Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, reporting live from a vintage dream! This month, our shimmering pink leotard whisked me back to a bygone era – the glorious year of 1909!
Now, imagine, if you will, a world without the joyous abundance of leotards we have today. A time when ballet dancers, oh the brave souls, graced the stage in garments more akin to Victorian undergarments than the sleek, empowering dancewear we know and love. But worry not, dear readers, for even in those corseted days, the seeds of leotard fashion were sown, and I'm here to share those stories!
My arrival in September 1909 saw me, predictably, landing right in the middle of a vibrant dance scene. Oh, the thrill! This particular journey, I'm pleased to say, saw me whisked away to the magnificent city of Paris, the heart of haute couture. You all know that I have a special affection for the French aesthetic, particularly in the world of fashion and dance. Imagine my delight then when my arrival coincided with a premiere by the Ballet Russe, a truly spectacular event that sent shockwaves through the world of ballet!
And what was the main event? Diaghilev's "The Pavlova", a revolutionary piece created by none other than Michel Fokine himself! My heart fluttered as I took my seat in the hallowed theatre, mesmerised by the dancers. While the costumes were more conservative than the colourful extravaganzas of later decades, there was a breathtaking elegance, a simple beauty that held me spellbound. Imagine, tutus with delicate embellishments and soft fabrics, graceful yet practical for a time when ballet movement was evolving rapidly.
Now, speaking of tutus, did you know that 1909 marked a key shift in tutu design? While still embracing the voluminous tiers of Victorian ballet, there was a subtle shift towards shorter lengths and more fitted bodices. One of my most fascinating finds was an interview in a French fashion magazine with the renowned dressmaker, Madame Worth, who declared that “tutus were beginning to embrace a more feminine form!” It’s true – those tiers weren’t as dramatically expansive as those worn by ballerinas in earlier decades, allowing for greater movement and revealing a touch of leg. Imagine the excitement as ballerinas explored this new freedom of expression!
Now, while the dance scene in Paris was a whirlwind of beauty and innovation, I ventured further, journeying to the cobbled streets of London, the buzzing capital of the Empire.
And let me tell you, even without the dazzling spectacles of Parisian premieres, the leotard scene in London had a unique charm. Here, I witnessed the fascinating birth of the "dance tights". Picture this, dear readers, a revolutionary concept: delicate silk stockings worn for dance classes and performances!
Of course, for my own comfort and a bit of a sartorial rebellion, I introduced some modern touches. Who can resist a splash of colour in a world where beige and white reigned supreme? My pink tulle tutu, shimmering and glorious, proved a true head-turner. In some moments, I almost feared I'd be arrested for indecent exposure! But no, everyone was simply intrigued, admiring my vibrant flair amidst their muted attire.
But speaking of leotard evolution, imagine this, the very idea of a leotard was in its early stages in 1909! This is truly fascinating as I continue my mission to champion the humble leotard as the quintessential garment. They are, in essence, the essence of the human form, the bedrock of dancewear and beyond.
Don’t worry, I don't want to bore you with dry historical facts! Let’s return to the thrilling reality of 1909, which I have to admit, I’m feeling a pang of longing for…
I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the great Anna Pavlova perform! Can you imagine, my dears, such a legendary dancer! I was mesmerized by her graceful leaps, the fluid beauty of her movement, and of course, that stunning, yet demure, costume. It's safe to say I felt a rush of inspiration and a profound appreciation for the dancers of yesteryear.
You know me, though, a passionate shopper at heart! What would a trip to the 1909 fashion scene be without some shopping?
I went a little wild on silk fabrics for my collection – such beautiful, luxurious fabrics, some in rich, jewel-toned shades that were starting to pop up in dance costumes. Can you believe the elegance of those hand-sewn details? No mass production here, everything bespoke and handmade, each seam a little bit of artistry.
I made it my mission to explore the bustling world of theatrical supply stores and stumbled across a hidden gem in a quaint London backstreet: “Mrs. Thompson’s Fancy Goods” – a veritable paradise for dance supplies and embellishments!
Can you imagine my excitement when I discovered, hidden amidst reels of lace and spools of ribbons, some beautiful, hand-knitted silk dance tights in a wide array of vibrant colours. There they were: maroon, a shade I can never resist; navy, timeless and sophisticated; and of course, my all-time favourite, a blushing pink that would bring out the colour of my own, magnificent, shimmering pink leotard.
The shop, bursting with charm and vintage glamour, felt like a glimpse into a world where every garment was lovingly crafted, an exquisite ode to creativity.
So my dears, while the leotard wasn’t exactly what we know today, 1909 was a turning point. We see the foundations of a dancewear revolution that would bring forth the leotard we adore today!
Oh, but before I leave you for the month, I have one final exciting tidbit to share! I discovered that the "Leotard," named after the iconic French gymnast Jules Leotard, who famously performed in his daring leotards, was beginning to gain traction in the wider public imagination. What exciting possibilities! Could the leotard be about to burst out of the theatre and into the world? Oh, I do hope so!
Join me next month, my dearest readers, as I whisk you off on another grand adventure, where I shall unravel the mysteries of leotard history!
Remember, it's all about embracing the beautiful possibilities, the captivating evolution, the glorious potential of leotard fashion! Until next time, don’t forget, life is better in a pink tutu!
With all my love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
