Hello, darlings! Itâs Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina. Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where history and leotard fashion collide!
This month, I'm waltzing all the way back to 1914 â the year of waltzes, war, and, yes, even some wonderful developments in leotard fashion! Buckle up, my lovelies, because this monthâs trip is a real tour de force.
My journey begins, as usual, in my favourite pink sparkling leotard, the one that helps me travel through time (hush, don't tell anyone!). This month, my time-machine is carrying me straight to Vienna, where, in the world of dance, everything is, shall we say, blossoming!
We all know the story of the majestic Russian ballet troupe, the Ballets Russes, but what's lesser known is that the iconic ballerina, Vaslav Nijinsky, is a big proponent of ânewâ ways of ballet. The music? Bold, full of dramatic energy! The choreography? Strikingly modern and free! And the costumes? Well, letâs just say they certainly reflect the revolutionary spirit of the dance.
Now, what do I see around Vienna thatâs getting people excited? Thereâs a buzz around the fashion of the âBallets Russes,â inspired by Diaghilev and designed by Bakst, and all over the city, youâll see dancers experimenting with dramatic outfits. It's a whirlwind of color and textures. Imagine shawls, tulle galore, skirts flowing, with hints of Oriental inspiration â itâs an incredible mix of the historical and the future! I tell you, you could practically feel the energy in the air, the anticipation for change â a sense that the world of ballet is going to take a new leap!
But back in London, you could feel the mood darkening. I arrived, feeling like an air bubble floating in the midst of uncertainty. We're about a month away from the outbreak of World War One. Still, Londoners, like myself, are finding joy in the little things. Weâre venturing to theatre shows â especially revues, which are booming in popularity! You canât swing a handbag in London without bumping into a show with fabulous feathered costumes, dazzling gowns, and those incredible, elaborate headpieces. The girls are embracing the fashions of the "Belle Ăpoque," all big hats, flounces, and even tights â very âleg-showingâ indeed! I wonder, would my darling pink tutu fit in at a London theatre?!
As I venture deeper into the time period, itâs incredible to witness this juxtaposition - Vienna, brimming with artistic fervor and innovation, while Londonâs already getting a whiff of something quite serious brewing. And yet, both cities, at heart, are buzzing with fashion, music, and spectacle â that's what really brings everything together! I mean, when you've got all those stunning gowns on stage and shimmering headpieces in the audience, how can you help but feel utterly enchanted, even amidst some of the worldâs worst turmoil?
The leotards of the time? Well, they're very different to those we see today, naturally! A little more practical â think long-sleeved, more like underwear, but with an elegant appeal! These leotards were crafted to offer comfort and grace whilst keeping dancers warm! And they looked so, so elegant in all their satin glory â think beautiful, practical under-layers. We might have some big frilly pink tutus, but even those ladies who never wear one can appreciate the historical elegance of the classic undergarment! Itâs a fascinating link between history and today's modern dancers, the beauty of the graceful movement.
My lovely readers, letâs step into a more whimsical aspect â because let's face it, even with the whispers of war on the horizon, you need a dose of sweetness! Weâre a big pink tutu loving group, and letâs indulge the delightful dream! Imagine a London stage in full swing, a theatre packed with people - everyone's there to catch the latest show and everyone in their absolute best outfits, perhaps with their hair adorned with a fancy little bow. Now imagine that all around the city, ballet is everywhere. Little groups of women, dancing in pink tutus in the squares, perhaps in parks⌠maybe even some dancers, taking over Trafalgar Square, right there at the foot of Nelsonâs column â just think about that for a second, darling! We'll spread a little ballet love in every corner of London, the streets will buzz with pink and all the boys, girls and everyone in-between, all dressed in beautiful attire, because you see? Ballet - it's all about fashion, really, don't you agree?
I've had so much fun revisiting 1914 â itâs just reminded me of the eternal love of beauty and elegance we share as lovers of all things leotard and fashion!
For now, darlings, Iâm signing off. If you fancy exploring your inner fashionista, be sure to visit my little haven on www.pink-tutu.com for all your pink tutu fashion tips and trends!
Until next month,
Emma xx
