Helloooo my beautiful Tutu-loving Time Travellers! Emma here, back from a fabulous trip to the 19th Century in my sparkly pink leotard! This month, I'm sharing all about my adventures on 5th May 1881, a date that's packed with history, leotard fashion, and just a little bit of…dare I say it…pink?!
The Whimsy of the 19th Century:
Stepping back into the world of horse-drawn carriages and gaslight, I was instantly swept away by the elegance of Victorian fashion. Imagine ladies in beautiful, voluminous skirts, gentlemen with dapper top hats, and everything with a touch of delicate lace! Now, picture me, your girl in pink, swirling through this charming world in a fabulous fuchsia tutu! My sparkle wasn't too shocking – it turns out 19th-century fashion was quite a fan of glitz and glamour, particularly in the theatre world!
Fashion Then & Now:
Fashion then and now had some similarities. There were big hoop skirts on display! This, my darlings, led me to a fascinating exploration of the leotard! It seems the evolution of the leotard wasn't as linear as one might think. It was around this time, actually, that ‘tights’ as a garment gained popularity. While tights, a bit more of a basic leg covering, didn't have the glamour and stretch of our modern-day leotards, they were certainly a vital component of the outfits of ballerinas and actresses alike. This got me thinking about how vital one-piece garments are to today's performers - be it a dancer, a gymnast or a singer - showing just how much this humble garment has endured and evolved!
Dancing Through History:
Speaking of ballerinas, I simply HAD to see a performance. The theatre was adorned with opulent velvet, gaslight flickering over the stage. It was quite a contrast to the bright, sparkling LEDs we have today! I'll admit, there was an elegance and drama in the flickering light, something almost lost to the glare of our modern lighting.
Ballets, Shows, and Shopping!
Now, back to the leotard, the stars of the show! The ballet dancers, while wearing more flowing garments, favoured tight-fitting, one-piece underwear garments that resembled early forms of the leotard, allowing them freedom of movement without unnecessary fabric. It seems even back then, practicality and style were key to performance. And let’s not forget the gorgeousness of those Victorian corsets! Imagine my pink tutu swishing as I admired those incredible works of fashion engineering. I think those designs could inspire some amazing modern tutus. Just a thought, my darlings!
Pink Inspiration From the Past:
One of the things that struck me most about my visit to 1881 was how the Victorians actually appreciated vibrant hues. I’ve mentioned the opulent velvet and sparkle, but I found a little tucked away boutique boasting beautiful ribbons, laces and trims. I was particularly enchanted with a rose pink fabric they used for decorative edging. Now, this wasn't just your average pink – it was a blush with just a hint of shimmer, much like a delicate sunrise. I can already imagine a stunning, ethereal pink tutu in that shade – perfect for a dreamy performance. It was a delightful reminder that, despite changing trends, the joy of vibrant color continues to captivate!
From the Street to the Stage:
My time in the 19th Century also brought a new perspective on my own time-travelling journey. Watching street performers weave their way through crowds with talent and charisma was fascinating. They truly were ambassadors of performance and inspiration! And, for someone who's spent much of their time travelling as a street performer myself, I realised the importance of performance as a platform for creative expression and connecting with an audience. Whether it’s a bustling London street, or the dazzling stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, there’s a universal language of movement and joy in performance that knows no time boundaries!
Until Next Time, My Pink Tutu Friends:
My 19th-century escapades, however, did have a price tag attached to them – as always! Fortunately, I earned quite a few shillings (and even a few shillings for my sparkling pink time travel leotard! What do you think of it, readers?) with my street performances. It's truly remarkable what a little twinkle of a pink tutu can do to brighten people's day, especially when I show off some 19th-century ballet moves in the style of the amazing dancers I saw in London. I may just be the only person who combines time-travel and performance. You gotta admit, my friends, that takes guts, and most importantly, it’s FUN!
Join me next month for a brand new adventure. You'll want to see the leotard designs of the next era I travel to! It’s going to be absolutely shocking.
Yours in pink tutus and timeless elegance,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
