Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here! Another month whizzed by, filled with delightful dances and delightful discoveries! It's time to pop the champagne (or, perhaps, some sparkling lemonade!) and step back in time once more, for today we're visiting 2nd February, 1897!
This month, my magical pink sparkling leotard has whisked me to a rather fascinating period in time – the height of Victorian elegance. I've always adored the era, with its dramatic silhouettes, beautiful lace, and delicate colours. Of course, it's not just about the fashion, although that is a major draw. The theatre scene back then was buzzing with incredible performances, the dance world was vibrant and diverse, and of course, leotards were an integral part of all the excitement.
As I landed, twirling through a plume of iridescent pink dust in my shimmering leotard, the air felt full of excitement. London's West End was abuzz with theatre premieres, a symphony of opera, and a multitude of delightful dancers! Just a hop, skip, and twirl down the cobblestones and I found myself surrounded by ladies sporting some truly sensational dance costumes. The skirts! The sleeves! The abundance of intricate embellishments! I can practically smell the powder puffs and the whisper of silken gowns as I recount the day.
It turns out that the world of leotard fashion in 1897 was a fascinating world. I have a feeling I might just find some new ideas for my future street performances, or perhaps for a dazzling new addition to my Pink Tutu Collection! (Which you know, I'm sure, is overflowing with exquisite treasures – both vintage and brand new! Just let me know if you need any help with a leotard find, darling, I'm always here for you!)
My very first stop, of course, had to be the London Palladium! A landmark for dance and entertainment, it was buzzing with rehearsals for the premiere of 'The Geisha'. A spectacle filled with exquisite costumes and dramatic sets, the show is full of traditional Japanese dance elements, drawing inspiration from both traditional attire and the ballet world. The actresses' movements and elegant gowns would melt your heart.
One of the most charming details, especially for my love of all things leotard, was the choice of leotards worn by the dancers in the show. Instead of the more typical white cotton, many were designed with a rich, decadent velvet in various vibrant colours - scarlet, sapphire, and emerald greens – making a true statement with their elegance.
Speaking of 'statement,' imagine the excitement surrounding a special debut performance of Swan Lake by the famed ballet dancer, Matilda Kschessinska! Imagine the grandeur of that moment - the exquisite swansilk costume, the graceful dance, the mesmerising portrayal of the character! (Okay, perhaps a slight whisper of my performance on stage earlier today at Covent Garden - it was divine!)
It was a delightful surprise, during my stroll down Piccadilly, to stumble upon the charming little studio owned by Madame Carlotta Grisi! Oh, it was the most delightful experience! Imagine a place brimming with swirling, ethereal fabrics, ribbons in every shade imaginable, sparkling beads and sequined treasures just waiting to adorn some divine dancing creation! My oh my, the delicate pink, silk-lined leotards she offered were utterly divine, adorned with delicate pearl detailing.
One could truly spend hours there, browsing through bolts of fabrics, discovering a kaleidoscope of possibilities. While many would think leotards were simply a garment to hide away, Madame Carlotta considered them true expressions of grace, artistic movement, and most importantly, self-expression. Imagine - your leotard as a way to portray your inner-most self. How truly romantic!
For my Victorian dancing journey, I discovered a little gem: a beautiful boutique, tucked away near Regent's Park. Here, in the midst of bustle, a kind shopkeeper (who, to my astonishment, was also a dancer, just a touch on the plump side!) shared her passion for "Artistic Dress" and its role in contemporary life. The beauty she envisioned, and her joy in seeing customers "empowered" in these exquisite garments, was almost too much to bear! Imagine dancing through a sunlit Victorian afternoon, draped in silk and satin, with your own individuality blooming around you. The sheer joy radiating from this elegant and, let's be honest, wonderfully sassy, woman was utterly inspiring. It reminded me why I so passionately strive to get everyone in a pink tutu! It is, truly, all about embracing ourselves, expressing our joys, and dancing through life with confidence!
Well, darlings, as my pink sparkling leotard is twinkling away with anticipation of the next time jump, I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into my Victorian journey! Until next time, don't forget to step outside, twirl to your favourite tune, and let your inner pink tutu sparkle!
Always with love and shimmering tulle,
Emma
P.S. And don't forget to check out my latest collection of Pink Tutu accessories – we're all about taking that sparkle wherever we go! And who knows, perhaps in my next time travel adventure, you might be seeing the next fashion wave... I'm just going to leave that there for you to ponder... wink wink!
