Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time traveller, and this month I've taken a little trip to Paris! Now, I know, you're thinking - Paris in 1879? Wasn't that ages ago?! Well, darling, for a leotard enthusiast like me, the past is simply another fabulous era of dancewear! And believe me, 1879 Paris has some serious fashion magic up its sleeve.
Let's just say, this trip was all about embracing the dramatic. We're talking sweeping lines, intricate embellishment, and colours that practically screamed "I'm fabulous!". But before I get carried away, let me rewind a little...
Time Travel Troubles!
This trip was a bit moreā¦ troublesome than usual. My magical, sparkly pink time-travelling leotard decided to take a break, refusing to shimmer for the journey! My initial panic was met with an oh-so-French sigh as I remembered: This time machine runs on more than just glitter. It thrives on the thrill of adventure. So, I took to the streets of Derby!
Now, let me tell you, performing my signature pink tutu routine in a December frost isn't for the faint-hearted! I nearly lost a finger to frostbite trying to make that rose arabesque happen, but the donations made it worth it, I promise! Enough coin collected to buy a fancy new, very pink, and sparkly leotard ā you just can't underestimate the power of a dazzling leotard!
And with a flourish, a shimmer, and a cloud of pink confetti (courtesy of a conveniently placed tutu, darling), I was off!
Leotard Extravaganza in Paris!
Paris was, in a word, dreamy. This was the era of the Crinoline - imagine flowing, billowing skirts like a ballet dancer's cloud. While not technically a leotard, these skirts did highlight the importance of graceful movement! Oh, the silhouettes, the elegance! Think of the incredible chassƩ movements those crinoline skirts allowed! And then you had those bouffant sleeves, oh so dreamy, a dance costume just waiting to happen!
What I saw at the Theatre de lāOpĆ©ra wasn't your typical ballet, darling. It was "La Favorita", by Giacomo Meyerbeer. Now, if you haven't heard of it, I highly recommend seeking it out! The costumes were everything: a whirlwind of colour and texture. Imagine sleek, tunic-like tops and leggings in every colour under the rainbow. Think a contemporary ballet look with an 1879 Parisian flair!
There were these incredible āPolonaiseā dances. These gracefully flowing, choreographed steps in elaborate dresses reminded me of the waltz! They emphasized a focus on graceful movement. Not unlike the elegance I strive to portray in my street ballet. Who knows, perhaps this will become my newest performance style...
Shop till You Drop!
It wouldn't be a trip to Paris without a little retail therapy, now would it? Now, you might think the leotards of 1879 were different to the ones we love today, and youād be right, darling! They were more about structure, providing the dancer with a form-fitting foundation that could be built upon with additional layers and embellishments. But darling, that is exactly what I LOVE about leotards - endless opportunities for creative expression!
You can still find these beauties today, in vintage stores or online. They're the perfect canvas for a modern-day twist - imagine layering them under a contemporary skirt for a truly avant-garde look! I even found a fabulous Parisian hat, all ribbons and flowers! I look like I just stepped out of a vintage illustration!
The Power of Pink!
This trip reinforced my belief that pink is universally flattering and fabulously chic. From the blush tones of the Paris bouffants to the rosy hues in the āLa Favoritaā costume designs, pink was truly the colour of the season! Even though tutus weren't truly a thing yet (those came a little later darling!), I still found the perfect shade to shimmer around the city in, leaving a trail of pink fairy dust as I went!
You see, this is what I adore about time travelling, it allows me to truly connect with the roots of leotard history. Iām on a mission to spread the magic of pink tutus across time and space, sharing the history of dance and fashion along the way! Who knows what new fashion adventures await? Perhaps I'll head to London next, where the legendary Mrs. Rossetti is making waves in the fashion world! I can't wait to see what leotard secrets I might uncover!
See you all next month, darlings, when we delve even deeper into the world of dancewear fashion! In the meantime, go forth and sparkle, don your pinkest of pink tutus and show the world that dance and fashion go hand in hand!
Donāt forget to join my journey on www.pink-tutu.com, where youāll find exclusive travel photos, vintage leotard fashion tips, and the chance to get your own pink tutu to celebrate!
Until next month, love,
Emma xoxo
