Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina blogger, and welcome back to another exciting journey through time! This month, we're taking a trip to February 2nd, 1889, a date that holds a special place in my heart (and wardrobe!). I mean, can you even imagine a time before the leotard? Shocking, isn't it? But before we dive into that, let me tell you about my latest adventures.
Last week, I performed my street ballet in the heart of London's Covent Garden. It was a whirlwind of pirouettes and fouettés, all the while channeling the spirit of the great ballerinas of yore, especially Marie Taglioni, the ultimate ballerina. But back to my time travels…
As I stepped into my magical pink shimmering leotard, a dazzling wave of energy surrounded me and whisked me back to the Victorian era, landing in the bustling streets of Paris. The streets were thronged with carriages and fashionable folk, ladies adorned in elaborate hats and long skirts.
Now, when we think of dancewear in this period, we might envision stiff corsets and cumbersome skirts. And yes, those did exist! But underneath those layers, we find a garment that became an icon for elegance and freedom: the "corset dance" dress. This elegant piece was crafted with layers of lightweight fabric and offered enough freedom for the intricate footwork of the era. Imagine! All those lovely waltzes and swirling quadrilles, looking positively enchanting.
Now, here comes the fascinating part: while these gowns were certainly elegant, there wasn't yet a proper leotard to be found in those days. In 1889, the leotard as we know it had yet to emerge!
Isn't that absolutely unbelievable? It was only just a few years later, around 1904 to be exact, that Jules Leotard - yes, the leotard was named after the real Mr. Leotard, a circus performer who, wouldn't you know it, wore something like a tight-fitting, one-piece garment. Imagine the comfort and elegance of it, perfect for a whirlwind of movement and flexibility, right?
Just think! You can see the spark of the leotard's evolution in the dance dress, and in just a few decades, we had this essential garment, which remains at the heart of ballet fashion, as well as a cornerstone for dancers, acrobats and gymnasts all over the world!
The history of fashion is fascinating, isn’t it? It's a constant cycle of evolution and inspiration, and the leotard is a prime example of that. As a testament to my love of dancewear, let me show you how my style evolved over these years…
From Bustles to Ballets: My Leotard Time Travel Look1889: Imagine me strolling through the bustling Paris streets! I would be wearing a fabulous corset dance dress. This wouldn't be just any ordinary dress. This one would have all the right embellishments. Imagine delicate layers of lace and ribbon, maybe a satin bodice, and a billowing skirt for just a touch of dramatic flair, with my favourite touch: a gorgeous pink silk sash, tied in a whimsical bow around my waist.
1904: Fast forward a mere fifteen years! Imagine being transported to Jules Leotard’s time, the genesis of the leotard as we know it. Now this is where I'd be channeling my inner acrobatic fashionista. Picture me sporting a streamlined, single-piece garment that clings perfectly to my silhouette. This wouldn't be just a regular, plain leotard. Oh, no! It would be one in luxurious velvet, or maybe a luxurious silk, with perhaps a touch of playful velvet ribbon detail at the neck or the shoulders for a touch of glamour.
Now, imagine all the ways we can interpret the leotard’s evolution in fashion.
We can think about the sheer range of style from the late 1900s, and how it transitioned into modern ballet! From simple and elegant silhouettes to elaborate designs incorporating cutouts, straps, and ruffles, all leading up to the wide array of modern ballet leotards. These include a world of materials - nylon, lycra, cotton. and the wonderful colour choices: vibrant colours, sequins, and shimmery finishes!
Don't forget the timeless power of a leotard to embody grace, athleticism and style. Just think about the joy it brings! That pure, unadulterated delight. Every time I don a leotard, it brings me back to my love for dance and this remarkable journey through time!
Don’t you just love how the leotard has transcended dance? I’m thinking about everything from leotard-inspired workout clothes to its emergence in mainstream fashion trends, showing us the diversity of its appeal!
Just last week, I spotted a super stylish outfit with a chic, body-hugging leotard with flowing silk trousers. This look gave me all the Parisian chic vibes. The perfect example of a classic garment transcending time!
Spreading the Pink Tutu Love!Okay, lovelies, that’s my time travel blog post for this month. I’ll be back soon with more time-traveling fashion adventures!
Don't forget, to keep up with my fashion journeys, please follow my pink tutu Instagram feed and remember, keep the pink tutu spirit alive. Don't just be bold, be bold in a pink tutu!
Happy dancing!
Yours in fashion,
Emma xx
