Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina, back from another extraordinary adventure in the swirling vortex of time. This month, I've twirled my way back to February 2nd, 1922. And what a whirlwind it was! Hold onto your tutus, because this trip was full of dazzling discoveries, vintage finds and oh-so-much pink, naturally.
As you all know, my favourite way to time travel is in my trusty, sparkly pink leotard – you know the one – with the delicate sequins that catch the light and the whisper of silk against my skin. And believe me, this time, that shimmery magic carried me right back to the 1920s! Think flapper dresses, bobbed hairstyles and an air of liberation and jazz-inspired glamour that crackled like a vintage gramophone record.
Now, you may be thinking "Emma, leotards in the 1920s? But that's ages ago!". But believe me, dear readers, even back then, there were incredible, and I must say, rather alluring styles!
Firstly, it was so fascinating to witness how the iconic "Bloomer" style of leotard began to gain traction back in the roaring twenties. Think figure-hugging, athletic leotards, with long, graceful legs and the softest of fabrics – perfect for those free-spirited women breaking into the world of physical performance and embracing freedom. And let's be honest, even now, these classic bloomer leotards are making a glorious comeback, especially with the resurgence of dance styles like vintage tap!
Secondly, the world of theatrical fashion in the 1920s was brimming with colourful characters – think sequins, elaborate feathers and some seriously bold and playful design! I spotted dancers showcasing intricate silk costumes and leotards, adorned with sequins that winked and shimmied, catching the spotlights and captivating the audience. And you know I can't resist a good glitter storm – they truly were a visual symphony of sparkling delight.
However, 1922 was also a time of transformation. This year marked a pivotal moment in ballet. The esteemed dancer, Anna Pavlova, renowned for her exquisite grace and unparalleled artistry, toured North America. Now, this was an event that took the world of ballet, and let's be honest, the world of fashion, by storm! Her costumes – often ethereal, dreamy creations of tulle, silk and intricate embroidery - inspired the imaginations of aspiring dancers and designers across the globe. You see, Pavlova was more than a dancer, she was an artist of the stage who transcended the boundaries of conventional performance. I must admit, her presence, like a wave of vibrant pink tulle, changed the landscape of ballet forever. And trust me, the influence on dance fashion was just as big. You can spot Pavlova's ethereal elegance in the designs of some modern dance fashion designers even today. She was a real trendsetter, if I may be so bold to say!
Of course, I couldn’t resist stepping into a Parisian ballet performance that evening. I practically tripped over an orchestra member with my excitement! The artistry of the ballet, the music and the exquisite costuming was simply divine. As a little treat for myself, I ventured into the famous Rue de la Paix for some truly decadent shopping – you just can't help yourself! – where I stumbled upon a truly charming vintage lingerie boutique. Imagine this: silk slips, elaborate lace trims and tutus with the most intricate embroideries! I indulged in the joy of finding an exquisite pastel pink tutu with a dusting of sequined petals. It’s practically a dream in tulle!
Oh, and let’s not forget about the incredible vintage fabric shops! I got my hands on a gorgeous roll of hand-painted pink silk to make a new pair of leotard sleeves for my trusty travel leotard – and let's be honest, that sequined, sparkly leotard deserves some updates! I'm planning on giving it a whole new design with delicate floral accents and a flowing, silky cape that will create an illusion of magical swirls when I dance through the time stream. Just you wait!
In London, the National Ballet had its first ever public performance, kicking off a golden age of professional dance in the country. The excitement, the beauty and the glamour were almost electric! It truly felt as though everyone in London, or at least it felt like that for me, had put on their best dancing shoes and leotards – or at least a fabulous dress with a dash of sparkling trim. You see, when it comes to dance, we’re all connected by that thrill of seeing creative artistry and passionate movement.
To top it all off, I even found myself amongst a vibrant group of women in a London coffeehouse. It’s quite common, these days, but back in the roaring twenties it was groundbreaking - these bold women, discussing everything from the latest Parisian fashion to the potential for women's suffrage. I swore, there was even talk about pink tutus in the mix! The discussion buzzed with optimism about a new world for women and a world where their voices could finally be heard – which I find very empowering.
As always, time travel in my sparkly pink leotard filled my heart with inspiration. And now I want to pass on the joy of all these fascinating discoveries and fashion-forward delights to you. Remember, this is my little slice of time travelling history - my ode to the glorious history of dance, leotards and the boundless optimism and sparkle of the roaring twenties.
But I want to hear from you. Have you spotted any vintage leotard inspiration from the 1920s or the flapper era? Have you found any fashion treasures from that era, maybe in a vintage shop or a grandmother’s trunk? Tell me all about your fashion finds! And let me know what you’d like to see in my next pink tutu adventure through time.
As always, lovelies, never forget, “Keep shining, be sparkly, and always twirl with confidence. And wear pink! You are your own kind of beautiful.”
Love and sparkles,
Emma,
xx
