#LeotardHistory during 1881 06 June

Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-twirling, time-traveling ballerina, Emma, back with another post for you from www.pink-tutu.com. This month, I'm whisking you away on a whirlwind journey back to June 1881. Buckle up your ballet shoes and get ready to twirl back in time with me!

It's time for another dose of Leotard History! I just adore the history of the leotard – it’s such a timeless piece, yet it constantly evolves with the trends and the dance world, from ballet and gymnastics to even fashion! So let's delve into the sartorial secrets of 1881 – and trust me, this era was overflowing with leotard loveliness.

Oh my, travelling through time in my sparkly pink leotard is a total dream! As I zoomed through the ethereal clouds, I noticed an almost unbelievable sight - an era bursting with energy! It's like everyone was dancing through the streets, and the colour pink seemed to be absolutely everywhere! The Victorians certainly knew how to make a statement!

Stepping onto the cobbled streets of Victorian England, I was instantly caught in a swirling symphony of dance and movement! It felt like the world had been swept into a ballet boom, with dancing shows captivating every corner of London and beyond. You can’t move for all the waltzing and polkaing, with dancing schools and halls bursting at the seams.

But let’s talk about leotards! Imagine tight-fitting garments, snug around the arms and legs, and sometimes even adorned with lace or ribbon detailing. Ballet had begun to shift into a performance art, and its influence was creeping into both stage and street fashion. Even the humble everyday outfit for ladies was starting to mirror the movements and aesthetics of dance, adding elements like fitted bodices and skirts that could flow beautifully with a little swish!

The style of the era felt effortlessly feminine and glamorous! Picture high necklines adorned with lace and ribbons, long sleeves, and snug, figure-hugging leotards in vibrant colours. Imagine swirling and twirling in a full skirt or perhaps a bouffant blouse. It was all about feminine movements, graceful gestures, and a focus on looking delicate, pretty, and beautifully stylish. I just love this vintage vibe, and it even inspires my dance outfits and costumes today!

To fully immerse myself in the dazzling leotard scene, I visited the magnificent Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Stepping through the velvet curtains, I was surrounded by an explosion of pink and sequins - the costumes of the dancers were truly magnificent! Their ballet leotards, adorned with stunning sequins and flowing tulle, made a true statement about their love of both dance and dramatic performance. I swear, I saw leotards glistening like constellations in the soft glow of the gaslights.

My own pink, shimmering leotard turned quite a few heads that evening. I spent most of the night taking in all the performances, especially the ballet, of course, and the elegant dances, and all the wonderful music. And when it comes to music and dancing - I mean, what’s not to love? The atmosphere was just captivating - a true testament to the beauty and power of dance and performance.

It wasn’t just the Theatre Royal where I saw stunning leotards - I spent time dancing at The Alhambra in London, which had just reopened as a "new" variety theatre after its restoration. I met an inspiring ballet dancer named Henrietta, whose costumes had inspired countless ballet dancers in Victorian London. Her passion for the leotard was just as inspiring as the graceful way she glided across the stage, leaving the audience breathless. I really connected with her - I knew right away that Henrietta and I would have been best of friends if we’d lived in the same era. We had such a lovely chat about all things dance, and her fashion sense is truly enviable.

Henrietta also showed me the leotards and tights being made in London’s busy workshops - from silk and wool and embellished with exquisite embroidery. You can definitely tell how important style and precision were back in the day! It’s almost as though the Victorian leotard set the foundations for what we know as the leotard today - I can’t wait to take another trip back and discover some of the lesser-known fashion highlights of that time. I just wish I could’ve snagged some vintage leotards for my own collection!

So, darling dance enthusiasts, this was just a snippet of what 1881 offered when it came to dance and fashion!

Remember to check out my fabulous new pink tutu collection on www.pink-tutu.com . My aim is to have the entire world wearing a pink tutu, but I need your help, so if you have time to spare, pop along to one of my street dance shows or even join in the fun! Let's celebrate all things pink and sparkly, shall we?

Till next time, my darlings! I can’t wait to whisk you off on our next adventure!

XOXO

Emma