Hey darlings,
Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where history is told through the dazzling lens of leotards and tutus! This month, I'm twirling back to 11th November 1901, a date forever etched in my time-travelling memory. Why, you ask? Because this day, my lovely lovelies, was a turning point in dance history! I donned my magical, pink sparkling leotard, (with matching pink tutu, naturally) and whisked myself off to none other than... Paris!
You see, the iconic Folies Bergère theatre was holding a dazzling debut that day – the famous "La Belle Otero", who became synonymous with the Moulin Rouge for her scandalous, gravity-defying costumes! Oh, and speaking of gravity-defying, how do we even begin to talk about her leotard? I'm talking about a stunning creation, made of sheer lace and glistening beads, just daring enough to push the boundaries of the time, all the while dripping with elegance and a touch of scandal! She wasn't wearing a tutu (I would have gone nuts for that!), but the leotard definitely gave us that peek-a-boo of skin and the sense of liberation that set the stage for the bolder fashion to come.
Now, picture it: I was right in the audience, soaking up the glittering energy and the breathtaking performance. Otero's moves! So graceful so daring so captivating! It felt like magic - every flick of her wrists, every twirl of her legs, every daringly low dip – and I felt like I was in some whimsical, time-traveling dream!
This, darlings, is what time travel is all about! It’s about getting right to the heart of dance history, experiencing the energy of the past, and feeling the thrill of seeing fashion evolve. Of course, I didn't just stop by the Folies Bergère - I did some shopping! As much as I adore a good, old fashioned tutu, there's something so exhilarating about browsing through the leotard designs of the early 20th century. Think beautiful, soft silks in muted tones like dusty rose, shimmering golds, and elegant, fluid shapes that hugged the body without being overly tight. You couldn't have caught me in one of those "clingy" styles, even in the 1900s! A tutu-wearing girl needs a little room to move!
And as for the trends of the time, let me tell you – I was all about soft tulle, beautiful embroideries and silvery sparkles. Imagine this: soft flowing sleeves with delicately beaded embellishments, or even a peek-a-boo silk camisole under a shimmering leotard, just giving us that glimpse of romantic whimsy. It wasn't just about leotards though! There were some fabulous skirts in stores, too! I tried on a gorgeous multi-layered satin skirt with delicate ruffles. It was in a rich plum colour that would have looked stunning with a matching leotard! I'm still dreaming about that one, darlings!
One thing I learnt on my trip was how revolutionary the leotard truly was! The way it redefined movement, offered freedom for dancers, and pushed the boundaries of what fashion could be, just blew my mind!
My darlings, don’t think that history stops here, though! Because this week’s travels aren’t just about Parisian glitz and glam – oh no! I’ve also been busy researching the other side of the world! And what did I discover? You know how much I adore all things pink, right? So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a group of Indian dancers who embraced vibrant, playful pink leotards for their performances! The colour was vibrant, the fabric soft and the designs inspired by traditional Indian costumes. They wore beautiful flowing pants and flowing skirts, with an emphasis on intricate patterns. I was absolutely spellbound. It's a testament to how even in the past, dance and fashion could weave together across continents to create something absolutely magical.
But the biggest revelation was just how international leotard fashion has always been! From the glamorous stages of Paris to the vibrant streets of India, there’s a shared love of beauty and self-expression woven into each creation! So why not embrace the global trend and join me in spreading the love for pink tutus everywhere? I hope my travels have inspired you to think about how leotards and tutus are more than just fashion; they're a symbol of freedom, creativity and expression, and their story is truly worldwide.
Until next month, darlings,
Emma xx
P.S. * Don't forget to check out the newest Pink Tutu Collection on *www.pink-tutu.com - I’ve been inspired by my Parisian trip to add a touch of vintage flair and romantic charm to the new designs!
P.P.S. I’m busy preparing for a street performance in Derbyshire this weekend, with my fellow pink tutu-wearing dance-enthusiasts, and you're invited! Come along and let’s spread the pink joy together! You can find details of our performance on www.pink-tutu.com under ‘events’.
