#LeotardHistory during 1881 12 December

Hello lovelies! Emma here, back again with another exciting journey into the world of leotard history. This month, I’ve popped my pink, sparkly time-traveling leotard on and whizzed back to the 12th December 1881, just a little while before Christmas, which is my absolute favourite time of year for leotard shopping. Can you imagine a world without sparkly, sequined tutus? It would be simply awful!

The year is 1881, and I'm twirling around a rather chic and grand dance studio in the heart of Paris. Yes, it's the City of Lights and the cradle of modern ballet. The dancers are practising their routines, and the music from the grand piano tinkles sweetly in the air. What strikes me most is the variety of leotard styles they’re wearing! Not so many pink tutus yet, darling – I really have a lot of work to do!

Today’s fashion-forward dancers in Paris are embracing a variety of looks. Think about tight-fitting, velvet-y fabrics in jewel tones. Lots of layering, too. They have beautiful fitted bodices and long skirts. For their leotards, it's mainly flesh-coloured, cottony fabrics. There’s no nylon or stretchy fabrics back in 1881. But oh, the embroidery is exquisite. It’s lace galore with a good sprinkling of silk, satin and some delicate frills. The look is simple but elegant, like an elegant ballerina floating on a cloud!

I managed to sneak a peek into the “la Maison de la Danse” shop next door. Their mannequins wore long-sleeved dance dresses with low necklines. Think ballet lessons and balls, all in one gorgeous frock! The colours? Absolutely ravishing! I spied vibrant red, sapphire blue, deep green, and, of course, a glorious shade of rich emerald green – oh, it's perfect for the Christmas season!

Important Reminder: My dear readers, if you want to rock this historical 1881 leotard look, don't forget the corset! It’s essential. A good corsetiere can craft the perfect silhouette for a graceful, yet stunningly structured appearance. But of course, remember to stay within your comfort zone, darling. No need for tight lacing. We want our beautiful ballerinas to have a happy and comfy Christmas.

Here in Paris, they are also passionate about the theatrical arts, from drama to opera. I managed to squeeze into the premiere of a delightful new ballet called “The Awakening,” which focused on a group of ballerinas preparing for a show in London – how exciting! This performance featured a breathtaking choreography full of complex, balletic movement. Every pirouette and pas de bourrée felt light, airy, and utterly elegant. My word, darling, this is what I’m talking about! They were truly channeling that delicate ballet spirit that fills my very soul with joy.

The ballerinas wore flowing chiffon dresses in a spectrum of pastel shades – pale blues, lilacs, and baby pinks. So sweet and charming, don’t you agree? There was a little bit of velvet in the mix for those bold colours and added dramatic impact – think of a passionate dance and a grand finale. All those fluttering skirts created a real fairytale mood!

Of course, I was on a mission, my darling. A Pink Tutu mission! It wasn't a total fail – I spied some ballet shoes (think pale pink satin with dainty satin ribbons!) which brought back so many childhood memories of when I first discovered my love for ballet.

Speaking of ballet shoes, imagine, no Pointe shoes yet, dear readers. I found myself gazing at soft slippers made with supple leather, meticulously hand-stitched with delicate bows and a sprinkling of lace for a touch of charm. These dancers, their elegance!

After all the dazzling performances and my peek at the fashionable Parisian leotard shops, my stomach was grumbling for a good English breakfast, my lovely friends. It’s so lovely to pop back to my little flat in Derbyshire for a comforting cup of tea, a slice of home-baked apple pie, and my snuggly dressing gown after a time travel escapade. It really is wonderful to have a bit of normality.

It's been an incredible journey through leotard history! Now, I have a question for you my dear friends, readers of www.pink-tutu.com: Have you ever tried to recreate a historical dance look? What are your favourite eras? If you have a blog, please share it! Don't forget to check out next month's post, I’ll be venturing back in time for another exciting historical journey!

Until next month, lovelies, keep your spirits high and twirl on, my sweet ballerinas!

Note: The character of Emma and her time-traveling exploits are fictional and this post is for entertainment purposes. While elements of ballet history and fashion of 1881 are mentioned, it is meant to be a fun and fantastical story about leotards and their evolution through time.