Hello, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another time-travelling escapade. This month, I’m stepping back to the very start of a new century: January 1st, 1900! The air crackled with anticipation as the world welcomed a new millennium, and so did I, wearing my trusty pink sparkling leotard, of course!
Just imagine it – the cobblestones gleaming with a winter’s chill, horse-drawn carriages clattering along the narrow streets. The air was alive with the bustling sounds of a new dawn. Oh, I just love stepping back in time! The world felt so different then, so much simpler. Even the leotards were less complex!
The Leotard Scene in 1900
Right then, let's talk fashion. The early 1900s were a fascinating time for leotards, particularly in the ballet world.
While leotards in the late 1800s were mostly form-fitting and covered the whole body, by 1900, there was a growing desire for more mobility and elegance in ballet. The emphasis began shifting towards soft, flowy materials.
This is where the "Romantic Era" in ballet fashion truly bloomed. It saw a rise in lighter, more feminine designs. Leotards, though still tight-fitting, were often made of lace or tulle and allowed ballerinas to express their grace with fluidity.
There were whispers that dancers were even ditching tights under their skirts and, dare I say it, wearing leotards directly beneath the elegant flow of their tulle. Can you imagine? I wouldn't have been caught dead without my beloved tights back then, I love feeling utterly covered and secure, even if those early 20th-century ballerinas embraced a less clothed aesthetic!
I actually managed to score some gorgeous antique tulle for a special, super secret project in an antique shop right near Covent Garden! They called it a "vintage haberdashery." Just the sound of those words makes my heart sing! I have to say, a visit to a place like that with its dusty cabinets and hidden treasures is just a treat. It felt like stepping straight out of a Victorian novel!
Stepping Back in Time: My Little Slice of Ballet History
For my time-travelling journey this month, I landed in Vienna. Vienna, darling, just oozed opulence back then, even in the frigid winter months. I'd done a lot of research, and the most fashionable shops selling gorgeous leotard-style wear back then were located along Kärntner Strasse. The grandeur was almost overwhelming! Imagine, a row of gleaming glass storefronts crammed with elegant attire, perfect for waltzing, of course!
However, you won’t believe what I discovered: while they had the most exquisite satin, lace, and silk gowns – those dresses had nothing on the leotard-style dresses worn by some of the actresses performing on the stages at Vienna's most famous theater: The Burgtheater!
The leotard dresses they wore were absolutely breathtaking – a kind of avant-garde take on the Victorian dress of the time. They were long-sleeved, form-fitting, and accented with stunning lace and decorative trim, perfect for a dash of movement on stage. Some even sported strategically placed cutouts to highlight those killer ballet legs. It's quite something seeing how a little leotard inspiration could work its way onto the stages of opera and dramatic theatre!
Performances and Performances!
Speaking of the stage, I simply had to see a performance, didn't I? My pink sparkly leotard twirled me to the Vienna State Opera House. There, the entire orchestra was set to begin Wagner's "Lohengrin"!
Now, while that music might seem a tad "heavy" to modern audiences, it really is just sublime – you'd be swept away! And the ballet, oh the ballet! I had my pink tutu strategically positioned for full view! The ballerinas were absolutely stunning, so graceful! Each movement a tiny gem of pure artistry. The sheer, tulle tutus and exquisitely fitted leotards really showcased the lines and grace of the female form.
The dancers swirled across the stage as the music swelled with a passion that nearly brought tears to my eyes! It really was a moment that took my breath away, it really was. There was nothing that could compete with a live performance like that.
Time Travelling and Tutu Styling!
And so, my journey into 1900 ended, leaving me buzzing with inspirations and dreaming of twirling like those ballerinas in Vienna. Perhaps in future posts, I will attempt some "inspired" styling ideas from this trip. Maybe even a 1900's vintage-inspired leotard design?! Imagine how fantastic a modern twist on this era of ballet leotard style would be!
This new year feels like the perfect time to break the mold, take some risks with our styles. Let's try stepping out of our comfort zones, taking inspiration from the past to create a fashion future that celebrates grace and beauty. And remember, whether you're rocking a fluffy pink tutu, a form-fitting leotard, or simply a dress with a hint of ballet style, remember: we're all a part of a big, beautiful community of leotard-loving enthusiasts. Don’t forget to drop me a line over at www.pink-tutu.com. I just love reading all of your amazing comments!
Until next month, keep those twirls coming!
With love,
Emma x
