Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and I'm so excited to share my latest adventure with you all. This month, I found myself transported back to 6th June 1882, which was absolutely buzzing with activity in the world of dance!
You see, this is the beauty of my sparkly pink time-traveling leotard - it allows me to explore the past, embracing its incredible fashions, especially in the realm of dancewear. This time, I found myself waltzing (metaphorically speaking, of course - my pink tutu does tend to get in the way of actual dancing in these historical periods!) through the Victorian era, and what a whirlwind it was!
As always, I began my journey in my trusty pink time-traveling leotard. This month, it was a stunning blush pink creation with glittering silver stars scattered across the fabric - a little nod to the stars I was reaching for with this time travel journey! My usual trusty tutu followed, its layers of soft tulle floating gracefully as I emerged from the swirling vortex. The 1880s were a period of romanticism, elegance and burgeoning change for dance, so I wanted to make sure my outfit perfectly embodied that spirit.
A Victorian Vision of Dancewear: The Evolution of the LeotardIn 1882, dancewear was all about layers, ladies! I was amazed by the intricate combinations of silk stockings, hoops, corsetry, and a delightful range of ballet slippers and shoes. Whilst leotards in their modern form weren’t exactly prevalent then, their ancestor - the "tights" as they were called - were evolving! Made of wool or cotton and extending up to the shoulders or just below the knees, these "tights" provided a form-fitting base for layering overdresses and petticoats for more extravagant stage presentations.
I actually spent the entire morning just admiring the stunning outfits worn by the ladies who were getting ready to go to a theatre in London's West End! One outfit particularly caught my eye. It was a beautiful example of the Victorian fascination with layers. Imagine a base of fine black "tights" (just below the knees), followed by a cascade of cream silk stockings, all topped off with a stunning layered silk skirt adorned with the most exquisite lace. I simply had to find out more. I quickly hopped into my time-traveling leotard (no mean feat, as you can imagine with a tutu!) and headed for the Covent Garden Theatre to discover the hidden history behind the ensemble.
My heart almost leapt out of my chest when I entered the theatre, the music swirled around me, an orchestra playing an arrangement by a young and exciting composer called Edward Elgar. The beautiful, dramatic set of a Shakespearean tragedy (complete with a flowing crimson velvet backdrop!) truly blew me away. But the pièce de résistance for me was the show’s leading lady. This magnificent performer was wearing the exact outfit I’d spotted earlier that morning. I learned her name was Agnes Ford, and I could only gape in awe at her dazzling movements and dramatic delivery of Shakespeare. She truly embodied the spirit of the time - beautiful, refined, and unapologetically powerful!
This show and Agnes' incredible performance were the ultimate fusion of drama, elegance and fashion, and it's an event I'll never forget. This entire journey confirmed that dance in the late 1880s was definitely in full swing. And the more I explored, the more fascinated I became by the changing landscape of the world of ballet fashion.
A Celebration of Victorian Theatrical FashionI spent the rest of the day exploring London’s bustling theatre district and visiting some fantastic boutiques that were teeming with all sorts of stunning, dance-related attire. From the elaborate hats worn by ladies to the beautifully embroidered slippers used in various dance styles, each detail spoke of an incredible appreciation for artistry and elegance. And while leotards as we know them hadn’t truly arrived yet, I found myself dreaming about what they could become in the years to come!
But it was in a tiny workshop, tucked away behind a busy street, that I discovered the real heart of Victorian fashion - a hidden treasure trove of beautiful, handcrafted leotard prototypes! This tiny shop was home to a young, enthusiastic, and incredibly talented dressmaker named Mary. With her gentle touch and unwavering eye for detail, she was experimenting with different cuts and fabrics for tights that would later evolve into the modern leotard.
Her workspace was bursting with beautiful textiles in an array of colors and textures - everything from delicate lace to strong cotton blends. Each "tights" she was working on, Mary told me, was a little masterpiece - and the anticipation to see the finished piece was almost unbearable!
After a delightful afternoon, filled with conversations about fabric and fashion, Mary gave me a stunning custom "tights" outfit – a vibrant red-and-gold patterned version! She had been wanting to experiment with patterns for a long time, and it was absolutely incredible! I felt like a true queen, standing there in her little workshop, feeling empowered by this beautiful garment. The "tights" truly celebrated the elegance and grace of the era whilst anticipating the practicality and freedom of movement that would characterize the dancewear of the future.
My day culminated with an impromptu performance at London's famed Covent Garden. I twirled and spun in my sparkling pink time-traveling leotard, showcasing my signature move, a triple pirouette under a full moon, and a finale featuring a breathtaking high kick. The cheers of the Victorian crowds washed over me, filling my heart with pure joy.
My mission: To make everyone wear a pink tutu - still felt just as crucial even here in the Victorian era! And maybe, just maybe, a dash of pink in the era of tightly-laced corsets might have just brought a smile to some faces, sparking a tiny seed of rebellion, a whisper of freedom in the air.
So, there you have it, darlings - a day of captivating leotard fashion and the exciting origins of a much-loved staple of the modern dance world.
I’ll be back next month with even more tales from the fascinating world of dance and its remarkable evolution through time.
Until then, don't forget to spread the love of pink tutus wherever you go! And be sure to visit my blog on www.pink-tutu.com for a sneak peek at some exclusive dance photos, style tips, and of course, my favorite pink leotard outfits!
See you next month, darlings!
With love and twirls,
Emma xx
