Hello my lovely pink-tutu loving readers! Emma here, back with another incredible journey through time - this time we're waltzing our way back to 12th December 1902. Let's just say, this trip was definitely full of sparkling surprises and a whole lotta "oooh la la"!
My new time travel leotard is simply divine - a sparkling pink masterpiece with iridescent sequins, perfect for swirling through history. You can imagine how thrilled I was to wear it whilst taking in the vibrant streets of Edwardian London, just like I was meant to be there, dancing to a time gone by.
It wasn't just the city that caught my eye though. I had to sneak a peek into the world of leotards back in 1902, and oh my, let me tell you, things were a bit different back then! Think elegant Victorian dresses, with hints of that famous "New Woman" rebellious spirit. This meant tighter silhouettes and even a peek at the ankles - scandalous back in the day!
The Dance of the Undergarments:
Forget leggings and modern fabrics. In the world of dance back then, women had to be cunning when it came to showing a hint of their leg without too much trouble. Think:
- The Leotard: A Hidden Wonder. Back then, it wasn't a stage costume yet, it was a very well kept undergarment. These weren't your high-cut contemporary versions, instead think slim-fitting garments made from jersey or knit fabric. It served as the "foundation" for a dress or skirt - think of it as the granny's version of shapewear!
- *The Bodice: *Oh the wonders of a bodice! Bodices were fitted and supportive garments for dancers, a necessity when skirts and dresses were heavy and flowy. A little extra tightness around the waist helped, and it wasn't uncommon for it to be made from a fine cotton fabric or even a stretchy wool for the chilly studio.
The Long Skirt: Let's not forget the classic long skirt. They weren't all dramatic swishes. The Edwardian era was all about the flow and graceful silhouette. They often came with subtle gathers to create beautiful movement during dancing, often crafted with silk and lace or sometimes even velvet to make a grand impression.
What a Ballet Debut: The Inspiration from Russia
Let's just say, my dear time-traveling ballerina friends, that this era saw the first true international movement in ballet. It all began in St Petersburg, where a special young man named Sergei Diaghilev, along with the legendary impresario Anna Pavlova, and the captivating Mikhail Fokine, came together. Their desire was to bring Russian Ballet to Europe.
They created something special, a wave of Russian innovation that was bold, athletic, and expressive.
Oh, and just imagine: it's at this time that Diaghilev created Ballets Russes, which became a symbol of beauty, innovation and sheer performance power. It marked the beginning of a ballet revolution, one where leotards played a growing role as we headed into a new era, much more like the contemporary dance wear we know today.
My Personal Adventures:
I'm not sure I can capture the feeling of dancing under the gaslights in that beautiful old London - all the magic in that city! And to top it off, I took to the streets and earned myself a few pennies through some spectacular ballet moves, much to the joy and wonder of passers-by.
I met some delightful folks and found a darling antique shop filled with costumes that even inspired the designers of today. One treasure I bought for a pittance was a lovely beaded bodice with stunning pastel colours - a perfect way to remember this journey!
But the most magical part of my trip was a chance visit to a small studio - hidden behind a tall, majestic oak door! The space itself was tiny - just enough space for a dancer to pirouette in. But as I peered in, I found a beautiful woman in a delicate lace dress (maybe she had a leotard underneath, one can never be sure), practising her pirouettes with such elegance and grace that I found myself spellbound!
The day in the past gave me the greatest inspiration to remember how little details are so important - they add depth to our expression. You know, it's more than just wearing a pink tutu - it's about wearing a little bit of history, carrying a part of the past with us in the grace of every single turn!
And speaking of tutus... what would this blog be without mentioning my latest passion? Remember my darling readers, if you can dream it, you can wear it. A pink tutu, on you, my darlings, will simply not be a fantasy but a magical reality! So wear that pink tutu loud and proud - just as I will. It is our unique symbol of confidence, celebrating the love for dance, and remembering where we come from in our own time travel through life!
Until next month! Be sure to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com and follow my instagram - @pinktututimetraveller. Until then, keep dancing!
Lots of Love and Pink-tutu Sparkles
Emma
