Post #244 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveler, back with another blast from the past. This month, we’re venturing all the way back to the Victorian era! Can you imagine? Lace gloves, bustles, and... well, leotards! Yes, even back then, leotards played a role in the dance world. Let's step back in time, shall we?
A Pink Tutu Time Travel Adventure!
For my 4th April 1879 adventure, my sparkly pink leotard took me straight to London, the centre of the Victorian universe. Now, the leotards back then weren't quite the dazzling dancewear we have today. Think more practical, more functional, made from practical fabrics like cotton or silk, with a long-sleeved and leg-length look to ensure all those curves and edges were covered, even for dancing! You couldn't wear anything too "out there" with those restrictive morals, darling. Can you believe it? Imagine having to wear sleeves and tights? Ugh, not me!
Thankfully, we were allowed to enjoy the "Aesthetic Movement" in fashion that was popular at the time. The movement was all about the beauty of form, colour and art. There were designs incorporating more fluid and natural lines. Imagine loose flowing lines in dresses and graceful movement. Quite unlike the earlier structured look of the era!
A Visit To the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Off I went to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a real treat: a ballet! Imagine a large theatre, gaslit and adorned with ornate gold leaf, filled with gasps and whistles. The dancers were wearing, dare I say it, a type of leotard. Think of a more refined version of a training leotard, with full, long sleeves, and modest neckline and knee-length. The skirt that accompanied this, oh dear, was such a heavy thing, layers upon layers of tulle, almost like a cage to restrict the flow of the skirt! Can you imagine trying to execute a beautiful pirouette or a grand jeté in that getup?
Ballet for the Upper Classes!
I must admit that while the Victorian dancers looked very elegant in their leotards and tulle, I was also glad to see the modern dance world was evolving beyond this kind of rigid formality. But of course, it is all relative, as ballet back in 1879 was more a form of entertainment for the upper classes. That is, unless you were an aristocratic lady keen to hone your "delicate feminine grace". It was all very posh and prestigious!
Discovering Victorian Leotard Fashion!
As a self-proclaimed leotard fashion enthusiast, I had to get a glimpse of what the latest leotard fashions were for our Victorian dancers. There was, of course, no internet in 1879, no online leotard shopping, and definitely no social media! So imagine my delight when I found a local haberdashery shop selling the most exquisite silk leotards, perfect for the ballroom. Their silk colours were glorious: ivory, rich black and even a soft, dreamy blue. Not a pink one in sight, of course!
A Chance Encounter: "A Grand Ballet in Six Scenes"
One lucky twist of fate landed me in the very same shop as one Madame Josephine de Vere, a celebrated ballerina. Oh, the gossip I was privy to! Turns out the entire upper class of London was clamoring to see a new grand ballet at Covent Garden that very evening. You'd be amazed by the hype surrounding the production of "The Princess of the Forest" – an enchanting ballet set amongst fantastical creatures. Madame Josephine described her character as a graceful woodland fairy, and, if my memory serves me correctly, her costume comprised a light-blue, short-sleeved leotard adorned with tiny silver stars! You know my fashion obsession loves those tiny sparkles!
Embracing the Pink!
Later that day, after a performance in Trafalgar Square (street ballet really is the most fun!), I was dreaming about that star-studded leotard. Even though it didn't have any pink in sight. That got me thinking: could I possibly incorporate some pink into the leotard designs of 1879? I mean, how could they possibly deny the beauty of the perfect pink for dancing, right?
I think, when I consider the styles and fabrics they used in Victorian fashion, the pink colour is definitely feasible. Just think, those silks and cottons, those delicate tones of ivory and blues, they just needed a splash of pink, darling! Even a little dash of magenta pink or a blushing pink would have brought those garments to life! I must get to work on some fashion illustrations to bring my ideas to life, what do you say?
Leotards: Fashion Forever!
That's it for my adventures in 1879, dear readers! Now, don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest news, fashion insights, and travel adventures. Let's get the whole world dancing in pink tutus together! I’m off to make my dreams a reality. Until next month, keep dancing, darling!
