Hello fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident leotard historian, fashionista and… whisper time traveler! Buckle up, my dears, because today we’re journeying back to 1880 – a date with such sartorial significance it could make your tulle swoon! I'm talking leotard history in a big way!
You may know me from the street corners of Derbyshire where I regularly enthrall passers-by with my unique ballet performances (in my pink, sparkly, tutu-clad glory, naturally). My true passion, however, lies in uncovering the secrets of leotard history. And, of course, wearing them – as many of you know from my fabulous leotard fashion blog. But why this dedication to a single garment? It's all about empowerment! Leotards symbolise grace, movement, and artistic expression – perfect for any ballerina!
And speaking of expression, today we are definitely not going to talk about the 1880s fashions outside the dance world… I can’t bring myself to write about crinolines or bustles today! You can imagine how shocking it is to leave behind the beautiful fabrics and innovative styles I’m wearing and suddenly find myself trapped in a past obsessed with puffy skirts! Instead, my fellow tutu lovers, let’s hop in my pink, magical, sparkly leotard – it’s practically bursting with glitter, as is fitting for an 1880s adventure – and let’s discuss what makes today such a glorious day in leotard fashion.
We arrive in London, where the scene is alight with the grandeur of the Victorian era. There’s a real sense of energy, a flurry of carriages and gaslit streets - and ahem, quite a lot of men in top hats and coats! I'm already feeling a bit stuffy. But in the hidden corners of the city, far away from the swirling crinolines and corsets, the dance world is alive with elegance and exciting new moves!
Let's visit the Opera House and have a peep at Leotard Design in the 1880s, and let's talk Tutus and Legwarmers. As I hop into my favourite pink sparkly leotard, a timeless design that has its origins in wait for it 1850! Yes, it's been a while since we had our last big Leotard Trend Reboot, and it’s only because it’s such a perfect garment. My favourite 1880s tutus are starting to become quite theatrical and extravagant! With layers upon layers of fluffy tulle they are almost like wearable sculptures! Imagine that for a fashion trend – you’re wearing a work of art! *
Let’s head backstage now and have a quick chat with one of the lovely dancers – I wonder what ballet accessories are fashionable! The main innovation here has to be leg warmers. Gone are the days of bare ankles! For a look that combines Leotards & Legwarmers, dancers opt for a delicate pink, a pastel blue, or, even a fetching green. Of course, we can't go without my own personal pink!
Now let's move on to something truly incredible – imagine leotard shopping in this era! I’ve been saving this treat for last because it's SO glamorous. I'm gracing Leotards: A Timeless Design - a fashion showcase where everyone who is anyone in dance gathers to discuss, design and - of course, wear! - leotards! Let's just say I’m definitely going to have a shopping spree today – maybe some lilac lace with a pink ribbon accent? Ooh, maybe some diamanté! I might need a new pink sparkly leotard! It seems that everyone in the 1880s is ready to embrace the beauty of movement, and pink, and what better way to celebrate than a leotard party? It’s pretty wonderful, I'm already in awe of the leotard designs and fashion! What fantastic leotard designs the dance community created back in 1880!
What is it about the 1880s Leotard that makes it so interesting?*The dance world of 1880 was all about freedom of movement and beautiful form. So when I popped into my magical leotard time-travelling machine (It’s made out of pink, obviously), what was the first thing I noticed about fashion? Let me tell you - the leotard is at the heart of everything! It's the dancer's ultimate freedom of expression in fashion.
My time travelling is finally catching up with me. And sadly, this means my time-travelling pink leotard is beckoning me home! I promise to continue uncovering the wonders of leotard history – stay tuned for more posts on pink-tutu.com, my fellow dance lovers! And if you fancy seeing a live dance performance, why not visit Derbyshire and see me grace the streets in my pink sparkly leotard? After all, dancing in a pink tutu is more than just a fashion choice - it’s a way of life.
Let me know what you’ve been wearing this week, send your pink leotard photos! And don’t forget to dance. Don’t be afraid to wear pink! And definitely don't be afraid of the tutu! I can’t wait to discover all the incredible ways tutu, leotard and fashion intersect and what new wonders this era will unveil. Let’s make history together! I can’t wait to travel with you again!
This post has been proudly sponsored by my own, absolutely spectacular, Pink Leotard & Tulle Fund. My aim? To give out free, custom, handmade pink leotards to all children interested in dance. It’s all about empowering children with the beauty of ballet and dance!
Until next time, fellow dance-lovers, may the magic of movement be with you always.
