Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another exciting chapter from my sartorial adventures across the ages! November is well and truly upon us, the crisp air swirling with the promise of festive cheer, and oh, what a treat this month’s journey has in store.
Grab a cuppa (I've just brewed some Earl Grey, darling), snuggle up in your comfiest leotard (I’m wearing my new shimmery lilac one with the sparkly sleeves, the one I bought at the fantastic new shop on Oxford Street), and let's hop on my pink, glittering time machine.
Today, we're taking a whimsical jaunt all the way back to 1878! That's right, we're going back over 140 years! I'm feeling giddy with anticipation; just picturing the vibrant, intricate costumes that might grace the stage.
You might wonder, my dears, why November 11th? Well, for a very special reason indeed! It's the birthday of the iconic Sergei Diaghilev! He's often considered the mastermind behind the Russian Ballet, revolutionising dance as we know it. His brilliance is truly immeasurable, and his contributions to the world of dance fashion and performance have influenced even my own wardrobe, even in 2023!
But, I'm getting ahead of myself. First, let's set the scene!
1878! The era of corseted waists and billowing skirts, grand opera, and intricate dances. Imagine elaborate gowns cascading down velvet steps, shimmering like moonlight on the Seine, accompanied by a sweeping crescendo of violin strings! This is a world of exquisite ballet and opulence. Just imagine how magical leotards might look in such a setting!
It's time to delve deeper! Before I actually step back in time, I've taken a peek at my trusty archive (a treasure trove of antique dance fashion magazines, letters, and old sketches!). This year in leotard fashion seems to be a bit of a rollercoaster ride - I must say, 19th century dancers had a bit more freedom in the "Leotard Department", and less to do with those frustrating corsets.
Firstly, the ladies seem to be enjoying more of a "free" movement on stage. Gone are the super-tight corsets. While skirts still remain, and often appear layered with multiple textures, we are seeing much more body and flexibility in how the outfits appear. Leotards are, well... let's say a "tightly fitted base"!
Think of leotards not in our contemporary view but as foundational layering.
I also learned from my favourite historical dance expert (Mrs. Willoughby from Derbyshire!), that skirts became very daring, daring I say, by having sheer fabrics used over a fitted layer - some were even adorned with silk or feathered additions. This truly pushes the boundaries of what we typically expect when we consider 1878!
There's even talk of a "tights" look for some dances. However, I’m not sure this means what we imagine now, more likely some "legging like" garment was likely in use, in what is becoming a growing need for greater mobility for the dancers on stage.
As we all know, "fashion" moves at its own pace!
My favourite part, however, are the shoes. Divine leather slippers with delicate embroidery are still in vogue! A bit of bling doesn't hurt either - lots of satin ribbon with a dazzling metallic edge is in! It's absolutely perfect! They add a touch of grace and grandeur to every movement. Imagine a pair of these tucked away in a small corner, dusty but exquisite! It would make for the perfect display in a London boutique! It just calls out for the pink tutu!
Imagine waltzing in such elegant footwear, every twirl, every leap a masterpiece of movement! I think I might need a pair myself…
Speaking of movement, have you caught my latest performance at Covent Garden? I must say, it was a whirlwind! I incorporated a little ballet en pointe, some daring leaps (my speciality), and a whole lot of flair! My newest pink tutu - this one with feathered trimmings! - is truly a crowd-pleaser, so much so that I can barely keep up with the requests for "Pink Tutu Emma" shows across London!
But enough of my bragging! Now, back to 1878! I simply cannot wait to feel the thrill of time travel, the anticipation of exploring such a captivating era, and hopefully find inspiration for some upcoming leotard creations of my own. The leotards of today can only learn from those before them - it's truly about building upon the creativity of others.
It's time to embrace my destiny. And of course, nothing else than my trusty pink, sparkling time-travel leotard will do for this voyage. Don’t you think pink sparkles are the perfect companion for historical discovery?
I can't wait to show you all what wonders 1878 holds. You’ll have to wait for next month's post, though!
Until then, stay chic, darling. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner dancer and, dare I say, wear that pink tutu!
Yours in glitter and grace,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Time Traveller!
