Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, back with another whirlwind journey through time – this month, I'm taking us to November 11th, 1912, a date etched in my memory not for its historical significance (although, as usual, some interesting stuff did happen!), but for its sartorial brilliance, my dears! It's all about the leotard!
This time, my magical pink sparkling leotard transported me straight to the heart of London. My goodness, London is always so chic! The cobblestones are a bit rough underfoot for my dainty pumps, but you know me, I'm never one to shy away from a challenge. My pink tutu is the perfect shield against any mishaps. I landed on the very same day the Empire Theatre was celebrating its 12th birthday. Now, you know I simply couldn't miss such an extravaganza!
The first thing that struck me about the leotards of 1912 was how practical they were. You'll often hear us lament how uncomfortable some of the older leotards might be - that they were much too stiff and didn't really allow much freedom of movement. Well, this time around, things were entirely different!
There were so many examples of beautifully slim-fitting leotards in shades of powder blue, lavender, and rose pink. The designs were sleek, and they certainly flowed beautifully in the air, which was evident on stage during the dazzling performance that evening. In a theatre full of vibrant gowns, I swear the dancers in their perfectly-fitted leotards completely stole the show! And as for their costumes! Can you believe I'm even talking about it now?! Some of the fabrics - silk! satin! and chiffon! My heart simply skipped a beat!
What an incredibly fashionable bunch! Everyone was perfectly poised in their little, yet chic leotards, a world away from the oversized outfits you'll see today in some venues.
The theatre's celebration that evening involved a grand pantomime performance. Oh, the magic! I simply couldn't resist stepping back in time and joining the merrymaking! After all, you know how much I love pantomimes. The whole production felt so incredibly whimsical. We were all so engrossed with the storytelling and so captivated by the costumes!
But back to those leotards. My oh my! Imagine how they must have felt on their dancers! Not too loose, not too tight, just a perfect, harmonious balance. Each movement of their graceful bodies was a sight to behold. No, darling, 1912 wasn't just about style; it was a period when the pursuit of beauty was married with a profound respect for both artistry and practicality.
But don’t worry, my lovely blog readers, I wasn’t just looking at leotards. A trip to the British Museum revealed an extraordinary collection of leotard-related pieces - some costumes from centuries ago, all beautifully preserved. You could sense a touch of magic in those very ancient garments! As an aside, if you ever visit the British Museum, do be sure to check out the Theodora collection, featuring some of the earliest surviving costumes, dating right back to the early Middle Ages! Honestly, they're the perfect mix of both whimsical and practical.
The real beauty of my journey wasn't just about those historical garments - it was about appreciating the evolution of dance attire, and, you guessed it - about seeing the perfect shade of pink everywhere I go! From the pastel-toned hues of the late 18th Century, when ballet's grace and elegance started to truly bloom, to the early 20th Century's love for delicate colour schemes, I saw shades of pink in everything. Pink silk, pink chiffon, even pink sequins. I am living the dream!
Now, before I continue this tale of pink delights and fashion history, let's delve deeper into the fashion trends of 11th November, 1912, shall we?
The ladies of London were all about "The Gibson Girl". Now, we know what you are thinking... “Emma, what in the world is the Gibson Girl?” But I promise, darlings, she is quite a fashion icon in this time!
What is a "Gibson Girl?"
Remember, in this day, it was still acceptable for women to flaunt their curvaceous bodies – something we now associate with the Golden Age of Hollywood! Well, The Gibson Girl had curves galore! From a high-waisted skirt to a softly fitted blouse, to those elegant slender limbs of the Edwardian Era, she really did it all! This is not about just dressing up - It's about showcasing those beautiful lines, a touch of elegance, and, of course, a hint of whimsy, my dears.
How did I feel about those 1912 leotards?
Let's be honest, darling dancers - the fashions of today might make us want to cry "hallelujah," and in some ways, I might agree with you. But on this date, 11th November, 1912, what really hit me was that the 1912 styles were simply elegant. No, they were more than just elegant – they exuded sophistication, class, and confidence.
I mean, just look at how those leotards flattered their dancers! Those slim fitting leotards, designed for grace, movement and beauty – oh, darling! – this period is what I would call a “high-fashion” era in the dance world! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate those super stretchy leotards we see on the stage today. It's a little too comfortable, a little too casual. Perhaps this trip reminded me that true beauty isn't always found in the extreme, but rather in the perfect balance of elegance and grace!
As for what else was on in the world on 11th November, 1912, you have to check out “The Importance of Being Earnest”, by Oscar Wilde! Imagine – this wonderful play, so full of sharp wit, sharp commentary on the upper classes! Oh my, I loved every minute of it.
Now, tell me, what is your favourite historical leotard period, darling? I’d love to know, please tell me about your favourite pieces or periods in leotard fashion in the comments.
Remember, you’re a star no matter what you are wearing!
Until next month,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
