Hello, my darling lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where time is just a sequin on my leotard. This month, we're heading back to 1st January 1895!
Just imagine, darling, the frost glittering on the cobbled streets of Derbyshire, the air crisp and fresh, as I set off in my pink sparkle time-traveling leotard. Can you feel it, the anticipation of a new year, a chance for new beginnings and of course, for the world of fashion to evolve in exciting new ways?
I've just finished an invigorating street performance in my sparkling pink tutu - yes, even in 1895, there's a magic about this piece of clothing that catches everyone's eye. I always receive the warmest smiles, and children's eyes gleam with awe, which makes all the twirls and jumps worthwhile! The pennies I gather in my ballerina's basket are more than enough to pay for my travels - oh, what adventures we have in store!
But what's happening in the world of leotard fashion in 1895? Well, let me take you on a whirl, dear reader!
Firstly, a huge wave of interest in ballet is sweeping the globe! Paris, of course, is the centre of it all, a whirlwind of graceful bodies and elegant steps, the costumes all shades of dreamy pastels. In the dance studios, lovely lace trimmed, full length tutus dominate, with ribbons adorning the legs for a touch of dramatic beauty.
But darling, let's take a little detour - how divine are these new-fangled "tights", snug as a bug in a rug! The freedom of movement these provide is simply divine - just a little whisper of something exciting brewing for our little dance world. The freedom of movement allows the dancers to perform intricate steps with ease and fluidity! It's an entirely different ballet scene from the grand ladies in flowing skirts we might find at the London Opera, or a grand ballroom.
A Fashion Revolution in the Making?
The beauty of this time period lies in the contrast between the grand ballet traditions and the whispers of a new movement taking shape. From London to Paris to Moscow, the stage lights cast shadows of innovation upon the ballet scene, ready to sweep away the old guard with something bold and new.
Just imagine, a little birdie told me about an American woman - oh, the audacity! - called Anna Pavlova. This lady, with a spirit as daring as the sparkle of my time-traveling leotard, is redefining what ballet looks like. She is, whisper it gently, pushing the boundaries with new and breathtaking moves, creating a storm in the elegant ballet world. Her costumes are daringly bare, showing off the form and beauty of her physique. Such freedom in a world still steeped in tradition! It's a touch of rebel spirit mixed with pure ballet magic that brings goosebumps to my little tutu!
The little world of leotards, dear readers, is an exciting space! Think of it as a dance floor for fashion - ever evolving, ever shifting. From the elegant costumes in the theatre to the freedom of new styles and dancers pushing boundaries, it's an exciting dance!
But before we wrap up, we must discuss my beloved tutu! Here, in 1895, the tutus are all a little shorter, reaching the knee with ruffles, and a beautiful full, delicate skirt. I can't wait to have my pink one crafted from the most fabulous silk and tulle the shops can offer!
Until next month, when I will be taking you on a dance back to another magical year! Please do leave your comments below, I would love to hear your thoughts on leotards and tutus from all eras.
Oh, and darling, remember, it's not just the leotard that counts, but how you feel within it! With love and glitter!
Yours in ballet and pink,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
