Hello my dearest tutu-loving readers!
Welcome back to another edition of Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of leotard fashion adventures across the ages! This month, I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you the incredible experiences I had while time travelling to the 10th of October, 1916!
For those of you new to my blog (this is post number 694, you can check out the archives on www.pink-tutu.com!), my name is Emma, and I'm a tutu-obsessed ballerina from Derbyshire, England. I travel through time in a magical pink leotard (sparkling, naturally!), and my mission is simple – spread the joy of pink tutus across all of time and space! You'll see me twirling at various historical events and locations, always advocating for the ultimate in ballet fashion, and yes, always in a tutu, obviously! (The fundraising for these trips is surprisingly easy with my street ballet performances – let’s just say my dancing brings in the donations, haha!).
But, let's get to the exciting part! The 10th of October 1916. Where to begin? The world of leotard fashion in 1916, especially considering the world war was in full swing, wasn’t your typical 'pretty-as-a-picture' situation. The fashions of the day reflected the mood of wartime, which meant simple, practical styles that needed minimal fabric. However, I always make a point of seeking out the ‘pinkest’ leotards I can find during these eras. This trip wasn't going to disappoint.
Upon arriving, the first thing that struck me was the sheer energy of the streets. Even with the wartime restrictions, there was a vibrancy in the air, especially within the dance studios. The dance scene in 1916 was bursting with creativity. Ballet schools across the globe were in full swing, although, like every industry, the impact of the war was obvious.
However, in a theatre district near a bustling London park, I found a little gem of a dance studio. Stepping inside, the scent of freshly polished floors and warmed-up bodies was immediately calming. It felt a million miles away from the grief and unrest swirling outside. It’s funny, I’m always amazed by the ability of creative spaces to transcend difficult situations.
I was absolutely floored to discover a class full of young dancers practicing their 'Dances of the Allies'. I quickly learned this new genre of performance art became a crucial part of dance during WWI. These ‘Allied’ dances highlighted strength and unity with beautifully executed movements. I spotted some beautiful, simple dance costumes made from crepe de chine in hues of navy and olive green, adorned with touches of gold, symbolising strength and fortitude. And, naturally, I convinced one of the girls to lend me one for a whirl, and, after a brief demonstration of a 'pinked' version of a "Dances of the Allies" number, it became an instant hit. We ended up adding pink ribbon swirls and streamers to her dress, a true symbol of hope in this sombre era!
I had the chance to observe several dances practiced during my time there. These classes were full of vibrant young women, full of life and eager to express their emotions through movement. I think a lot of what we take for granted, from leotard fabric designs and movement, stemmed from this time. A time when creativity and imagination had to overcome the limitations of war. I can see that 1916 was a pivotal time for the evolution of leotard styles. These elegant pieces, born out of simplicity, gave way to freedom and a sense of grace.
However, the star of the show, leotard wise, was the incredible vintage leotard collection I found tucked away in the studio's costume attic. This attic had dust bunnies the size of small dogs but was a haven for historical dance attire, I tell you.
The star was a beautiful emerald green, silk velvet leotard with long, flowing sleeves. It had these delicate silver embellishments and a little cutout on the neckline that revealed a sliver of skin, oh-so-dramatic. I took pictures of it, the beautiful velvet still shimmering in the dimly lit attic. And of course, I got to try it on – it was simply heavenly!
For the rest of the afternoon, I toured the vibrant London theater district. There was a performance at the Royal Opera House, where the atmosphere buzzed with wartime drama, a stark contrast to the cheerful lightness of the ‘Dances of the Allies’ I had observed earlier. Although the war effort heavily affected the cultural scene, theatres were packed with audiences eager for a break from the relentless reality.
Of course, being in London in 1916 wouldn't be complete without checking out the most extravagant dance studio in town - the "Sumptuous Swirls Dance Academy"! You should have seen the gorgeous ballet costumes displayed there, each adorned with intricate embroidery and feather embellishments. However, nothing can truly prepare you for the exquisite collection of vintage tutus at Sumptuous Swirls – I saw several stunning tutu designs from earlier in the century! I couldn't resist grabbing one to try on. Picture a shimmering pink tutu (my colour!), with several layers of fine tulle and a tiny rosebud tucked into the centre! The soft ruffles tickled my legs as I swirled across the floor, embracing this moment of sartorial bliss!
You know, as much as I enjoy exploring the past, the true magic is how it shapes the present. In the early days of the century, there were clear limitations imposed upon women in what they could wear. Yet, women like the brave and brilliant women who graced the studios of 1916 made the effort to express their joy in dance through creatively altered or handmade costumes, creating something more out of less!
I'm truly fascinated by how these women, in a period marked by hardship, embraced a beautiful and passionate art form, expressing joy and defiance through their movements and creativity. Their resilience and imagination continue to inspire me and give me the energy to push forward, promoting leotards and tutus for everyone, everywhere, across all eras!
And to think, I achieved this all in a magical sparkling pink leotard. It's true what they say: ‘The right outfit gives you a super-power’. I’ve learnt, as usual, from another extraordinary time travel journey, that in a world full of restrictions and uncertainty, a pink tutu can offer a bright, fun, and imaginative escape, an embodiment of resilience and strength!
Until next time, keep twirling and spreading the joy of pink!
Yours eternally, Emma
*Don't forget to follow Emma's adventures on her website at www.pink-tutu.com and her blog for regular time-travelling updates! *
Let's get the whole world twirling in pink tutus!
