Hello my darling dance divas! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another captivating adventure from the magical world of leotard fashion history!
This month, I'm whisking us back to the 2nd of February, 1879! Can you believe it? That's almost 150 years ago! Now, imagine a world without our beloved leotards... horrifying, isn't it? 😨 But fear not, my lovelies, this trip will be full of historical intrigue and fashionable discoveries, all through the eyes of a pink-tutu-obsessed ballerina.
It's a blustery, but bright, February morning here in Derbyshire, England. My sparkly, time-travelling leotard shimmers with anticipation as I slip into it - it feels like magic every time! My heart flutters with excitement, like a butterfly before a ballet performance, as I summon my magic and poof - we're gone!
I blink, my eyes adjusting to the bustling streets of London. The gaslights flicker and cast a golden glow on horse-drawn carriages and dapper gentlemen sporting top hats. A hush falls as a grand piano plays its opening notes from a nearby music hall. The Victorian era, oh how elegant!
My first stop, of course, is a delightful little fabric shop. Ooh, the lace! I gasp with delight as I marvel at the exquisite hand-stitched Chantilly and delicate Valenciennes lace - the fabric dreams of Victorian dancers! These exquisite patterns will soon be gracing ballet tutus and, wait for it, even everyday corsets! Yes, dear readers, back in the day, corsetry wasn't just about staying trim, it was about highlighting the beautiful curves of the feminine form. Imagine those lovely flowing fabrics, accented with graceful lace details, and the tantalizing glimpses of flesh, so exquisitely adorned - such beautiful dancewear!
But darling, what would our leotards look like without fabric inspiration? The fabrics from this time period will influence dancewear trends for centuries! Look at that stunning brocade - what a captivating leotard material! Imagine it in a rich navy, sparkling with silver thread. Absolutely breathtaking! The beautiful hand-woven velvets here are divine too. Just think of those velvety textures on stage - the grace and elegance of velvet movement, perfectly complemented by a delicate pink tutu, like mine!
Next, on my journey through time, I head towards the prestigious Covent Garden Opera House. The buzz of excited whispers in the lobby builds as the lights begin to dim for the grand opera, Faust by Charles Gounod! Now, darling, we mustn't forget the grand operatic performances of this period - the stage presence, the costumes, the magnificent voices...it's all such a captivating spectacle. And you know what else is incredible? The ballet within those grand operas! Imagine delicate movements within those dramatic, sweeping gowns, or the playful footwork performed in beautiful flowing tunics - such stunning leotard fashion for its time!
As the opera reaches its finale, I wander the cobbled streets, mesmerized by the beautifully adorned Victorian ladies in their shimmering ballgowns. Oh, how I long to twirl and pirouette amongst them, my pink tutu a joyful exclamation point amongst the velvet and lace. I close my eyes, imagine the feel of those flowing skirts as they glide over my dancing feet, and envision those glamorous gowns as a testament to the timelessness of leotard-inspired fashion.
But what would a time traveller's journey be without a visit to a theatre? Today's grand performance is La Fille mal gardée by Frederick Ashton! It’s a delightful comic ballet featuring a cheeky, love-struck village girl, with a mischievous spirit that makes me want to twirl alongside her. It's a celebration of love, a triumph of dance and...the ballet dancers are even wearing bloomers! 😱 Yes, those glorious undergarments, often with frills, add such an element of playfulness to the ballet outfits. Can you imagine all those tiny tulle flounces swaying with every leap and pirouette? Just beautiful! And here is a hint of leotard history that resonates today! The bloomers, the romantic flowy skirts, all hinting at the design influence that inspired the beautiful leotards of the 20th century!
Before my time travelling leotard pulls me back to the present, I steal one last glimpse of London's moonlit skyline. The city sleeps, its grandeur reflected in the silvery glow of the river Thames.
And so my dear dance divas, as I bid adieu to Victorian London and journey back to my 21st century reality, I can't help but be overwhelmed by the impact of 19th century fashion on leotard history! From delicate lace, rich velvet, flowing fabric designs, and daring new designs - they were all pioneering innovations. What a gift for us modern dancers and those inspired by the elegance of dance and its unique beauty.
But more importantly, my loves, today’s trip is a testament to the incredible power of leotards! Whether it’s on stage or on the street, the timeless leotard holds its position as an elegant symbol of feminine expression. And remember, there’s something for every taste. From dramatic, elegant tutus like mine, to playful bloomers and the rich history of elegant flowing dance garments! Remember, dear dance divas, the world of leotard fashion is just as diverse and fascinating as our world! So keep twirling and let’s get everyone in a pink tutu! 💖
Catch you all next month for another scintillating time travel escapade! Until then, twirl with joy! 🩰 ✨
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
