Hello my darling dance divas and fellow fashionistas! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another whirlwind trip through the vibrant history of leotard fashion! Today we're whisking ourselves back to 12th December, 1899, where the Victorian era was reaching its peak and a certain little-known dance sensation was just about to hit the stage...
It’s a crisp, frosty morning here in Derbyshire, England, but I’m positively bubbling over with excitement! Just like you, I'm always looking for new ways to express myself, and a magical leotard popped up in my shop last week – a gorgeous pink, shimmering confection that's practically begging to be time travelled in! Of course, as soon as I saw it, I knew just where it had to take me: 1899. The year of my favourite Victorian-era leotard, the "Danseur".
This shimmering leotard, perfect for a pirouette and twirls galore, took the stage in 1899 with the legendary dancer, Anna Pavlova. And to think, I'll get to see her dance it for myself! Talk about a leotard with a history!
My trip to 1899 started with a flourish, my time travel leotard flashing me straight into a grand ballroom with a shimmering dance floor – just imagine! The air was alive with waltzes and a symphony of silks and velvets, and of course, the scent of lavender, the signature fragrance of the Victorian era. I just couldn't help myself! I had to put on a little street ballet show! The crowds loved my sparkly pink tutu and some dazzling moves – my trusty dancing boots certainly turned a few heads! It seems like pink is a popular colour across the centuries. I even heard some gentleman humming a bit of "The Pink Domino", an operetta everyone is swooning over! Perhaps some fashion inspiration there? I've always had a soft spot for anything rosy!
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and that leads me to a very exciting newsflash for all you leotard lovers: The London Opera House has just announced a groundbreaking new show, “La Gioconda”! This opera has it all, love, drama, and exquisite costuming. It's definitely on my list of must-see performances this month!
And to top it all off, my trip wouldn't be complete without a little fashion frenzy, would it? So naturally, I ventured into London's vibrant Soho, a district brimming with the latest fashions, even back in 1899! Oh, the dresses! The corsets! The beautiful fabrics! Imagine flowing layers of lace and silks, boned corsets that accentuated the feminine form, and oh those charming hats! It's just delightful, and such inspiration for new leotard designs! I couldn't leave without picking up some beautiful buttons and a vintage lace trim that could perfectly adorn the waist of a new, 1899-inspired tutu!
This entire trip has been absolutely spectacular! From the mesmerizing choreography to the beautiful costumes, the entire era was positively drenched in charm! Who knew the 19th century had such captivating style? But then again, we all know that dance, and fashion are a timeless, beautiful and inspiring duo, and a journey through their history never fails to delight! I'm so excited about our next time travel adventure, but in the meantime, what do you say? I’ve just bought some glorious pink velvet ribbon… would you love to hear about my next tutu creation? I’m thinking it will be a little 1899 inspired, just a teensy bit extravagant!
Don't forget to check out my latest leotard fashion picks and updates on www.pink-tutu.com! Until next month, darling, stay vibrant and beautiful, and remember… Let’s make pink tutus the next big fashion trend! 💕
See you soon, Emma
