Hello my darling lovelies! It's Emma here, back again for another delightful foray through the dazzling world of leotard history, all wrapped up in my trusty, oh-so-sparkly time travelling pink leotard. December has always held a special place in my heart, and this month, dear reader, we're venturing to the glorious, slightly-more-stuffy Victorian era! Imagine me, floating through time, in a billowing pink tutu, ready to discover the captivating fashion scene of 12th December 1878.
Before we go on a fantastical trip back in time, I must confess to you all - I was terribly busy performing at the local Christmas market in Derbyshire yesterday! Goodness me, those shoppers do love a bit of twirling. I raised enough for a new set of sparkly pink ballet shoes - absolutely thrilled with them!
A Time Travel Tip: To truly grasp the leotard vibes of a time gone by, imagine yourself in a horse-drawn carriage instead of a Tube train! There wasn't even a Tube in London back then, but a rather delightful steam train – the railways were just really getting started back then, so imagine how exciting that must have felt. We can thank this advancement for opening up access to amazing performances across the country!
Our Arrival
Now, we’ve landed in 12th December 1878 - let’s take a little peek into this fashionably refined world, and imagine how a leotard might have been perceived…
For our ladies, long flowing skirts with elegant blouses or bodices are the fashion staples, cinched at the waist to show off a truly Victorian silhouette. It’s not very ‘Emma’, you'll admit! Thankfully, fashion was all about beautiful embroidery and exquisite lace, making those feminine frocks a little more captivating! Imagine the stunning, delicate lace – much like the details on a gorgeous ballet costume!
Our gentlemen, well, they're in their suits and trousers - oh how I love a man in a sharp suit!
Let’s imagine that we are in the Royal Opera House, shall we? You would be mesmerized by the spectacular beauty of a ballet performance, but with a rather formal leotard that may seem a bit stark to us. The dancers would likely have a leotard with an added frilled skirt – think very prim and proper. You see, these leotards were actually the training garments for dancers – not to be seen outside of a classroom or rehearsal.
Now, if you have followed me on this pink tutu journey so far, you know that nothing beats a good ol’ leotard shopping trip, right?! Oh, the dream! Sadly, a proper leotard as we know it, wouldn't exist yet. But let's have a peek in a millinery store - where would I find the prettiest ribbons and trims to complete my dreamy leotard designs, you see!
My Leotard Design for the Time:
Imagine this: I've whipped up the most exquisite, yet fittingly Victorian, pink leotard - think soft satin, adorned with delicate, blush pink lace edging around the neckline and at the sleeves. Oh, it’s a real vision of grace and sophistication - fit for the finest tea parties.
Fashion and the Show
I've snuck into an elegant theatre and you'd be amazed at how exciting this evening’s ballet program looks – oh, darling! It's going to be an opera – yes! An operatic dance – what could be more decadent?! This evening, the dancers will be whirling in elegant costumes that mimic the elegant skirts of their female audience, though their bodices might have a leotard underneath!
Oh, the beauty of such fashion, don't you think? Imagine a show packed with the grandeur of waltzes, the tenderness of pas de deux, and all those impressive lifts – but with an 1878 spin. You wouldn't see the dramatic jumps or powerful turns of our modern-day ballerinas. This era’s ballets would be elegant, delicate, and quite captivating for their intricate movements, intricate stories and, of course, the delightful fashions.
The final bow. Oh, a ballet night is simply magical – if only they could feel the delightful freedom and creativity of the leotard! But alas, fashion moves ever forward. And darling, our trip is nearing its end.
Goodbye from Derbyshire, to Victorian Glamour
As I slip back into my pink sparkle time travel leotard, let’s wave goodbye to December 12th, 1878, remembering that even in the Victorian era, we still appreciate beauty and creativity through elegant design. And hey, maybe one day, I’ll even get everyone wearing pink tutus!
Remember, fashion has a journey and every leotard is a part of this story. Stay tuned next month, dear friends, and don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for my exclusive time travel blogs! Until next time, happy twirling!
