Hey everyone! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a glorious day in leotard history – December 12th, 1919!
It's a bit chilly here in Derbyshire, but my magical, pink sparkling leotard keeps me toasty warm (and fabulous, of course!). The snow has begun to fall, creating a beautiful, fluffy backdrop for my latest street performance. Let me tell you, it's not easy pirouetting in the snow, but the cheers from the crowd keep me warm! Luckily, I'm always prepared for any weather with my trusty pink tutu and extra-long pink tights. Pink just seems to be the colour of the season this month!
Today, I'm journeying to the glamorous world of the theatre – specifically, to the Broadway stage! I'm excited to get a taste of the leotard fashions in 1919 New York. After all, every decade has its own signature look. And wouldn't you know it, 1919 was the year that The Greenwich Village Follies opened! I can't wait to see what the dancers are wearing!
But before we dive into the fascinating world of Broadway, let's explore what else was happening in the leotard world in 1919. This was a significant year for ballet, with the Diaghilev Ballets Russes presenting an exquisite production of Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky. Now, while I can't personally see Nijinsky in action – because unfortunately, time travel comes with some rules – I'm picturing incredible artistry and, of course, leotards. Leotards were gaining popularity as practical and expressive wear for ballet. The "artistic" costumes with innovative use of fabric for ballet dancers were the fashion of the moment! They started to appear in dance recitals, and theatrical performances in particular. I bet they looked simply fabulous!
But let’s get back to my Broadway adventures. It turns out the Follies brought a revolution to theatrical costume design! Can you imagine? I am living for a good costume change. My current pink leotard is a dream to wear - it even comes with sparkly straps! But there's always a place in my wardrobe for new styles. The Follies dancers ditched traditional ballet shoes and tight fitting garments in favour of long, loose-fitting, silk garments. It must have been glorious. There were lots of bright colours, bold prints, and plenty of frills and lace. Imagine the movement possibilities in those floaty garments! I'm enthralled by the sheer joy and liberation of it all.
I wandered around the back streets of Greenwich Village after the show, taking it all in. Imagine strolling along streets, filled with the buzzing excitement of the theatrical world! This era had a certain "bohemian" energy that was irresistible, and a new style was developing in the village where artists and dancers were experimenting with colour and fabric to find their own unique artistic expression. I’m wondering, did anyone wear pink?
One of the greatest delights of being a leotard-obsessed time traveller is seeing how styles evolve. It's a delightful dance through decades! Even the Follies designs reflected this artistic rebellion and changing perceptions of style and social conventions. In the 1910s, ballet and performance costume design was really coming into its own, reflecting the social changes and embracing new freedoms for women in all aspects of life. I bet the dancers loved showing off their fabulous figures and dazzling stage presence. I’m sure the leotard has always been, and will continue to be, a favourite of dancers throughout the decades!
Of course, I can’t resist a little bit of retail therapy. There's nothing like a visit to a shop specializing in dance wear, to see the latest fashions and buy some treasures for my own collection. It was quite the treat.
My last stop before travelling back to present-day Derbyshire was the legendary Le Costume Theatre. It was a treat just to stand and admire its elegance. And the mannequins looked divine! The Costume Theatre was, at the time, one of the main outlets in New York for stage attire – imagine, for both amateur and professional! I got to see firsthand some stunning outfits: vibrant, flowy fabrics that had never even dreamed of staying in one place for too long, they were a symphony of movement and a burst of color on the stage! There were long, elaborate costumes that I’m guessing had about three petticoats in each of them, along with feathers, beads and, dare I say it, a smattering of pink.
And as the day ends, and I stand gazing at the moon above, I can't help but reflect upon this delightful dance through time! What I’ve learned today: leotard fashion is a beautiful tapestry that's woven with the stories of its era. So here's to all the fashion trailblazers – past, present, and future! It's never too late to dance to the beat of your own fashion drummer! And of course, as always, remember the magic of a pink tutu!
See you all next month for another exciting journey through the world of leotard history! Remember, you can always find more pink tutu-related fun and fabulous fashion at www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, keep twirling! 💖
