Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu wearing time traveller. This month, I've landed smack-dab in the middle of March 1894. It’s a gorgeous spring day here, but chilly – I had to bundle up in my beautiful cashmere shawl for the journey, luckily, it matches my dazzling pink sparkly leotard!
This time I decided to step away from my regular performance spot near the Royal Opera House in London. This month, my travel whims have taken me to the charming city of Lyon, France. I am, of course, in the most beautiful pink tutu I own, as the Parisian chic here just demands it.
You know me, always on the lookout for a new leotard design or a piece of ballet fashion history! My latest discovery – let's call it an 'archaeological dig' – is a rather lovely pair of knitted wool leggings, oh so snug, oh so chic! Imagine a warm merino wool knitted legwarmer in a delicious, luxurious mauve shade, but longer… like an incredibly stylish pant, if you will! A little early for the true advent of the “leotard” – though one could say it’s like the ancestor of the “long leotard” that was later popularized by American gymnasts in the 20th century. This is the sort of timeless classic I adore! I do, however, think this 'knitted legging' design is perfect with a stunning, swirling pink tulle tutu. Just thinking about it has got me inspired. I think I need a brand new one, custom-made in this vibrant lavender shade to bring some Victorian flair into my current wardrobe!
Now, onto the fabulous news! The 1890s were an absolute goldmine for ballet fashion, as the iconic ballerina, Isadora Duncan, began to gain immense popularity for her revolutionary approach to dance! Imagine ballet shoes sans pointe! Imagine loose flowing skirts replacing the tight corseted dresses. Yes! Our girl Isadora embraced a style so free and bold, so contrary to what ballet had always known! I could feel her energy all around the city. The French seem quite entranced by her, a little jealous of our Brit girl, maybe, but nevertheless charmed! It's wonderful to see so many people embrace new ideas of feminine expression and performance, pushing the boundaries of tradition, paving the way for a world full of colour, movement and glorious leotard styles.
I can see the beginnings of the modern-day leotard blossoming here, just like a sweet rose bud bursting forth from the frost of winter, waiting for the warmth of summer to truly reveal its splendour! Speaking of, that warmth does seem to be approaching. It feels like the sun has come to meet us in Lyon – and, for a brief moment, as I dance and twirl on the cobblestones of this bustling French city, I forget I'm here on a time travel escapade. The music that flows from a local street performer is absolutely entrancing. Imagine - an enchanting French flute weaving through the lively sounds of a Parisian brass band! For just a second, I am Emma, the dancer, lost in the heart of Lyon.
While I’m in the area, I absolutely had to drop by the Grand Theatre de Lyon. This was built in 1756! This glorious, old-world style structure is full of decadent French opulence, an absolute feast for the eyes. A veritable ode to artistic and dramatic performances. Though the ballet season seems to be over, I saw that they're showing the classic “La Reine Margot,” a piece set to mesmerising operatic music that blends dramatic dance, romantic entanglements, and daring costume choices. And, just outside the grand Theatre doors, there were all sorts of fascinating Parisian street performers in delightful costumes! They have street shows on almost every corner! Oh, to have that flair for spectacle here in Derbyshire! I suppose that is part of the fun. My lovely dancers, you must appreciate that the art of performance isn't limited to grand theaters or stages; it thrives in all corners of the world. A simple performance can move a heart, a twirl, a smile – it is the joy that comes with sharing our passions, our skills, with those around us.
Now, darling, a good leotard calls for a fabulous outing, wouldn’t you agree? After this spectacular tour through the Theatre, I decided it was time to sample some delectable pastries at a café just around the corner. I found myself seated under a grand, blooming chestnut tree – its branches were already heavy with those fat, sticky chestnut blossoms that herald the start of summer! It was a truly breathtaking setting for an exquisite plate of croissants and a delectable pot of black tea.
One of the lovely ladies at my table shared an anecdote with me, about her journey to Italy for a dance exhibition. Imagine! You have to envision this; women all dressed in colourful skirts and tunics! It is said to have been quite a spectacle with a whole plethora of flowing fabric! This reminded me, my dear reader, of a remarkable trend in England, just two years prior. My, how times have changed so quickly! That time, ballet was almost synonymous with 'leggins'. This is true, darling! And the dancers, these stylish creatures, used these snug, warm pants in colours like navy blue or burgundy, under those grand tutu gowns! I simply adore the way the fashion world constantly shifts. How would you have ever known that 1892’s favourite leotard design, so snug, so beautiful in its simple sophistication, would evolve into the gorgeous, dazzling outfits of the 1920s? We all have an uncanny way of shaping fashion's ever-changing face – we’re all creators! Every choice, every piece of clothing you put on, creates the rhythm of fashion, don’t you see? I adore the idea that everyone’s a fashion creator! It makes me happy, makes me believe anything is possible – the same way ballet and leotard fashion are constantly pushing boundaries, constantly reaching new heights of beauty and expression!
Just like the incredible fashion I've encountered today, my leotard fashion travel journey never ends, dear readers. I am excited for you to join me again in next month's blog. Stay tuned, darlings. It's always fun where I travel next, especially in my pink sparkle leotard. Be sure to find me at www.pink-tutu.com for more stories about our ever-changing world, and as always, if you wish to spread the joy of pink tutus, remember you can catch my ballet performances anywhere on the streets of London, and who knows, maybe in Paris or Lyon sometime. If you spot a beautiful pink tutu shimmering beneath the bright lights of a Parisian cabaret, it’s most definitely me.
See you soon, and until next time, remember to keep dancing!
