Hello lovelies,
It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here! Welcome back to another monthly instalment of my magical, sparkly journey through time! February is here, and with it, a sprinkle of romanticism andā¦ ahemā¦ historical tidbits! I canāt quite believe itās already 2023, time really does fly when youāre jetting around different centuries. This month, my pink leotard took me right back to the late 1800s ā a world of corsets, bloomers and the ever-so-slightly scandalous (at the time, at least) ā the leotard!
February the 2nd, 1890 ā a date etched into my mind. I was feeling a bit peckish after a rather flamboyant performance outside Buckingham Palace (Queen Victoria didnāt seem too impressed with my tutu ā I blame the hat). Feeling a bit of a sweet tooth coming on, I hopped back into my trusty, shimmering, time travelling leotard. And, off I went to find a bit of sugary goodness from the past!
Now, 1890 wasn't exactly known for its sugar rush-worthy delicacies, but the little shops on the cobblestone streets had a charm about them, especially with my fabulous pink tutu lighting up the place! As I walked past shop windows, I noticed the ladies' clothingā¦ letās just say it wouldnāt be getting the "Emmaās Seal of Approvalā this month!
Time Travel Fashion Finds:
But oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the leotards I found! You see, it was all about the Victorian dance costume, and guess what ā it's slightly related to our beloved leotard! You could almost call it the "Grandmother of the Leotardā. Now, they were a lot less flamboyant than my bright pink sparkle numbers. But they were daring! The dance costumes consisted of fitted bodices, long, clinging trousers, and often a very short skirt! Some were even a single garment, almost resembling our modern-day leotards but a whole lot more "modest"! This was all quite scandalous back then, apparently. I think those ladies just needed a little more confidence! Perhaps my fabulous, glittery pink tutus couldāve encouraged them? Just a thoughtā¦
It really was the dawn of freedom for women in dance. This marked the shift away from the layers and layers of heavy crinolines and skirts that made movement a real challenge. Imagine pirouetteing in a pile of lace and hoops ā I couldn't do it, let alone be expected to jump and spin for hours on end!
And darling, the colours! The leotard bodices back then were vibrant and playful. Lots of deep reds, rich purples, blues, and some lovely greens ā so many stunning colours! Of course, a good sprinkle of pink never hurts, I believe!
But it was more than just the colours ā it was about freedom of movement! These women dancers were truly breaking the mould, defying expectations, and moving like the elegant, beautiful swans they truly were.
Showtime!
During my 1890 jaunt, I stumbled upon a performance ā it was a real treat! I saw a lovely ballet show. It was fascinating. You see, they weren't using classical ballets back then like they do now! They were incorporating operas and plays with dance in these shows! I got to witness the graceful waltz and the fiery passion of Spanish dancing.
Leotard Fashion on 2nd February, 1890:
And who was rocking these fabulous Victorian leotards? I spotted some incredible names on the theatre bills! It was a time of rising ballet stars. One such dancer I spotted was the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. It was at this time she began to truly become a force in the world of ballet, a ballet star to be watched! I have a feeling she wouldāve loved a little pink in her repertoireā¦ Just imagine that graceful, legendary dancer, sporting a bright pink tutu, wouldn't that be fabulous?
Pink, of course, was my ultimate goal! Back then, the shades were much softer, more pastel and blush toned. I mean, what can be more fabulous than pink?! Just picture yourself in a luscious shade of pink, twirling with joyous abandonment ā itās a vision of beauty and confidence, donāt you agree? Iāve already seen a shift in peopleās thoughts towards pink since my time travelling days. People are seeing the light of a more fabulous futureā¦ a pink future!
Travel Log Recap
So, my lovely darlings, I hope this quick little journey through time has brought a little pink inspiration to your day! It's never too late to break boundaries and unleash your inner dance queen, just like these inspiring pioneers did back in 1890. Let's all embrace that gorgeous pink in our lives. It's time to add a dash of bold, colourful femininity to the world ā itās absolutely needed!
Until next time, may your steps be light and your hearts full of joy, darling!
Love, Emma
xxx
* www.pink-tutu.com*
