Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we take a twirl through time and explore the fabulous history of leotard fashion. As you all know, my mission in life is to inspire everyone to embrace the joy and freedom of a pink tutu. 💖 Today, we're stepping into the time machine for a delightful jaunt back to April 4th, 1887!
This month, my sparkly pink time travelling leotard took me all the way back to Victorian England. It’s quite a journey from Derbyshire! I landed in a bustling London, ready to witness the leotard styles of the era. I’ve got to say, 1887 was a rather different time for fashion. Think floor-length dresses, layers of petticoats, and a distinct lack of spandex! 😂
But even back then, some truly interesting garments were being worn. In 1887, the focus for dancers was on costumes designed for their performance, often more akin to theatrical dresses, or the type of dance costume you'd see in an opera! And wouldn’t you know it, some of those costumes were definitely leotard-esque!
Remember, my dears, the concept of a 'leotard' as we know it today really didn't exist in the late 1800s. What we would consider a leotard was often just called a ‘body garment’ or ‘tights.’ However, their practical form and focus on flexibility made them quite a revolutionary piece of clothing for dancers, laying the groundwork for what we enjoy today.
I spent my time exploring Victorian London, admiring the dazzling dance performances, and sneaking a peek at the theatrical costumes that inspired the time period's dance wear. Even without the modern spandex marvels, these performers were captivating! And they moved so gracefully and freely, proving that fabulous movement isn't limited by fabric!
London Theatres and the Beauty of Theatrical EleganceNow, you can’t travel through time without checking out the show, can you? The 1887 theatre scene was simply brimming with talent and extravagance. I had a delightful time hopping between shows! Some highlights?
- The dazzling "La Esmeralda" at the Covent Garden Theatre. This ballet, with its captivating story and music, was a must-see. The costumes, while not truly ‘leotards’ by our modern standards, featured incredibly elaborate designs – long flowing skirts, richly embellished bodices, and even some sparkly leggings that resembled what we call ‘leggings’ today.
- The "Faust" opera at the Her Majesty's Theatre. It’s impossible not to be mesmerised by the powerful performances of the time! Even in the world of opera, the beauty of the form-fitting undergarments, and the layers of elegant fabrics used to make their grand outfits were really inspiring. It felt as if a ballerina costume had taken a turn towards the theatrical.
- The **D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, a force of the Victorian Era. While the performances featured lavish costumes and sets, I was more drawn to the beautiful dresses and fitted jackets the ladies were wearing as they sauntered about London. These fashionable ladies would easily be mistaken as fashion bloggers today!
Fashion was more than just an outward appearance. It was an expression of character, social standing, and even artistic spirit!
I’ve even managed to gather some insider information on the latest trends in 1887! It’s a very exciting time for ballet costumes. Apparently, the ‘en pointe’ movement is growing! While there are some traditional long skirts being worn on stage, those in the know tell me, it’s all about short, layered skirts or leggings! They are said to help dancers move more fluidly, as the shorter length allows for more range of motion and flexibility! Imagine! Shorter skirts! A revolution in the making, darling!
And wouldn't you know it? Some dancers, especially the ones working with traditional, long skirt styles, were experimenting with ‘body garments’ for practice. The goal was to train comfortably without the restrictions of their stage wear. That means, I spotted some lovely, form-fitting outfits with leggings and tights as the underlying support of their movements!
It was as if a ‘leotard’ was trying to make an early entrance into fashion! But even then, with a lot of the attention on theatrical costume rather than practical, dance wear, it’s more a precursor, than what we consider a modern leotard!
Time Travel Through Leotard History – One Tutu at a Time!Travelling through time and exploring leotard history really reminds me that dance fashion is more than just what we see on the stage today. It's about a constant evolution, a celebration of movement and creativity, and a love for self-expression!
As I head back to my own time, I'm so grateful to share these snippets of history with you. I hope that through our little adventures through the world of leotard fashion, we’re able to learn, appreciate, and above all, be inspired by the countless creative souls who paved the way for our passion today.
Now, I've got to jet off to get my dancing shoes on for another day of street ballet! It’s so much fun inspiring others, and with my magical pink time travel leotard, who knows where I'll land next month!
Until then, my lovelies, be sure to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website! Remember, wear that pink tutu with confidence, and never forget the power of a beautiful outfit to bring a little sparkle into your day!
Until next month, twirl on! 🌸🩰
Emma 💕
