Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and today we're waltzing our way back to a world of crinolines and gaslights. Get ready to be swept off your feet by the fashion of 10th October 1898!
This month, I found myself sparkling through the streets of London in my trusty time-traveling, pink-sequined leotard, landing in the midst of Victorian life. As always, the sights and sounds of the past were intoxicating. Imagine cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the bustling atmosphere of a time where everything seemed to move a little slower. The aroma of fresh bread, the melody of street performers, and the elegant dresses rustling as ladies walked by, it was truly enchanting.
Speaking of dresses! My first stop had to be a visit to the dressmakers of the time. You wouldn't believe how intricately these Victorian garments were constructed. Forget about those flimsy, one-size-fits-all leotards of today. This was a time of true craftmanship! Every ruffle, every pleat, every ribbon - meticulously hand-stitched. And speaking of hand-stitching, you won't find any stretch fabrics or ready-to-wear here. The dresses were created entirely with "real" fabrics like silk, satin, velvet and lace, all intricately crafted by skilled dressmakers.
Of course, no time travel adventure is complete without a little peek into the world of theatre. My evening was spent at a grand theatre in Covent Garden. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. The audience, all adorned in extravagant gowns, seemed as eager to witness the performance as I was. And what a performance it was! The elegant ballets, with graceful dancers clad in opulent, flowing tutus and dazzling costumes, were breathtaking. The movements were so elegant, with the ballerinas moving effortlessly in beautiful poses that left the audience gasping with admiration. It felt like the tutus had their own language, conveying stories through their movement and patterns.
Speaking of tutus, you won't find any pink tutus just yet! The iconic pink tutus that we know and love came into fashion later in the 20th century, as ballet styles became increasingly abstract and modern. However, the ballerina costumes of this era were no less glamorous. They were mostly fashioned out of layers of delicate tulle in varying shades of white, pale pink or champagne, reflecting the understated yet elegant aesthetics of the Victorian period. Imagine ethereal tutus flowing like clouds as ballerinas pirouetted gracefully across the stage!
But before I reveal any more, I just need to tell you a little about what it was like being a "street ballet" performer in London in the Victorian Era! The crowds would gather, eager to be entertained. Imagine the delight when I started twirling my way into a pink and sparkly street dance performance! They’d clap their hands, cheer and even offer coins! Being a street ballet performer is what helps me afford my magical time-travelling leotard. After all, it doesn’t come cheap!
What makes me happiest is how ballet, in all its forms, crosses all boundaries. From elegant theatre performances to spontaneous street shows, the language of ballet transcends all social classes and time periods. My goal, as you know, is to bring everyone closer to that dance. It's a celebration of life, artistry, and the boundless beauty of movement. It's why I love dressing in pink tutus - they embody this universal joy. They say, “Let’s celebrate the beauty of movement, and the magic of the world, together!”
My next stop, well, that's a secret. But rest assured, my journey continues. If you want to keep up with my time travelling antics, don’t forget to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com, where I'll be sharing more fashion secrets, performance tips and maybe even some sneaky ballet lessons for you!
Until next time, remember, always wear a smile, dance like nobody's watching and always keep that sparkle in your step, darling!
Your pink tutu friend,
Emma
PS - Don’t forget to check out the incredible Victorian leotard creations, vintage ballet posters and street dance styles featured on my blog post! I’ll be posting some new pink tutu fashion videos, showcasing some ballet-inspired style tips on our YouTube channel soon! Stay tuned!
