join me on this adventure! Whether you are a ballet enthusiast, a leotard lover, a creative soul, or just a curious mind, let’s get together and share our passion for the world of leotards!
I would love to hear from you about your favourite leotard styles or even tell me your dream leotard - maybe you are an inquisitive soul who wants to know about the leotards of a different era.
Reach out to me, leave a comment on this post or head over to www.pink-tutu.com for all the exciting updates on my upcoming events.
And, let’s face it, a sprinkle of pink tutu fun brightens up anyone’s day! So put on your own favourite leotard - be it pink, yellow, blue, or any other dazzling colour – and join me on my next leotard fashion adventure!
Until next time, darling leotard lovers,
Emma
