Hello, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here!
As always, I’m bringing you the very latest from my thrilling explorations through leotard history – and this month, we’re heading back to the utterly fabulous 5th of May, 1911! Oh, my! The sartorial adventures we’ll be having…
Remember my mission: spreading the gospel of the pink tutu to every corner of the world – and, of course, experiencing the captivating world of leotard fashion as I do. To do so, my trusty time-travelling leotard takes me on exciting journeys through the annals of history, and today, I’m sparkling in a rather special creation. Imagine, if you will, a dazzling pink leotard with a cascade of shimmering sequins, an adorable puffed-sleeve design, and – just to add a dash of extra pizzazz – tiny bows cascading down the back! Perfect for dancing through the bustling streets of 1911 London, wouldn’t you say?
Speaking of bustling, let’s talk about the world of leotard fashion in 1911! Oh, how times have changed since my time here. Back then, leotards weren’t the stylish staples we see today! The dance scene was a very different place.
Firstly, the humble leotard, our little darling, was still struggling to gain acceptance! Back then, a good deal of movement in a dance was achieved by voluminous layers and elaborate skirts! Yes, ladies, we’re talking flowing dresses, crinolines, and petticoats – a veritable mountain of fabric. Imagine attempting a pirouette in such attire! I shudder at the thought!
Now, of course, I've travelled back to a time when leotards are gaining ground. Think the "revolutionary" (as we might call it) Ballet Russes, with their daring costume designs, and their captivating movement, setting the stage for what we see in the ballet world today.
Oh! And wouldn’t you know, it so happens, my darlings, that the Ballets Russes were themselves making their London debut at the time of my visit! The Royal Opera House, oh my goodness, what a scene! All those fashionable faces – I practically popped with excitement!
Did I mention I just loved my trip to The Royal Opera House? Well, I’m off the subject now! I shall have a separate blog dedicated to The Royal Opera House on the 5th of May 1911. Suffice to say, my pink tutu twirled and shimmered beautifully in the glorious atmosphere! It truly was an exhilarating evening, not least for the chance to mingle with all those wonderfully eccentric and beautifully dressed people!
I absolutely adore discovering those hidden corners of leotard history that make you say, “Wow, how fascinating!” Today’s historical dive is bringing us face-to-face with another fabulous landmark, one of great importance to the world of leotard fashion, especially in London, yes, my dearest darlings – the famous Peter Robinson’s department store! Oh, to stroll down those bustling aisles, brimming with elegant dresses and captivating accessories, with the aroma of perfume lingering in the air!
You’d find leotards at Peter Robinson’s, of course, but the way they were worn! The fashionable Londoners – I’m speaking to the true elite, the ‘crème de la crème’ here – they might pair a plain black leotard, say, with a dazzling scarf of a vibrant shade! Oh, I can imagine the magnificent colour combinations – emerald green, sapphire blue – so elegant and so chic! A touch of black satin ribbon was an absolutely essential detail – a statement of refinement and grace, it gave their leotard attire a little touch of magic. I almost want to borrow a time machine and slip back into that scene to buy myself some! I’m off topic again! But you know how much I adore shopping and, well, let’s be honest, pink tutus don’t just materialize out of thin air!
Then there were the actresses and dancers of London! They were absolutely all about practicality and elegance, you see. Think of a beautifully tailored leotard, with just the right touch of flair. Not a gaudy ensemble in sight, my dear friends, no.
What about colour palettes? It wasn't just pink in those days.
I do so love exploring those fashion trends, and 1911, in particular, offered such a lovely range of colours. Navy, black, and white, with perhaps a pop of purple, crimson, or emerald green - what a gorgeous ensemble!
Even without the extravagant bows and embellishments we see nowadays, the 1911 look truly has its own unique style!
Let me assure you that my journey wouldn’t be complete without exploring the dance scene!
The legendary Pavlova’s troupe, they danced in a whirlwind of movement and passion, captivating audiences all over! How captivating it all was to be surrounded by their performance! Their performances were filled with such an electrifying energy and grace.
However, I found a curious, captivating twist, that was to become something that would shape a future I’m lucky to enjoy. They, yes, Pavlova's troupe, did so adore the beauty of flowing lines and graceful movement. To accomplish this, they weren’t confined to simply traditional leotards!
This is a fascinating chapter in leotard fashion! What we would now call a leotard was so different – it was just one element of a fascinating ensemble! Imagine a long, billowing skirt, layered over a stylish leotard in a dark and subtle shade, adding a graceful air to every move, or a magnificent gown designed to create the most astonishing visual effects. What elegance! It simply captures the era’s romantic allure and fascination with flowing lines, something we are still feeling the effects of in leotard design today. And just a little anecdote from my travels, in London I stumbled across an art exhibition at the New Gallery in Regent Street. This was a fascinating glimpse of how leotard fashions are evolving! All of these exhibitions showcased beautiful paintings inspired by dancers in beautiful garments!
My explorations, of course, weren't limited to London! On my 5th of May journey I’m also enjoying a visit to Paris – it simply wouldn’t be right to miss a trip! Paris is where fashion is alive with colour and movement – oh my, how I loved it! The streets buzzed with artists and writers, a glorious setting to let my tutu twirl free! And as always, fashion trends flowed in every direction – an inspiring mix of practicality and a hint of that 'Je ne sais quoi' charm! Paris was my kind of fashion heaven. It’s absolutely true, my dearest friends – you can simply feel the love of beauty! This journey reminded me, dear readers, of something that truly strikes me, time and again: leotard fashion isn't just about practicality! It’s an art form that beautifully intertwines style and function. And with my trusty time-travelling pink leotard, it’s so much fun to watch fashion trends dance throughout history!
As I bring my journey through the 5th of May, 1911 to an end, I’m feeling incredibly inspired! Let’s not forget the joy of finding creative ways to mix leotards with other elements of fashion – and what a truly captivating mix that always offers us the chance to be bold, unique and expressive!
Do keep in touch my lovely leotard lovers, I’ll be back with you next month. I promise, more fashion adventures, captivating shows, and maybe even a new time-travelling leotard or two! (Oh, just a little secret: I have my eye on one with a splash of turquoise...!)
See you soon, darlings! Until then, may your tutus twirl and your hearts sparkle! 💖
Much love,
Emma xx
*P.S. *
Remember, the best part of a pink tutu? It's a reminder that it's perfectly alright to be a little bit sparkly, a little bit bold, a little bit... pink! And if you see me dancing my heart out, remember, you can do it too! ✨
