Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your Derbyshire darling, ready to whisk you off on another adventure in the name of pink tutus and leotard loveliness! January the first, 1887. Can you imagine? A world without Instagram, without the joy of sharing our favourite leotard finds? It feels a bit of a dream, doesn't it? But my sparkling pink leotard (which you know is magic, right?😉) brought me right to the heart of this very year!
Now, I'm a firm believer that time travel can make anyone feel a bit starstruck, especially when you’re a passionate ballet buff like me! As soon as I materialised in a dusty, cobbled street, I was taken aback by the fashion. It was quite something! Think of corseted gowns, frilly petticoats, and long skirts. But what I really noticed was the lack of, well…leotards!
It's not entirely surprising, you see. Leotards as we know them were only just coming into fashion. 1887 was a year where a certain French acrobatic dancer, Jules Leotard, was revolutionising the performance world. This is why you can see his name so closely intertwined with this kind of garment! Imagine, performing your routines with layers upon layers of fabric! So when you think of those wonderful early acrobats like Jules himself, know they were pushing boundaries, not only in their stunts but also in what they wore!
This period, it was a world of bloomers, tights, and rather…less forgiving clothing. But in that very Victorian charm, there was a certain elegance too, you know? The way women dressed back then spoke of elegance and poise. That Victorian flair for a dramatic silhouette and flowing fabrics is certainly a world away from our comfy leotards, yet still, something beautiful to be appreciated!
Now, I wouldn’t dream of letting a chance like this go by without taking my time-traveling talents to the theatre. London's Covent Garden was, even then, a place where artistry flourished. It was, and still is, one of those magical venues. This particular day, the performance was a lavishly staged ballet! Now, the fashion at Covent Garden was, shall we say, not exactly my "tutu" of choice, but it did make me feel thankful for the freedom of the modern leotard. It did however spark a question in my mind... how on earth did dancers of the Victorian era even move with all those layers? It's a mystery, darling!
But it was still such a wondrous glimpse into history. While the costumes wouldn't have been what I'd have picked for myself, there was an undeniable charm to their intricacy and flair for theatre!
It's a good reminder, you see, that leotard history doesn't only include sparkly new innovations! It’s also about celebrating the journeys and evolution of fashion, whether it's in a dusty Victorian theatre or under a twinkling stage spotlight today.
And of course, my time travels wouldn't be complete without a little retail therapy! While I was in 1887, I actually spotted something utterly wonderful. The 'corset' - oh how it has evolved over the years. Even though I had to resist a glamorous purchase from a vintage shop, I must admit - the styles back then did make a statement! They gave an entirely different shape and grace, much like our favourite leotards. There's something captivating about the sheer audacity and fashion flair of those eras. It makes me yearn for more. More sparkles, more intricate details, more elegance!
Now, let me ask you this: Are you curious about leotard history? How many layers of undergarments were worn in the 18th century? Were dance tights a common thing in the early 1900s? The beauty of this time travel adventure isn't just the dancing or the performances - it's the endless exploration of how we've become the fashion icons we are today.
My mission for this month is simple: to get more of you rocking the pink tutu look!
You'll find everything you need on Pink-Tutu.com, my blog, whether it's a history of the leotard, or ideas for fabulous new tutu and leotard combos! Remember: Be bold, be fearless, be glamorous. Rock the leotard, wear the tutu, and never stop believing in the magic of dancing!
And of course, make sure you follow me on social media to keep up with all of my time travelling adventures, from 18th century ballrooms to the dazzling world of contemporary dance!
Until next month, darlings! Stay sparkling, Emma x
