Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink, twirly and leotard-licious!
August is upon us, and as usual, I'm ready to whisk you away on a whirlwind tour of the fabulous world of leotard history! This month, my sparkling pink time-traveling leotard has taken me right back to the year 1915.
Stepping Back into History
Imagine a time before TikTok and Instagram, a time when ballet was still finding its feet outside of the theatre! Oh darling, you'd be so surprised at how different it all was! Now, imagine adding a dash of First World War to the mix, and you have yourselves the backdrop of our leotard fashion journey today.
I’ve stepped into the 8th of August 1915, and what a fascinating day it was to be a fashionable lady! The year 1915, right in the heart of the war, had an effect on everything - including fashion, darling. The usual luxurious fabrics were harder to come by, with a strong sense of practicality in the air. Think utilitarian styles, simple silhouettes, and that war-era touch that was so very evident, even in the leotard fashion world.
Now, as I'm strolling down a charming London street in my pink tutu (and you bet I got some funny looks!), I see that the dance world in 1915 is still mostly about the stage. There's the London Opera House, buzzing with theatrical productions, and ballet companies like Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were stirring up excitement with their new and dazzling, modern dance productions.
But, don’t think that everyone was stuck in formal wear, dear! A lot of women started embracing sporty styles, darling, including some wonderful practical yet chic leotards designed for things like gym work. This wasn’t just limited to dance either – physical exercise was getting all the buzz, with women beginning to engage in gymnastics and more energetic hobbies.
And while leotards on the streets might not have been as ubiquitous as they are today, oh, the leotard fashion within the theatres was something special!
Let’s Chat About Leotards
The leotard in 1915, unlike today’s stretchy, multi-coloured wonderland, was usually made of knitted silk or jersey in more muted tones - navy blue, emerald green, maybe even a blush pink here and there. They often had sleeves and even sometimes a tiny skirt that sat just above the knee, making them look like little dancing dresses.
And darling, I have to say, the little additions and details made these leotards truly glamorous. Imagine, hand-sewn lace trimming, velvet ribbons for a bit of added sophistication - the effort and detail truly added a special touch!
And oh the fabrics, darling! While wartime shortages may have restricted what dancers could buy, some still managed to get their hands on some truly luxurious materials – and the silky flow of these leotards, especially when they twirled! Just picture a dancer moving gracefully across the stage, in a leotard of hand-crafted silk - truly stunning!
The key trend, even with war influencing so much, was femininity. Whether on the street, in a gym, or onstage, women loved a bit of femininity! This included the dance studios. Even as dance took its first steps in new directions, those steps were still taken with grace and femininity. It was truly a beautiful sight.
What Shows to See
You simply must have experienced the ballet fever sweeping through London this month. It's everywhere, darling, from the theatres to the talk of the tea rooms. The most exciting talk is of Ballets Russes by Serge Diaghilev, you know? Their productions are revolutionary!
This is a true powerhouse of talent, dear, showcasing bright and daring new movements, and revolutionary, captivating costume designs, each and every production an event to be seen, felt and talked about. If you find yourself in London, be sure to snap up a ticket - just imagine! The ballet is going to be a glorious spectacle and one that would make the world take notice.
Imagine watching Nijinsky's dance, Le Spectre de la Rose! It's a show that is going to take your breath away, dear! Oh, darling, just imagine! Imagine the delicate yet strong costumes! The music! The story! And then the ending - so much wonder.
Time Traveling in Pink!
But my time in 1915 has sadly come to an end, and it’s time to head back to my time, and hopefully my sparkling pink time-traveling leotard will transport me back to Derbyshire safely and in a flash of pink sequins.
But you can keep up with my adventures and leotard obsessions right here on Pink-Tutu.com! I'm planning a visit to the iconic ballet of 1916 – can you guess where I'll be heading next, darlings? Hint: A little farther from my beloved Derbyshire.
And in the meantime, always remember: The only rule with a pink tutu is to twirl, twirl, twirl! Until next month, darlings!
Emma xoxo
