Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, ready to take you on another magical trip through time! As you know, I'm absolutely smitten with leotards, and I'm always on the lookout for those little details that tell us so much about the fashion and dance trends of the past. This month, my sparkly pink leotard has transported me to June 1915, and boy, oh boy, did we have some fantastic fashion moments!
Back in Time, Darlings!
I’ve landed in a rather chaotic world! World War One is in full swing, and everyone’s doing their bit. We are at the height of the Edwardian era, but there's a definite sense of the new – with new fashion ideas seeping through from the continental designers who are really pushing boundaries! Imagine, ladies, long, flowing, billowing gowns, but this time, they are all the more feminine, cut in a looser and flowing silhouette! So exciting!
What was everyone wearing in the world of dance on 6 June 1915 you ask? Let’s rewind the clock...
A Dance Through Time
Think silhouettes, movement, and luxurious fabrics – we’re talking tulle and silk, just dreamy! Remember the popularity of the 'ballet russe', which really set a trend in Paris, influencing the design of the era’s ballet leotards. We were seeing much shorter skirts and tights in dance, showing the long, sleek, lean lines of the body in a revolutionary new way! Can you imagine the boldness and liberation of wearing tights as opposed to tights and knickers, like what was favoured only a few years before! The fashion world had changed in a flash and, let’s be honest, I don’t think we will ever go back!
Fashion Spotlight
One of the leading names in dance and fashion at the time, was Anna Pavlova – oh, the inspiration! She’s credited with making leotards much more sophisticated and feminine, bringing in this exciting new way of looking at what a leotard could achieve for the modern ballerina. If you’re feeling brave, you could look for a beautiful piece of silk, tie a piece at the bust and create a flattering yet easy flowing, leotard inspired by Anna! Remember to add that important detail, that essential piece that we love, the pink tutu. That pop of pink would truly bring this classic to life.
If you're heading to a dance or theatre performance on 6th June 1915, or maybe for your weekend street performance, just like myself, here’s my tip: look at how fashion was going to bring ballet leotards into street style for the ladies in 1915. A floaty skirt worn with a delicate, but beautiful, ballet leotard, might just become the trend that turns the heads of all the fashionable men around!
London’s Glamour
I did find time to indulge in a little bit of London’s vibrant theatre scene – always a must, isn’t it? As I waltzed into a show, I could just about hear a collective gasp, for the performers took their audience’s breath away! What else could you expect from a scene bursting with elegant costumes and graceful ballerinas. You just have to experience it for yourselves, my dears, it truly is like a dream! And the music, oh the music – it transports you to another place and time! Just close your eyes, and feel that magic.
A Pinch of pink & The Power of the Tutu
Right now, London is experiencing the true meaning of colour with a pop of colour for every occasion. Pink, of course, has to be included, especially if you are as devoted to pink as I am. For example, we are talking pink-themed theatrical and dance productions which can help the audiences get a real sense of wonder and fantasy. The beauty of this era is you can incorporate the gorgeousness of pink into all things and really, just get everyone wearing a pink tutu.
This isn’t just my motto, but a truly incredible thing to see - all colours combined to create something fresh and bold within an enchanting historical era that feels very glamorous. But pink, pink will remain as a strong visual feature – the color of confidence and joy, which really suits my kind of spirit, darlings. Don’t you think?
And remember, we are just at the beginning of something incredible! The power of the tutu in shaping fashion and dance will continue to rise as we continue our adventure together through time. Stay tuned for more magical stories, incredible costumes, and of course, loads and loads of pink!
Keep those tutus twirling!
Emma
