Hello my gorgeous girlies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another dazzling adventure through the history of leotards! This time, we're time-travelling all the way back to 12th December 1885. Now, before we get swept away in the magic of bygone ballet fashion, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's get twirling!
I know you all love my pink tutu, so today, it’s taking a back seat (even if it's still my go-to look for a time-traveling, tutu-tastic adventure!), because I'm positively positively excited about leotards, darling. Specifically, the history of how this fabulous little garment blossomed into the absolute must-have for every dancer!
Right then, you’ll never believe where I ended up this month – the Paris Opera House! That’s right, the City of Lights. The air was crackling with excitement as I shimmied through the crowds (a sneaky little pas de bourrée, naturally!) And let me tell you, every single dancer was dressed in something fabulous: leotards of all shapes and sizes, from the simple, sleek ‘one-piece’ styles to the more dramatic and ruffled beauties with long sleeves and tights. Imagine! We’re talking frills galore!
My trusty little time travel diary tells me the year is 1885, a real turning point in the evolution of the leotard. The iconic “bloomers” style, favoured for so long in Victorian England and beyond, had finally met its match! In its place came a slim, fitted look that celebrated a dancer’s figure, accentuating the long and lean lines, perfect for effortless movement and grace. Oh, and those leotards? Crafted from silk, naturally – talk about glamorous, darling!
It’s funny, looking back. A hundred years ago, leotards were almost scandalous! The ballet world was a whirlwind of strict corsetry, long, sweeping skirts and heavy shoes, all making it difficult to even get a leg up. Imagine how difficult it must have been to dance! But thanks to a little bit of innovation (and dare I say a dash of rebellious spirit!), those rigid and restrictive costumes began to shed layers. I just knew that if those ladies of 1885 could see what leotard fashion is today - from sparkly mesh and brightly colored streetwear looks to the intricately-detailed performance designs, their eyes would positively pop.
I must confess, when I first began my pink tutu travel blog, it felt like a crazy dream – a bit like travelling to the moon. I simply had to show people the world through my rose-tinted ballet lens. What could be better, really, than bringing the stories of leotard fashion, and the exciting, glamorous world of dance, right into the lives of everyone on pink-tutu.com? It’s the closest thing I’ve found to spreading a little magic – because that’s what leotards and ballet do. They allow anyone and everyone to become a graceful dancer!
Just imagine – wearing a fabulous leotard allows you to float like a feather, pirouette like a princess, and soar like a bird, even if you're right here, at home. And as my amazing pink tutu proves – all that takes is a sparkle and a bit of imagination!
My little shop in Derbyshire is packed full of beautiful leotards, of course – I just love the feeling of silky fabrics, the delicate ruffles, and the sparkle. I think of the lovely dancers of 1885 as I choose new fabrics, dreaming up new styles – like the one-shouldered wonder, with its chic elegance, that is all the rage today!
I think of this history each month as I prepare my leotard travel blog posts. Just like my beloved time-traveling, pink, sparkly leotard, it helps me travel the world from Derbyshire to Paris and beyond. Oh! It is so important for me to be inspired by dancers – young dancers especially – they're the brightest spark, you know. My message to everyone on pink-tutu.com, is to be yourself, embrace the sparkle and step into that wonderful, fabulous, sparkly world of leotard fashion – let your personality shine! I am absolutely sure that everyone has the potential to dance, to sparkle, to be their most fabulous selves – it’s something that has nothing to do with age, or the era we are living in, but more with the magic inside us!
My sweet friends, the next time you feel shy, or maybe a bit insecure – remember the history of the leotard. Imagine the boldness it must have taken, those revolutionary dancers, who took that first step onto the stage, showing off a streamlined new look! That spirit of boldness, of dancing to the beat of your own heart, is the true magic of the leotard.
And just one more thing before I whisk off back through time! You can be my partner in crime, on this journey through the fascinating world of leotards! Show off your fabulous leotard style by using the #pink-tutu tag on all your photos, so I can see how you make your personal, unique sparkle happen. Just remember, you’re already amazing and, of course, I love seeing those fantastic pink tutus, darling!
Until next month, happy dancing and sparkly days, Emma.
