#LeotardHistory during 1919 09 September

Hello fellow fashionistas! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your monthly dose of all things sparkly, twirly, and undeniably pink! This month, my magical leotard has whisked me back to the enchanting world of Paris, September 1919. Imagine, a whirlwind of flapper dresses, jazz music filling the air, and a burgeoning sense of freedom after the Great War. Oh, the wonders we’re going to discover!

I'm Emma, a ballerina blogger from Derbyshire, England. And my life is a joyous explosion of pink tutus, glitter, and a touch of time-traveling magic. As for my fashion, my current outfit is pretty spectacular: a pink, sequined leotard (of course!) with a delicate chiffon tutu that swirls around me as I write. The perfect outfit to step back in time, don't you think?

Now, I’m a huge history buff, but nothing compares to exploring the world through the lens of leotards. This month, I’m diving into the fashion trends of 1919. It’s an era of change and liberation, mirrored in dance and leotard fashion. Let’s get started!

Step back with me to the theatres of Paris, a city brimming with artistry and flair. What a contrast to the stark reality of the post-war world. The leotards of this era were a celebration of a woman’s graceful form. While they held onto the classic elegance of the past, there was a growing sense of modernity. Imagine…

• Silk and Lace: The dancers’ leotards are predominantly made from silk, and their sheer fabric captures the lightness of the era. Exquisite lace accents adorn the edges, adding a touch of delicate luxury. It's the epitome of Parisian femininity, right?
• Embrace of Color: After the war’s drab tones, leotards are blooming with color. From soft pastel shades to vibrant hues, there’s a splash of daring, almost rebellious, use of colour in dance. This vibrancy is reflected in the music, fashion, and a feeling of a new world beginning.
• Free and Flowing: Think long skirts with daring slits that reveal flashes of the silk beneath. And even as we dance through the world of leotards, we're witnessing an interesting transition – leotards are being embraced for the elegance and functionality they offer.
• The Art Deco Influence: 1919 marks the rise of Art Deco, and we can already see this influence in dance and its fashion. The leotards adopt clean lines and geometric patterns, a striking departure from the fussy detailing of the past. This bold aesthetic echoes the new energy and dynamism of the era.

The influence of this period in fashion has a very strong influence today. These bold and daring trends made their way into all areas of dance – from ballet to jazz, it’s a moment that continues to inspire designers today.

Oh, the joy of the theatre! One of the things I love most about my magical leotard adventures is getting to witness historical performances. Let me tell you, this year in Paris is bursting with thrilling shows:

• The Ballets Russes: This famed company, led by the legendary Serge Diaghilev, is gracing the Parisian stages once more. Imagine, a stunning ballet performed in stunning costumes with beautifully intricate leotards!
• Josephine Baker: Oh, the electrifying Josephine! She’s taking Paris by storm with her flamboyant, daring, and just a touch scandalous, dance numbers. Her stage presence, her costumes, her energy – they were nothing short of a revolution. You can see the influence of Josephine on so many dancers today – that captivating freedom, a powerful expression of personal style, a unique combination of grace and rebellion.
• Musical Revues: There are joyous revues at every corner. Imagine – sparkling, colourful costumes, elaborate dance routines, a truly breathtaking visual spectacle! These musical productions truly reflect the celebratory and extravagant nature of this time period.

This time, my travels took me to a beautiful shop called ‘Maison de Danse,’ a hidden gem tucked away on a Parisian cobblestone street. Let’s peek at what I discovered.

• Lace Leotards: The fabric selection was stunning. The shop's owner spoke about using fine materials like tulle and silk and intricate lace, giving the leotards a unique and whimsical appeal.
• The Art Deco Aesthetic: I found a leotard with geometric designs that resonated with the growing art deco movement. It was beautifully designed, a symphony of black and silver, perfect for expressing a modern ballet routine.
• Vintage Finds: As a passionate collector of dance costumes, I couldn’t leave without picking up a few vintage finds. One particular piece that caught my eye was a 1919 leotard with delicate embroidery that looked so ethereal in its pale shade of blue.

It is fascinating how the fashion and the style of 1919 is echoing the fashions we see in ballet today. Those same lace details, the bold use of colour, the stunning silhouettes – all this reminds us that the world of dance fashion truly is a continuous cycle.

Now, here comes the exciting part – it’s all about bringing the spirit of 1919 to my own fashion! I’m talking about pink, of course, and all its possibilities:

• Pink with a Pop of Parisian Chic: Think a pink tulle tutu paired with a fitted black leotard – it's classic, elegant, and effortlessly Parisian!
• Embroidered Leotards in Pink: You know I’m obsessed with vintage styles. For a modern take, I’m loving a simple pink leotard with delicate embroidery detailing.
• The Daring Side of Pink: For a touch of 1919's rebellion, I’m considering a pink leotard with bold, graphic prints, and of course, a dash of glittery sparkle!

But the best part? The way dance in 1919 embraced new colors and freedom of expression, really made me reflect on what we’re doing here at Pink-Tutu! We’re more than just fashion – we're about encouraging creativity, embracing new styles, and celebrating all that is bright and beautiful! And that’s what 1919 taught me - be bold, embrace your individuality, and don't be afraid to be dazzling!

Remember, if you're seeking a new inspiration, explore vintage designs. And don’t forget to step into a tutu and find your own unique way to rock the pink trend!

I’ll see you back here next month, ready to share another captivating journey into the world of dance fashion. Until then, let's dance, twirl, and keep the pink spirit alive!

Don’t forget, you can keep up with all my adventures on Pink-Tutu.com and join me for a street performance at my next stop in the world of dance history. Keep shining, stay stylish, and always remember… Pink is always in!

Love,

Emma