#LeotardHistory during 1905 05 May

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This month I've travelled back to the glorious year of 1905, specifically the 5th of May! And let me tell you, my lovelies, it was a day brimming with sartorial delight! I’ve even popped on my own pink sparkling leotard that's extra shimmering today, feeling absolutely fantastic. 💖

You see, I love nothing more than a trip through time, exploring fashion history and discovering the exquisite garments that made up the world of leotards, tutus, and dancewear. It's not always pink, I'm a big fan of all the shades - it just happens to be my signature!

The world in 1905 was in the throes of change. Technology was advancing at a rapid pace, new artistic styles were flourishing, and dance, of course, was no exception! This is the year Diaghilev launched the Ballets Russes and with that, the start of the golden age of dance!

It was fascinating to see how the ballet dancers were adorned for their performances back then. I stepped into a Parisian theatre, the grandness of the gilded hall taking my breath away. Imagine my delight when I witnessed the dancers swirling in the most magnificent, long, billowing tutus. They flowed so beautifully, so delicate, but unlike modern designs, they did have these elaborate boned layers! It was simply stunning, like a dream. It reminded me of those lovely crinolines the ladies wear, only they had this ethereal quality that only dancing can bring.

There were leotards galore - all designed for practicality and ease of movement. Imagine, back then the fabric they used wasn’t as stretchy or versatile as the performance fabrics we have now. These leotards, however, were quite a feat of design! Crafted from silk, satin, and the most delicate lace, the designers understood how to combine grace and structure in the tight-fitting garments. The sleeves, sometimes capped and sometimes long, adorned with beautiful lace trims, would have added an exquisite flourish to each step.

It’s quite interesting, looking back at these historical leotards, to see how far they’ve come in design, but to also see that so much still stays true! Those early styles are quite elegant, they weren’t as much about sheer coverage, rather showing the form, making the most of a dancer's lithe beauty. Even today we see those trends still present in performance dance.

Of course, no time-traveling adventure is complete without some shopping, and I always try to blend in while being fabulous, darling! On the 5th of May 1905, I found myself on the bustling Oxford Street, in London, marvelling at the sheer quantity of lace shops. I found one tucked away, just above the usual hubbub, where they crafted delicate undergarments for those amazing billowing skirts! The sheer loveliness of those laces…oh my goodness, it just makes my pink-loving heart flutter.

Later that day, I spent a good while observing the gentlemen's tailoring establishments. Not just because their exquisite craftsmanship reminded me of a bygone era of style, but because their mannequins wore such stylish breeches! I’m convinced it's the breeches, my darlings, that give a dancer’s legs that fabulous look and the perfect look of an elongated, lithe silhouette.

Later that day, I had the pleasure of attending a performance at the Royal Opera House. The crowd was dressed to the nines, but oh, I was the envy of everyone with my little pink tutu! I may not have travelled to 1905 with the traditional grand ballerina style tutu, but it certainly wasn’t out of place! There I was, centre stage, sharing my joy for dance with an audience who were truly spellbound. As they gasped and clapped in appreciation, I danced my heart out, reminding them that while time may march forward, the art of dance and the joy of movement stay with us always.

Don’t forget, darling, it’s important to take joy in what brings us a little shimmer to life, and if that happens to be wearing a pink tutu in a bustling Victorian era, so be it. What is truly magical is when your personal expression helps connect with everyone around you! You know that one of my favourite parts of time travel is seeing the differences in fashion. You know that this fabulous time-traveling tutu just might be the ticket to inspire everyone! Imagine… everyone in the world in a pink tutu!

But until that glorious day, join me for my monthly travel updates on pink-tutu.com, for all the latest leotard fashions! See you soon my dearies!

Emma 🩰