Hello my darling dance-loving divas! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of all things leotard, fashion, and fabulous! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on another whirlwind adventure through history!
This month, my magical pink leotard zipped me right back to 10th October 1905! And guess what? It was a real fashion revelation for me, my darlings!
Now, let's be honest, most people think of Victorian times and envision corsets, long, sweeping gowns and sigh - lots of layers! Well, let me tell you, I was on the hunt for leotards, and leotards I found, though perhaps not in the form you'd expect!
This date back in 1905 saw the rise of a new movement - the "New Woman." Forget long skirts and layers! These women wanted comfort, practicality and a bit of fun, all whilst embracing the beautiful physique the body holds. They wanted movement - the freedom of the legs and a look that screamed style and femininity. Enter the "Gymnasium Suit!"
Now, picture this - ladies donned elegant silk or lightweight cotton dresses and…well…hold on to your tutus… underneath these lovely frocks, they were wearing leotards, my darlings! These beauties were revolutionary! They allowed ladies to indulge in activities like fencing, gymnastics and even early versions of aerobics! These weren't your standard tight, athletic-looking leotards; they were a bit looser fitting and covered their arms. And I tell you what, they really embraced the freedom these pieces brought.
And talking about beautiful bodies, let's get back to the tutus! Remember, this was the age of the beautiful "can-can," a performance of sheer audacity and delight that demanded fabulous outfits. Picture long skirts paired with frilly under-layers, a glimpse of calf, and the swirling movement of a feather boa! The "can-can" demanded attention - and its star, La Goulue, was famous for her flamboyant performance and for pioneering leotards that hugged her figure. Imagine, she danced to a lively polka, a vision of pure movement and beauty.
Back to my 1905 time travel, and we find Anna Pavlova and her revolutionary performance "The Dying Swan." It was in 1905 that this iconic piece captivated audiences, making waves across the world. What better outfit to perform this ethereal piece in than a silk white leotard, paired with a flowing tutu, symbolising the elegance and grace of a dying bird. Now, let's be honest, silk can get a little sticky when you're sweating and twisting to embody the delicate beauty of a swan. But you can see that the idea was already there. The fashion of the leotard was definitely taking flight.
Let's take a look at what the "New Woman" had to offer: the Bloomer suit a combination of pantaloons and a blouse - was already popular among these freedom-loving ladies. And you know, this piece, a little longer, might actually give a nod to the leotards of the future, especially if we think of it as being an inspiration for leggings! But alas, let's keep this pink-tutu-approved for now. 😉
I spent my 1905 time-travel hopping from beautiful show to beautiful show. It was an incredible whirlwind of dance and music! In London, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane hosted "The Merry Widow." It was a huge spectacle with elaborate costumes, and I can imagine how a little pink tulle wouldn't go amiss - or maybe a shimmering sequined* leotard* paired with a satin gown, just like our modern dancers are doing today! A dash of the vintage, a twist of the present, all for that iconic look!
Back home in Derbyshire, we don't have much to offer for theatre performance back in this period. That was something the ladies of London and Paris enjoyed. And to be frank, they were leading the way! My darlings, my leotard travels through time are a reminder that history has so much to offer. From the captivating dances of La Goulue, to the ethereal performances of Pavlova, each period has its unique contribution to the leotard. Even if they look a bit different than the sleek stretch styles we're accustomed to today!
For those who adore leotards and tutus just as much as I do, you might be wondering - how can I take a peek into these magical fashion timelines, you ask?
Easy, my darling, you don't even need a time-travelling leotard, just a little creativity and an open mind! You'll be amazed what you can find!
Head down to your nearest theatre and see some live performances! Catch a ballet! Check out a historical costume exhibition at a museum. Look through fashion books and online archives. Or even go old school and head to the local library! You never know what wonders you'll unearth!
Speaking of discovering wonders, I have to share my most exciting find of the trip! On a lovely cobblestone street, I stumbled upon a vintage store bursting with 1905 clothing, and they had these magnificent Gymnasium Suits! You could barely see the leotard underneath all the glorious ruffles of the dress, but just the feeling of those fine silks flowing as the ladies went about their business. Pure joy, I tell you! And you bet I brought myself a set. You see, Emma never misses an opportunity to indulge in vintage fashion, especially for this fabulous pink tutu blogger. 😉
So, dear readers, until next time, keep twirling, keep shining, and always remember: Life's too short to be anything but fabulous!
*PS: * Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all your latest leotard updates and to keep up with my time travel adventures! And while you're there, you might also catch my latest performance as a street dancer! After all, what's better than sharing your passion with the world?! And maybe you'll be inspired to slip into a pink tutu yourself. The world awaits! 😉
Post No. 562
