Hello my darling readers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I hope this month finds you all well, my darlings. I've been twirling, dancing and flitting through the centuries in my magical pink leotard and this time, I found myself on the 6th of June 1887! Let me tell you, the fashion was simply divine, and it's all about to get fabulous.
As always, you know I’ve been busy spreading the love of pink tutus! After all, there's nothing more beautiful and enchanting than the combination of a fluffy tutu with a shimmering pink leotard! A twirl is truly irresistible, especially when adorned in pink. The tutus I wore in 1887 were so different from the tutus of today! There were a lot of tiers, plenty of volume, and oh so much lace and ribbon - the perfect blend of dainty and grand!
The world in 1887 was abuzz with fascinating dance innovations. You see, dear readers, this period was seeing a move away from the elaborate and somewhat restrictive costumes of the classical ballet period. It was the dawn of the era that would truly liberate the female form through dance, making movements easier and highlighting the grace and artistry of the dancers. Think more flexible fabrics and less of the cumbersome layers!
It was a complete joy to dance through the cobblestone streets of London on my journey through time! Even in 1887, London was such a vibrant city. As I shimmied down Oxford Street, people stopped and gasped at the sight of me in my shimmering pink leotard, twirling and tossing around my impossibly voluminous tutu! They loved it, my dears, absolutely loved it. They shouted words of appreciation in an odd old tongue and many tried to take me to a place called a "tea shop" - but of course, there was no way I was taking a break from my performance! Imagine what that would have done to my carefully constructed pink tutu cloud!
I went to a magnificent theatre on my journey and what did I see? Ballet, of course! And the leotards, the leotards, oh my dears! It was pure ballet heaven. This new wave of dance saw more fitted garments. Gone were the billowing skirts, and in their place were tight-fitting, yet delicate, long-sleeved leotards, hugging the dancer’s body like a second skin. These delicate garments were usually made from fabrics like silk and cotton, flowing like whispered dreams as the dancers glided and leapt across the stage. Oh, how I yearn to grace the stage myself in those divine designs!
There was one performance in particular that truly mesmerized me. The prima ballerina wore the most gorgeous scarlet leotard, intricately decorated with gold embroidery that shimmered like fallen starlight. It was simply stunning! And her tutu, a veritable explosion of soft, apricot-coloured tulle, was an ethereal spectacle that I could have watched for hours! She seemed to dance with a kind of quiet strength and fluidity that felt quite different from the rigid elegance of the classical ballerinas I'd seen in other periods.
Speaking of performances, I couldn’t go to 1887 without mentioning the absolutely divine world of burlesque and variety theatre! This was a glorious era of glamour, creativity, and daring performance, and you know I couldn't resist the opportunity to delve into its glittering world! Oh, the leotards! The vibrant colours! The delicate feathers! My dears, they were just dazzling! Imagine satin and silk, trimmed with intricate lace and ribbons. The dancers, all perfectly beautiful with a certain cheeky grin, sashayed in shimmering garments that left little to the imagination, drawing the crowds into their world of playful and sensual entertainment. Their outfits, oh so full of playful detail, made each movement a captivating and enchanting event.
Of course, you can imagine my delight as I slipped into my magical leotard and performed for the London crowds! They watched in wonder, their eyes wide with excitement, as I spun and jumped, filling the streets with my laughter and vibrant colours.
But remember, darling readers, even amidst all the splendour and theatrics, one thing remained constant – the unwavering importance of comfort. Whether on a grand stage or on the cobbled streets, dancers were constantly striving for the ultimate balance of movement, beauty, and ease. And you know what? It all starts with the right leotard. After all, comfort means confidence, and confidence makes every twirl and step absolutely magical.
Until next time, darling readers! Be sure to twirl your troubles away and wear a little bit of pink today! Remember, darling, you can read all about my adventures on my website: www.pink-tutu.com.
Love,
Emma