Hello, my lovely Leotard Lovers! Emma here, your very own time-travelling ballerina from Derbyshire, England. June 6th, 1878, was a very special day. It wasn’t just the Queen’s birthday (happy birthday, your Majesty!), it was a day I got to spend exploring Parisian ballet fashion. As you know, I always say “a girl can never have too many leotards!”
Now, you've heard me talk about the extra special pink, sparkly leotard that makes all my time travel possible - it’s practically magical. It twirls with me in the most beautiful way, catching the light of all the different eras I visit!
This month, it transported me straight into the heart of Parisian fashion, where I got to see how ballet was evolving. I landed in the city of love with my heart thumping with excitement and a full pink tutu flowing around my legs. Oh, the romance!
I could tell instantly I was at a pivotal moment for leotards. The air was alive with a buzz of energy, much like the atmosphere after a truly amazing ballet show. This was the time when tutus began to be really extravagant. There were big, poofy, layered skirts, like clouds of tulle. I think of them as ballet clouds!
I was wandering around the streets of Paris, which were vibrant and beautiful, all my senses buzzing with the exciting mix of music, street performances, and shops overflowing with leotards in every colour imaginable.
Remember when I told you how leotard fashion was making huge leaps back in 1870? The world was finally starting to embrace the beauty and elegance of leotards. Well, 1878 just felt like a continuation of this fashion trend explosion!
What was really different was how Parisian ballet had embraced innovative leotard designs. Imagine beautiful fabrics, delicate trims, and some seriously breathtaking shapes. It was like the dancers were wearable sculptures - all graceful and stylish in the most amazing leotard combinations.
And speaking of Parisian ballet… The Paris Opera Ballet was all the rage. Can you imagine the spectacle? I had to find my way to the beautiful Palais Garnier Opera House! That iconic golden roof and the majestic interior - it took my breath away! Even if it was just an ordinary day, the excitement of seeing the ballet performers preparing for a show just electrified the entire city.
Inside, it was all about the detail. Leotards were designed to give a perfect outline, showing off each dancer’s athletic physique. Their tutus were even more magnificent up close - like beautiful rainbows bursting onto the stage with every twirl. They’ve really made me dream big!
I met some dancers during my Parisian stay and, oh my, what beautiful and kind people. They shared stories about the new movements in dance - things were evolving beyond the classical ballets.
There was so much energy and enthusiasm that just radiates from Parisian ballet, and it was an honor to see it first-hand.
On the theme of evolution, one new invention really caught my eye: the corset. They were all the rage. I know you may be thinking "corsets?" Yes, they were being adapted into some absolutely divine leotard designs. The most exciting thing about the corseted look was that it gave ballet dancers a new kind of fluidity and strength in their movements. It just proved that leotards were all about combining beauty with practicality.
It's not hard to see why the French were obsessed with fashion, even with their leotards! Every detail had to be perfect.
If you have been thinking of trying out new leotards and are feeling brave, why not start with a little touch of Parisian fashion? It’s about going beyond just a piece of clothing.
It's about a statement, a feeling, and a way to embrace your inner creativity. Paris in 1878 - it was truly a time for celebrating leotards. And it was all so very pink.
And don’t forget about the shows in Paris! There were incredible musical theatre pieces, vaudeville performances, and street performances – everything was entertaining! The city was abuzz with such joyous creativity - they were making a celebration of art out of their lives, in a way I really resonated with.
As I packed up my little suitcase of pink, sequin-studded leotard treasures after this exciting adventure, I could feel a part of me still left behind, but with a pink glow on the horizon. You could say Paris had become a part of me too!
I’m not saying this is how everyone should dress. But for me, it's like wearing a magical tutu, every day is a ballet. And, remember, all I'm asking for is a world where everyone wears pink tutus!
Have you been inspired by any of the ballet looks in history, darling? Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! You can also follow us on social media @pinktutu – let’s dance together.
Love,
Emma
P.S. Have a fabulous month of June! Don’t forget to explore your inner ballerina, because life is always a wonderful, sparkly leotard party!
