Hello fellow leotard lovers,
It's Emma here, your trusty Pink Tutu travel guide! I'm absolutely buzzing to be writing my 268th blog post today â who knew there were so many incredible stories to tell in the world of leotard fashion? It's my absolute passion, you see! And my biggest mission? To spread the love of pink tutus to every corner of the globe, one magical leotard at a time!
I know what you're thinking, "But Emma, tutus in the Victorian era? That's impossible!" And you know what, you might be right! Tutus were very much a later invention, but just you wait! The fashion world of the late 19th century is about to give us some absolute stunners, especially in the leotard department!
Today, my magical time-travelling pink leotard â that's a secret my Mum made for me â has whisked me away to a bustling April afternoon in the year 1881. We're starting our adventure in the beautiful, historic city of London!
Now, if youâre picturing a lady with a gigantic bustle and a flouncy dress, youâre on the right track! Victorian fashion was all about exaggerated silhouettes and frills. But underneath it all, something pretty darn exciting was brewing - a little known, yet influential leotard!
Ladies' Undergarments â The Early Leotard Beginnings!
As you might already know, ballet in the 1880s wasnât the "long pink tutus and flowing hair" we love today. Instead, ballet outfits were closer to practical and comfortable practice wear â weâre talking knee-length skirts and tighter, body-hugging clothing! Think about the amazing French dancer, Camille, and you'll have the image. This is where the âLeotardâ, the true star of our time travel, pops into play!
It all started in 1849 with a Frenchman by the name of Jules LĂ©otard, an acrobatic performer in the circus world. Jules' innovative creations helped acrobats and trapeze artists move freely and comfortably. While we might think of leotards as âdancer wearâ today, itâs important to remember that they initially sprung from the world of circus, entertainment, and gymnastics! And even more exciting â by the 1880s, leotards had found their way to women's undergarments.
Imagine this â under their corseted gowns and layers of frills, ladies in the Victorian era were embracing body-fitting comfort! The invention of âcorset topsâ was born - tight fitting, stylish leotard-like garments! Now, I haven't personally gone digging through drawers of the 1880s to have a sniff of the garments they wore. But imagine the beauty of a leotard with gorgeous, feminine detailing. I reckon some Victorian ladies secretly preferred the sleekness of a leotard under their layers.
I mean, letâs face it! What dancer doesn't love feeling graceful and powerful in a great leotard? This period of âhidden leotardâ was laying the groundwork for the transformative changes coming in the dance world and women's fashion throughout the 20th century.
A Peek into the Parisian Leotard Scene:
My journey doesn't stop in London! The air is calling me to Paris, the fashion capital of the world! And who can blame me? Parisian street fashion was all the rage in the 1880s! In Paris, it's all about haute couture, with layers upon layers of delicate silks and ribbons, But tucked away, hidden beneath all this beauty, was something really unique â the leotard as a costume garment.
You see, 1881 marked the peak of the Crinoline and Bustle craze! But while women's everyday dress remained tightly controlled and often heavy, Parisian stages and theatrical performances were allowing women's bodies more freedom to dance and move.
Just imagine! It's a world of satirical theatrical sketches! The can-can was just a baby â it didnât become super famous until later! But it was a symbol of female power! The Parisian theatre stage embraced female dancers, ballerinas and acrobatic acts dressed in tight, sleek garments that allowed them to show off their incredible talents. Now, while tutus werenât a standard garment on stage yet, leotards were being used! Imagine the sheer, silk, body-hugging wonders of leotard costumes as these bold and independent actresses and performers took to the stage â giving women more control of how they were seen and how they moved.
Weâre talking leotard costumes, shimmering silks, lace embellishments and so much more. Think of Charlie Chaplin, or perhaps a beautiful silhouette similar to what you'd find in a Burlesque show. Weâre starting to get a glimpse into the leotard as not just an undergarment, but as an out-and-proud expression of beauty, athleticism, and femininity.
And that's why, on a crisp April afternoon in 1881, as I twirl through the cobbled streets of Paris, I canât help but smile! What an exciting time to be alive! The 19th century saw the beginnings of what was to be an exciting explosion of dance fashion â and the rise of the leotard as we know it today!
A Day of Leotard Fun:
While time travelling through history can be exciting, letâs get back to 21st century life. You know I can't leave my Pink-Tutu world without mentioning some fabulous events for all you fellow leotard lovers!
Shows on the Horizon!
If you're a theatre buff or simply love witnessing an exceptional dance performance, don't miss "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Shakespeare's Globe theatre â a truly iconic show! With costumes as spectacular as they are elegant, and an enchanting performance to boot â you'll leave humming the melodies long after the curtain has fallen. Itâs always an honor to witness great storytelling through dance.
Whatâs Trending:
This month, strappy leotards are the IT item! Embrace that modern sporty look â wear a black strapped leotard with a white tennis skirt â so very chic. If youâre looking for a bit of bling and sophistication, a sparkling leotard in a darker hue, like maroon, can elevate your style from day to night. The possibilities with these styles are truly limitless â you can find your perfect leotard. And remember, itâs never a mistake to express yourself through fashion. I know it makes me feel my most glamorous!
Iâm off now! Time for some street dancing in the heart of Derby. Until next month, fellow fashion enthusiasts! Remember to live your most authentic and fun-loving leotard lifestyle!
Stay Pink and Tutu Fabulous!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
