Hello, lovelies! It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, back with another fabulously fashionable instalment of Pink-Tutu, your go-to for all things leotard, lovely, and…time travel, obviously!
This month, we’re jetting off (quite literally, thanks to my sparkling pink leotard!) to a time when tutus were just starting to take centre stage, 7th July, 1880. That's right, dear readers, we're going Victorian! I'm just bursting to tell you all about the mesmerising leotard fashions of the time and share my own stylish experiences in this whimsical era.
Now, I must admit, 1880 felt like a whirlwind! Imagine a world without iPhones, Netflix, or even the humble T-shirt! Yet, as I hopped out of my time-travelling pink leotard in a cobbled London street, the buzz of life was just as intoxicating. But let's get down to the nitty gritty: the leotard!
The leotard, or rather, the "body stocking," was quite different then. Think elegant, high-necked, long-sleeved numbers that went all the way to the ankles, designed to keep a lady's shape oh-so-demure! I even spotted a few beautiful silk and lace ones, perfect for a waltz or a grand social soirée.
And those tutus! They were much shorter than today's fluffy extravaganzas. A symphony of frills and flounces made from delicate gauze or silk, they stopped just above the knees and were definitely meant for dancing! As a fellow lover of all things pink, I was thrilled to see a delightful abundance of vibrant hues, from soft rose to striking fuchsia. I'd absolutely adore seeing those stunning Victorian ballerinas twirl under the gaslights!
The most exciting thing? My first experience with "Ballet Russes"!
It's hard to imagine that in this era, Ballet Russes, a company which later shook up the dance world with its exotic and flamboyant style, had only recently been formed. They'd given their first performance a couple of years back and were gaining quite a following! Even though the choreography wouldn't quite be the wild leaps and jumps we adore today, they were pioneering a bold new way of ballet, one with incredible colour and intricate movements. It made my toes tingle with excitement!
And, speaking of tingle, what's a time travel adventure without a bit of street performance? To fund my magical leotard wardrobe, I naturally had to make some moolah! So, imagine, my dear readers, the delight of performing street ballet on a sunny Victorian afternoon! Imagine a cobbled street lined with dapper gentlemen and elegantly dressed ladies, captivated by a pink tutu swirling in the afternoon sun, dancing a mix of classical ballet and modern styles.
As the cheers rang out, the coppers even threw me a bob or two, enough for a new tulle bun on top of my classic ballet bun! I felt like I was living my absolute best life.
But as every good story must, my journey in 1880 had to end. The pull of my time-travelling leotard became too strong to resist. With a wink to the fascinated onlookers, I jumped back into my pink sparkles and before you could say “En pointe," I was whisked back to the present day.
What a fabulous time travel adventure! This experience left me filled with an intoxicating mix of admiration for Victorian fashion and an even deeper love for all things pink tutu. I’m still utterly mesmerised by the romanticism of the period, the elegance of those beautifully crafted leotards and tutus. It truly gave me a new perspective on dance fashion, the power of self-expression, and the undeniable magic of time travel, naturally!
Don't forget to keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com for our next exciting time-travelling escapade, and keep that pink tutu twirling, my loves! I'll be seeing you soon!
Emma xx
