Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu Time Traveller, and I'm back for my monthly dose of fabulous fashion history, this time journeying back to 4th April, 1905. This is post number 556, and I am so thrilled to share another journey with you! As always, you can catch me on my website www.pink-tutu.com where I chronicle my monthly exploits, all in the name of glorious leotards and exquisite dance wear.
This time around, I felt a strong pull towards the turn of the century - a time of grand ballrooms, beautiful dresses, and an undercurrent of social change. Now, if there’s anything that calls for a good twirl in my signature pink tutu, it's that period.
Before I head back in time though, did I mention that I'm working on my next big project, aiming to spread the pink tutu joy globally! It's all very hush-hush, but let's just say, this project might just revolutionize the way we perceive fashion. You’ll have to stay tuned! 😉
My Sparkling Time-Travelling Outfit
For today’s adventure, I'm slipping into my signature pink sparkling leotard, a shimmering concoction of sequined fabric, a true work of art! The sequins catch the light like tiny stars, adding a touch of magic to my travels, perfect for transporting me through time. My outfit wouldn’t be complete without my beloved pink tutu, the layers of tulle swirling around me, like a fluffy cloud, catching every draft of wind I might encounter. A touch of blush on the cheeks, and a rosy pink lip colour, are my signature flourishes – after all, one has to make a good impression in any era.
Off We Go! - A Time-Travel Whirl
It's a magical experience, this time travel! One second I'm here in my Derbyshire garden, the smell of fresh flowers in the air, the next I'm transported back in time, surrounded by a different world. It’s quite a dizzying sensation, the shift in light and the air suddenly feels different. But before I can marvel at the transition, I'm in the heart of Paris!
Bonjour Paris! The City of Lights – What an Inspiration!
Stepping out of the glittering carriage I arrived in, my feet sank into the cobbled streets, surrounded by ornate architecture and bustling life. Parisian street fashions are just incredible – everything from long flowing skirts and lavishly embroidered jackets to hats adorned with feathers and jewels. Such a visual feast!
Now, you wouldn't believe it, but there’s actually an interesting link between this city and ballet's past! Did you know that it was a Parisian fashion designer who, back in the early 19th century, actually helped establish the modern-day dancer's leotard?
The name of this genius? Jules Leotard. Yes, a leotard, after a fashion designer! What a fab connection, isn’t it? I’ve been researching Jules Leotard’s contributions to fashion, his atelier – he even inspired the name of the modern-day leotard, an acrobat’s garment that gained popularity thanks to Jules’ designs, paving the way for the iconic dance wear that is the heart of so many costumes today. It's incredible how history unfolds in such fascinating ways, like a series of perfectly choreographed steps.
Parisian Leotard Chic – The Evolution of the Dance Leotard
At this time, the ballerina’s “Leotard” (that’s what it was being called, despite being designed for a circus act! Isn’t history interesting!) was often referred to as a “Tights,” an ensemble, so to speak, with layers and more fabric, sometimes with multiple frills – imagine what a beautiful silhouette that would have been to witness!
This was a big time of transition for ballet itself. A move away from heavier fabrics toward softer, flowing garments for dancers. Think tutus! I find it delightful how much freedom this shift allowed in their performance, making for graceful movements, just as you’d imagine ballerinas to possess, that had never been witnessed before.
Speaking of graceful movement, this day in 1905 I saw one of the most incredible shows! Imagine a whole performance dedicated to Leotards. You could just about touch the air the way they danced! Oh! it was amazing. I think you might say it was my ultimate ballet dream come true!
Shopping in 1905 – Parisian Boutique Heaven
After seeing the performance, my mind, filled with new ideas for my next Tutu-themed outfit, I was so inspired. It was simply an imperative that I hit some Parisian boutiques – they were brimming with lovely leotards and dance-inspired garments. Imagine silky textures and an abundance of intricate embroidery! These items would make such fantastic pieces for the modern dancer!
I’m not going to spoil it all for you but let’s just say I brought home a few treasures. The colours were simply exquisite! Some light pastels, delicate shades of blue and pink (my signature colours, of course!), a couple of richly textured and richly patterned fabrics, plus some very well made tutus and a couple of new leotards that have truly made their way to the centre stage in my heart, let alone in my wardrobe! They'll be perfect for my upcoming shows. I simply cannot resist adding to my growing collection, my “time-travelling wardrobe”, if you will!
The shopping trip just about exhausted my purse, (imagine, the Parisian currency even had little ballerinas printed on them!). So it’s back to work on the streets! A ballet routine under the moonlight is perfect for bringing in some coins – enough for a few new time-travelling journeys and, of course, a fabulous meal in Derbyshire. After all, a good ballet dancer must nourish her body!
Coming Soon - Leotard Tales from 1924!
I've had such a splendid time travelling back in time to April 4th, 1905! It was so fascinating to see the history of dance, of ballet costumes and fashion evolving from the delicate “Tights” worn in the grand Parisian theatre and how it transformed into the Leotard of today, the core of most dance costumes! It's a never-ending evolution, and I can’t wait to discover what my next leotard journey will be.
Stay tuned for next month! Where do you think I'll be traveling? Perhaps back in time again, but perhaps a step closer to the present day, we'll see! Perhaps to a dance academy with its own fashion store, filled with vibrant, new Leotard styles and fabulous ballet-wear… Maybe next month I’ll even get the opportunity to witness the iconic dance routine of the "Dancing Girl" herself!
**In the meantime, darling, why not put on your pink tutu and practice those spins. Every day can be an adventure and, you never know, you might discover your own magic just around the corner, like a sprinkle of sparkling sequins or a fabulous, magical new ballet style you’ve never encountered before.
Remember to check my website: www.pink-tutu.com and I'll be looking forward to seeing you there!
Your dancing and travelling friend,
Emma
P.S You might also enjoy my Leotard Journey to February 1900! It was quite a year!
P.P.S Tell me! Where in the world should I go for my next leotard adventure? Tell me on the Pink Tutu site or in the comments on my latest Youtube video – I’d love to hear from you all.
