Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your resident time travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you off on another adventure through the wonderful world of leotards! This month, we're setting our sparkly time-travelling tutu sights on the 10th of October, 1881.
Oh, how I love this era! Imagine a world where leotards were just starting to be adopted by women as a comfortable and fashionable piece of activewear. It was the beginning of a glorious revolution, my lovelies! You could still see the elegant undergarments and corset styles that reigned supreme, but it was in 1881 that these elegant outfits started being worn with the more form-fitting leotard for both practicality and an altogether more free style. And guess what, my darlings? Pink was already beginning to emerge as a bold and daring colour in fashion!
As always, I slipped into my magical, pink sparkling time travelling leotard and zipped up to my favourite vintage leotard shop for a peek at the trends.
Leotard fashion in 1881:
Think fitted silhouettes, ladies! Back in 1881, leotards were worn mainly for gymnastics and physical exercise. They were crafted with sturdy materials like wool and cotton, and although not the flamboyant styles we know and love today, they still offered a sleek and comfortable fit. You wouldnât find dazzling rhinestones or lace appliques in this era, just practical elegance. But you know me, darlings! My time-travelling eyes found a gorgeous pink and white striped leotard in a shop window. It was almost like the fabric was waving at me, saying, âPut me on, you fashion forward darling!â And I did. With my tulle tutu cascading gracefully over its crisp lines, I danced the night away!
Londonâs Theatre Scene:
Imagine a city teeming with life, with gaslights casting a warm glow on the cobbled streets. I made my way to the Covent Garden Theatre, the hub of London's cultural scene! My darling dears, this theatre was a haven for exquisite productions. From classic ballets to thrilling operatic performances, the 19th century London theatre was bursting with creativity. Youâll have to take my word for it, darling dears, as my street dancing skills got me through the crowds and to a seat at the theatre. The elegance of the performersâ movements in the theatrical plays was quite impressive â and it gave me an even bigger longing to share my pink tutu vision with them all!
Pink Tutus: The London Experiment:
Feeling rather inspired, my darlings, I spent the afternoon outside Covent Garden. With a gentle smile and twirling grace, I started a spontaneous ballet performance. To my absolute delight, people stopped and watched. Some smiled, others clapped. Even a grumpy old gentleman tapped his cane with approval! That day, my darling dears, I managed to sprinkle a little pink tutu magic on London! And let me tell you, seeing all the smiles on peopleâs faces was as uplifting as a grand jetĂ©.
My Pink Tutu Mission:
Each time travel adventure, darling dears, reminds me how beautiful and boundless the world of leotard fashion can be. There is no right or wrong when it comes to what you want to wear, but I know youâll all agree: pink tutus have the power to spread a touch of joy and laughter wherever they go!
My hope is to create a world where anyone and everyone can feel confident, graceful, and empowered in their leotard â whether it be pink, blue, sparkly or striped! And maybe, just maybe, they will even dare to embrace a magnificent pink tutu!
Now, don't forget to share your own leotard experiences in the comments below. And if you're in the mood for a little ballet magic, head on over to www.pink-tutu.com and catch up on all my exciting time-travel adventures!
Until next time, my darlings! Keep dancing, keep twirling, and always keep those tutus fabulous!
With love,
Emma
XOXO
P.S. Keep an eye out for my new series of âTime-Travel Tip Tuesdaysâ. I'll be giving you some of my secret fashion tips for getting the best looks from each time period I visit. Stay tuned, darlings!
