#LeotardHistory during 1883 01 January

Hello fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina blogger, bringing you the latest from the wonderful world of leotards. This month, we're taking a trip back to the 1880s, specifically 1st January 1883. It’s amazing to think that whilst we were wearing comfy pinks in Derbyshire, England (oh how I love the snowy landscapes in winter!), in 1883, people were thinking about tutus – and in a big way!

Imagine me, dressed in my sparkling, time-travelling pink leotard, arriving at a grand ballroom, my pink tutu flowing, ready to chronicle all the sartorial delights. It's all rather exciting!

The year is 1883, the year when women started becoming more independent and demanding equality! This desire for independence led to a revolutionary change in women’s fashion, especially for ballerinas! They craved to move freely in their outfits, and you can see this change reflected in leotards – so this makes our 1883 jaunt super-interesting.

The leotard, still a relatively new concept in 1883, is moving from the more utilitarian world of gymnasts to the artistic realms of ballet. We are starting to see the birth of those classic ballet designs: elegant, form-fitting garments that highlighted the dancers’ strength and fluidity, perfect for swirling, leaping and all the beautiful expressions of dance.

There is still quite a way to go, however, before our favourite pink tutus take centre stage. For now, the leotards of this period tend to be made of silk or cotton, a luxurious change from the wool and hemp fabrics popular during the 1860s! A subtle change, but it adds such a romantic flourish!

I also got a peek into the dance world and oh, the gorgeous colours of 1883! The fashion for ballerinas of that time – and my fellow pink-tutu lovers, listen closely – included all shades of pink! Just the very word, "pink" seemed to dance across all their minds. I'm sure that, like myself, they could barely contain their excitement at the prospect of twirling in such magnificent colour. Of course, a little purple, blue, and lilac also made their appearance but honestly, pink was just about to have its moment – the dance floor was alive with pink and it was glorious!

In a lovely change from my Derbyshire days, dancing in 1883 was becoming increasingly public, going from the exclusivity of ballrooms to the vibrant pulse of street performances. Ballerinas were leaving the constraints of gilded cages and moving into a world where everyone could share in the joy of ballet. Imagine a dancer swirling through the cobblestone streets of London or Paris in an elegant, flowing pink tutu – how absolutely magical!

I was fascinated by a young ballerina named Lily in a grand Parisian ballroom. Her silk leotard, almost the colour of a summer sunset, shone like a beacon against the velvet backdrop. The intricate embroidery – tiny pearl beads on her sleeves - highlighted the grace of her every movement, all while she danced, utterly unashamed, under the gaze of a hundred eyes. Lily was living my dream – dancing with a confidence and joy that filled the whole ballroom.

The magic of Lily’s dance inspired me – and it should inspire all of you too! In the 19th century, these brave dancers paved the way for the incredible leotards and dance culture we have today. We are living a pink-tutu dream come true!

As we head towards the final stretch of the 19th century, I can already see a fascinating mix of ballet history and leotard trends happening right before my eyes! In the late 1890s, I hear, tutus start to take on their more modern forms - think frills, fullness, and breathtaking layers. I know what you're all thinking - those dramatic tulle layers were made for a vibrant pink!

It's a good time to be a tutu lover, a time to dream big, to dance confidently and let our imaginations fly on a wave of pink tulle. I’ll see you in our next time-traveling adventures - but for now, I'm off to twirl with my favourite, dancing troupe! Stay fabulous!