#LeotardHistory during 1883 06 June

Post #294: June 6th, 1883 – A Trip to Victorian London in My Pink Tutu

Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another exciting trip through time! It’s the 6th of June, and the sun is shining gloriously on the little village in Derbyshire where I’m living…for now, at least. As you know, a sparkly pink leotard, a well-placed wink to the Time Fairy, and a hefty dose of pink tutu magic – I’m off on a new adventure! This month, it’s back to dear old England, but this time, we’re headed back to 1883, and believe me, the style is as thrilling as a triple pirouette!

My fabulous pink, shimmering leotard takes me seamlessly back to Victorian London. I arrive in the middle of a busy market in Covent Garden, and I just cannot resist taking a spin! People stare, a little surprised at my pink tulle – imagine, darling, a pink tutu in Victorian England! They’ve only seen such things on the stage, you see. It's a head-turning moment, and let’s be honest, there’s no other way for a pink tutu-loving blogger to arrive!

Oh, and the leotards – oh, the leotards! Today, I'm taking in all the ballet fashion going on around me. You see, the dance world is buzzing right now! It’s the era of The Great Russian Ballet, led by the iconic Madame Katinka Geltzer! Imagine – this incredible woman has brought a revolution of elegance to London! She has brought in those stunning long, flowy costumes for the women, all inspired by the style of classical Greek statues, and the male dancers wear their leotards with such dashing panache! My dear friend, Madame Katinka, has certainly made her mark. In a beautiful nod to the artistry and the talent of ballet dancers, the theatre audiences now get to enjoy something truly special, something both aesthetically beautiful and daringly different.

This era of ballet also has some intriguing dancewear trends that I simply cannot miss! In Victorian London, they’re loving a bold silhouette. Imagine it, darling: fitted bodices with billowing skirts and sleeves – a lovely homage to their Victorian style, but incorporated into dancewear!

Now, where does a pink-tutu loving time traveler go in 1883 to take in the excitement? The theatre of course! First stop is a visit to the glorious The Royal Opera House – I love a good theatre outing! And this building – it’s a architectural marvel!

With the Royal Opera House playing host to the incredible Madame Katinka Geltzer and her Great Russian Ballet this evening, there’s excitement everywhere, with audiences wanting to get a peek of these spectacular performances. And as for the* leotard fashion on display –* a sheer joy to a blogger who adores all things sparkly and feminine, especially a lovely tutu! There’s not a dull garment in sight.

With a vibrant palette of rich colors, it’s like a canvas come alive – velvet, satin, silk, sequins, the whole glorious lot! It is nothing less than a vision of feminine grace and artistry and I’m completely enraptured! The ballerina dancers in their costumes, swirling and twirling in the ethereal lightness of their movements, each step bringing joy and excitement – these are memories I’ll hold close to my heart forever!

The Victorian style that reigns here has a unique charm. The* costumes, while still keeping the elegance and tradition of ballet, are just *that little bit extra, that little bit more lavish and decorative – an enchanting delight for all! I can just imagine these costumes being meticulously crafted by seamstresses, working late into the night, their needle-point magic transforming the dance floor into a fairytale.

And who could forget the jewellery? In Victorian England, there was no holding back – the opulence of costume jewellery in all colours and shapes adds another stunning dimension to the ballet. Pearls, gems, all those sparkly stones - the bigger the better! This is the ultimate form of expressive glamour, it truly sparkles!

Later, after the ballet, I head out to* Harrods, London's newest department store, the latest fashion sensation. You can see why everyone talks about its magnificent offerings! It's brimming with beautiful dresses and lovely trinkets! It’s not surprising that London is considered a mecca for *leotard fashion and all things fancy. I have to be careful to stop myself from buying everything - but, of course, a good pair of dancing slippers, a satin leotard in a glorious lilac colour, and a bewitching sparkly, pearl adorned, tutu is a must for my collection . My little pink leotard needs some friends!

On my final day in London, I wander through* Hyde Park. This huge park, this wonderful green haven in the heart of the city, is absolutely bursting with life. Children run, laugh and play in their frocks, the sun warms my face, the air is fresh and invigorating, and my heart feels full with the joy of experiencing a magical London that feels truly alive and vibrant. I think London has really captured my heart and, dare I say, *I feel quite at home here.

I can’t help but wish that I could stay a little longer, soaking up the amazing ballet performances and the glamour that swirls around every corner, but alas, duty calls, my little leotard tugs me back to my time and, back to my humble little home in Derbyshire, but this trip is an inspiration!

It is easy to see why, darling, a Victorian ballerina’s leotard can easily transform her into a sparkling star of the stage, dazzling the audience with her dance and her elegant attire!

Till next month, darlings!

Remember: “Life is too short to wear boring clothes.”

Now go, grab a pink tutu! Spread the tutu-joy and don't forget to let your inner sparkle shine!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

#LeotardHistory during 1883 06 June