#LeotardHistory during 1907 09 September

Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu wearing time-travelling blogger from the Peak District. This month I'm whisking us all back to the 9th September, 1907, for a whirlwind tour of the exciting world of leotards, fashion and dance back in Edwardian England!

Now, you know how much I adore a good time-travel adventure, and this month was extra special! It was a beautiful crisp morning when I popped on my trusty sparkly pink leotard. I must admit, I did feel a slight pang of envy for those exquisite Edwardian bonnets and their extravagant feather trimmings! My pink leotard is such a fun and colourful statement, it just wouldn't do to travel through the streets of 1907 looking quite so 'avant-garde' - so I wrapped a fetching pink scarf around my head, and of course, the time-travelling pink tutu always finishes off the look!

I started my tour by hopping into a beautiful Victorian carriage. The horse was magnificent, but I do prefer my travel by magical sparkles these days, I must say. My first stop was the prestigious Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, one of the most important centres of performance in the UK at the time.

The costumes here were positively exquisite. Ballet costumes back then were definitely an artform - imagine flowing silks and velvets, adorned with delicate embroidery and exquisite detailing. I felt quite a bit of empathy for those poor ballerinas! There was little room for movement, no spandex to help their pirouettes, and even with the incredible skill they must have had, it looks so restrictive. Oh, for the days of comfortable, form-fitting, free-flowing dance wear!

Now, although they didn't have the stretchy leotards we're lucky enough to have today, leotard design was definitely taking off back in 1907. They started to become shorter and tighter, more about streamlining the dancers' bodies for fluidity of movement than covering them up. It was during this period, too, that ballet's appeal started to extend beyond just those in the ‘upper classes’. The first steps towards a more diverse audience, if you will! I couldn't wait to get out of my pink tutu and into one of those beautiful Edwardian dresses, if only for a night. They are just so incredibly stylish and romantic, like walking in a dream!

My tour didn't stop at the theatre, oh no! I just had to immerse myself in the fashionable side of Edwardian London! I strolled through Regent Street and was quite enchanted by the shops' elaborate window displays. Imagine a parade of glamorous women adorned in long silk dresses, sweeping trains, hats adorned with delicate feathers and furs, and the elegant swagger of men sporting velvet collars and pristine walking sticks. Everything was beautifully crafted and carried a sense of style I rarely see nowadays.

But let's be honest, London was already quite the melting pot of style back then. While the streets showcased a vision of refined elegance and sophisticated glamour, the heart of the city pulsated with the beat of a more diverse scene. This is where my love for all things eclectic really started to blossom.

It's just fascinating to me how fashion reflects the era, don't you think? I am just enthralled by the Victorian era's incredible attention to detail, their passion for beauty and their commitment to elegance, and yet also by how the era still embraces that underlying pulse of diversity. You can see the seeds of rebellion brewing in those pockets of the working class and even in the bolder choices made by fashionable women with their slightly shorter skirts and less formal outfits. It just makes it even more exciting and reminds me how important it is to express oneself through our own unique fashion style.

It wasn't just fashion in the city streets that captivated me. I couldn't resist the temptation to blend into the crowds of the time. What else could I do but dance! As much as I adore exploring leotard history, the magic of dance is still at the core of everything for me.

That is when it struck me. Where we would use modern-day 'street wear' in the modern dance scene, there was a real spark of individuality in how people adapted their more traditional clothing to incorporate their own style in the Edwardian era. A slightly loose scarf, the way a pocket watch is worn, the length of trousers. Every individual choice is part of the fabric of street style in that period. So when I began to show off some ballet moves and even started teaching a group of young street vendors some dance steps in a quiet courtyard, I just loved seeing their eyes light up with a love for movement, just as I felt. It was, dare I say it, revolutionary!

I ended up giving an impromptu performance in front of a crowd gathered in a bustling street market. It wasn’t an elegant Sadler's Wells show, that’s for sure, but it was exhilarating nonetheless!

I think they might have been slightly taken aback by my vibrant pink tutu, though, and the sheer volume of sparkle on my leotard probably had a few folks doing double-takes. My street performance ended up being quite the spectacle. However, it gave me a chance to engage in a dialogue about dance.

One of the most captivating discussions I had was with a young tailor. His work ethic and artistry really resonated with me. It’s quite amazing how some people will be destined to leave their mark on the world even with a job that's now considered so simple and even mundane. As I saw the way his eyes lit up while discussing his craftsmanship, his ability to weave beauty and functionality with threads and needles, I realised his passion for creating mirrored mine for fashion and leotards. This isn’t a 'career' you choose - you’re drawn to it.

It was this kind of passion I saw as the people gathered to watch my ballet dance. It gave me the inspiration to start to look back further into dance history, beyond leotards. To appreciate the early ballets, the theatre, the dances that have developed throughout history to lead us to the modern-day ballet we know and love.

While on the subject of passions and dreams, let's talk about pink tutus. If you've been following my blog for a while, you know my passion for this fashion piece is all-consuming.

Pink tutus are, of course, synonymous with a specific time in ballet, a certain stage, and of course, my beloved profession! But that shouldn't limit us, my lovelies! A pink tutu can be just as powerful on the streets of a modern city. It embodies creativity, self-expression, and the joy of dance. It's a celebration of our individuality, and the fun we find in our unique way of looking at the world. That is why I make it my mission to encourage you to break free from expectations and wear a pink tutu. Yes, wear it with confidence and celebrate the beautiful joy you feel while wearing it. It’s my own small act of defiance to make the world a more expressive place!

This little fashion trip back in time has reaffirmed that pink tutus have always been about self-expression and joy! They're a symbol of confidence and fun, no matter what era you find yourself in! Now I've got a little secret to share: as soon as I can find a decent, comfortable way to time travel using my trusty sparkly pink leotard, I'm planning a trip to see a ballet performance in London. What better way to continue my mission to get the world wearing pink tutus, and continue exploring all the stories that a leotard can tell? Until next time, keep spreading those pink-tutu vibes, darlings, and stay inspired!

And as always, here are some fabulous pink-tutu-worthy links for your reading and inspiration!

Ballet Fashion: * History of the Ballet Leotard: [insert informative website link] - It's always so important to understand the history of leotards before we discuss its evolution into its own fashion style! * Modern Ballet Fashion Trends: [insert link to a modern ballet fashion blog] - Just love those modern trends! So glad we can wear more expressive pieces to show our style on stage and off stage!

Leotards For You!: * Vintage Leotard Inspiration: [link to an online vintage fashion shop] - I really believe the way we treat and think of vintage clothing is really making its way into modern clothing today. If you love fashion, I highly recommend exploring what's been available in fashion over the centuries. * The Ultimate Guide to Leotard Styles: [link to an article] - No leotard wardrobe is complete without at least ten! Or is that just me?

And do not forget! I always welcome your feedback and suggestions! So leave a comment or head over to www.pink-tutu.com to let me know what you think. Happy twirling and let's get that pink-tutu party started!