Greetings, my darling lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where every month, we hop in my shimmering, magical leotard and zoom off on a time travelling adventure! Today, we're stepping back to 1st January 1879 - can you believe it? Almost a century and a half ago! Now, grab your favourite pink tutu and a steaming cuppa, let's step back in time together!
This month, I decided on a little historical investigation for our journey. What was the world of leotards looking like all those years ago? Was it anything like our world today, full of glamorous sequins and sporty mesh?
I slipped into my twinkling pink time-travelling leotard - oh, it shimmers beautifully under the gaslights! A gentle shimmer and there I was!
The streets were bustling with horse-drawn carriages and I found myself amidst Victorian elegance. It was a far cry from our modern ballet schools and studios - think corsets, crinolines and long flowing gowns.
But did they wear leotards back then? I was surprised to find out they did! Of course, not quite as we know them today. The 1800s was a time of huge change for clothing, especially for women, and leotards had just begun their journey to becoming the essential garment we love so much!
You see, early "leotards", if you can call them that, were just beginning to be incorporated in fashion, worn for gymnastic routines, mostly under their more elaborate outfits. Think snug-fitting silk knickers and jerseys designed to give them more freedom of movement. The iconic single-piece style that we see on stage today hadn't quite emerged yet! I could imagine some pioneering women wearing these new-fangled garments underneath their flowing dresses, secretly reveling in a bit of modern comfort.
Just think! The next time you slip on your trusty dance leotard, remember, you're carrying on a legacy that began right here in the Victorian era! It was an exciting time for the world of leotard fashion. A time of evolution, of discovery, of creating garments that celebrated movement and the human form.
Leotard Trends of the DaySpeaking of the day itself, what were some of the top fashion trends for January 1st 1879? Imagine:
Victorian Elegance: The era was all about opulence, flowing lines, and delicate details. Think lace, velvet, and soft silk. Women embellished their dresses with ribbons and ruffles, even wearing intricately layered crinoline underskirts to create a full, dramatic silhouette.
Tight-Lacing and Corsets: You couldn't get away from it! Corsets were the defining feature of the Victorian wardrobe, helping to achieve the hourglass shape, so much a part of the period look. Even my grandmother always spoke of tight lacing when she reminisced about her youth in Edwardian England, so it was certainly the way things were! Although I always shudder when I think of such restricted garments, at least we can give the Victorian ladies credit for their fortitude!
Crinolines and Bustles: Now, here's where things get a bit comical! It's hard to picture these immense cage structures, built out of hooping and linen, but crinolines were essential to creating the full-skirted, billowing looks of the period. Oh, those poor souls struggling to navigate busy city streets or climb stairs! We've come a long way from that era, let me tell you!
Flowers in your Hair: The ladies of the day adorned their lovely hair with vibrant floral arrangements. Flowers played a key role in the Victorian aesthetic, symbolizing everything from love and passion to innocence and grace.
The Evolution of the 'Bloomer': Whilst we haven't ventured into that style yet in our travels, I can't help but mention that these infamous bloomers were already making an impact in 1879! While deemed too shocking by some, these bloomers offered an alternative to the bulky garments women were traditionally forced to wear for their physical activity. Could the seeds of the leotard evolution be planted right there? I certainly think so!
So, although the dance leotard might not have been a well-known garment at the turn of 1879, the fashion world was abuzz with changes that were leading directly to this. Women were demanding more freedom and functionality from their clothes, allowing our very own beloved leotards to bloom!
My Day Out in 1879 LondonI was eager to discover a bit of 1879 London, so I found myself in the city’s theatre district. As I wandered through the foggy streets, I noticed how even the smallest details contributed to the time's unique feel. The horse-drawn carriages rattling by, the gas lamps casting their flickering shadows - it was all so captivating. It was such a visual treat - especially for my ballerina eye. It made me realize that the beauty of dance can truly transcend time. I’d bet, even then, some fashionistas were dreaming of new garments that could help their bodies flow as they danced!
I made a beeline for a show in Covent Garden. My shimmering pink leotard caused a stir! It was wonderful to see the excited, surprised faces of those walking by. Such an iconic garment, my pink tutu, making a statement from its beginnings. Even as the stage curtain rose to unveil a stunning production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s "H.M.S. Pinafore", the music and laughter that flowed from within only solidified how timeless a good show always is.
I felt quite the glamorous apparition on these 1879 London streets! And, while I longed for an abundance of shiny dance leotards for those lovely ladies, it was remarkable to witness how these early clothing choices would lead to our incredible world of dance fashion! It's an inspiring reminder that our dancewear evolution is a story full of innovation, bravery, and a celebration of movement.
Where To See The Leotard EvolutionIf you want to know more about leotard history, you’re in luck! Some amazing museums and collections are bursting with the amazing fashion of times past. It's certainly on my list to visit some more once my pink leotard gets me back to this era. You should see what's on display:
- The Victoria and Albert Museum (London) : The V&A houses a wonderful collection of fashion and textiles, offering a captivating glimpse into fashion trends throughout history. I was lucky to visit this museum a few years back when I landed in 1920’s London! A trip through their costume collection is like a ballet of fashion!
The Fashion Institute of Technology (New York): New York City's own fashion museum! This dynamic space features innovative exhibitions that trace fashion history and showcase a broad array of clothing and accessories, even from the world of ballet! The ballet leotard truly has become an iconic garment! They have a remarkable array of designs, and if you are a leotard lover - just like me! - this must be on your to-do list!
Pink Tutu Travels - A Message for My Darlings
I can't wait for you all to join me for our next pink tutu time travel adventures. What will next month's magical leotard journey bring? It might be the wild world of the 1980s, the glittering glamour of the 1920s, or the exciting energy of a far future world!
And my loves, I implore you! Slip on a pink tutu this week, whether for your ballet class, a stroll in the park, a walk through the grocery store - let your pinkness shine! I'm on a mission to get the world rocking with a pink tutu revolution! Who's with me?
Don’t forget, join us next month at www.pink-tutu.com to catch the next post of my adventures!
Until next time, darling dancers!
Lots of love and twirls, Emma
x xx
