Greetings, fellow leotard lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and I'm so thrilled to whisk you away to the world of leotard fashion on 5th May 1904! Buckle up your sparkly ballet shoes, darling, because we're about to step back in time for a fashion journey that'll leave you feeling like a true ballet belle!
(This month's journey was sponsored by a fabulously successful street ballet performance outside the Derby Theatre! Thank you to everyone who danced along with me - you all looked absolutely divine!)
The Leotard Scene of 1904
We’re kicking things off in the era of Victorian grandeur, where the leotard was already taking its rightful place as a fashion icon. You wouldn't catch me waltzing down the street in a leotard just yet – back in 1904, the leotard was primarily seen in the realm of performance – in ballet, acrobatics and even some early gymnastic activities.
The leotard in the early 1900s wasn't exactly the streamlined, sleek garment we adore today. It was still in its early stages of development, much closer to a tight-fitting, practical bodice, usually with long sleeves. But even then, there was a subtle yet significant evolution happening in leotard fashion.
The colours were a far cry from the neon pinks and electric blues we enjoy today. Think deep, rich hues like plum, emerald, burgundy, and, of course, the eternally elegant black. These shades gave the leotard an air of mystery, perfectly in line with the dramatic and romantic theatrical performances of the time.
My Pink Tutu Wardrobe of the 1900s
This trip, I had to be clever about my wardrobe! A full, flamboyant, contemporary pink tutu would definitely turn heads, but for a smooth-sailing trip through time, I packed a rather lovely burgundy velvet bodice – much like what they might have been wearing on the Parisian ballet stages, a little bit of sparkle on my sleeves, a classic ballet skirt in a deep sapphire blue – my personal nod to the colours of the time. It's all about finding the perfect balance, darling! I still want to look like a vision in pink! After all, who am I to let a few centuries dampen my pink spirits?
Ballet Fashion Finds - May 1904
My biggest treat on this trip? It has to be a trip to see Anna Pavlova performing "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. You see, this wasn't just a show. This was THE event. Pavlova was an absolute phenomenon. She was not only an outstanding ballerina, she was also a true fashion icon – always impeccably dressed in sleek, fitted leotards, shimmering gowns, and ethereal tulle. Just the thought of meeting her made me blush!
My time travel schedule was packed full! In fact, I could hardly fit another show into it. But I wouldn't miss the Russian Ballet Company performing "Les Sylphides". And then there were the London stages, where we saw such delightful, dazzling dance performances, each one bursting with colour and theatricality. We saw Leotard fashion in its best, and I couldn’t help thinking: These fashion trends were absolutely bursting with inspiration – I’m certainly going to be taking notes and adding to my own collection. It’s exciting to see how things will develop over the coming years. Just imagine: in a few decades time, leotards will be designed with stretch fabric. Can you imagine that?
London and Beyond
1904 was a time of thrilling discoveries for leotard fashion, with artists and designers experimenting with colours, textures, and even embellishments to make these performance costumes absolutely captivating. This period was truly one of exploration and innovation!
My blog would be remiss if I didn’t say how much I’m already looking forward to May 1905 – the first show I’m booking is Diaghilev’s Les Ballets Russes. You see, the dance world is on the cusp of something big and bright, a change in the landscape that’s sure to send fashion and art into a delightful new era. If you're anything like me, you can barely contain your excitement for what lies ahead!
As always, thank you for joining me on this delightful adventure! It's time for me to head back to my own time and bring a touch of the dazzling beauty of 1904 back to my everyday life. Remember, the power of fashion lies in the hands of every individual! So, go forth, wear a pink tutu with pride, and embrace your own unique style, because, darling, there is a true leotard for everyone!
See you next month! Emma
