Hello lovelies,
It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveler! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we journey through history, one sparkly leotard at a time. It’s September, the air is crisp and I’ve got my time travel leotard all prepped, ready for a thrilling new adventure. And oh, this month’s a doozy!
Today, I’m taking us all the way back to September 9th, 1926. Buckle up, babes! We’re stepping right into the roaring twenties, a time of flapper dresses, Charleston dances and oh-so-stylish, dare I say scandalous, fashion. This month, I’m particularly interested in Leotard Fashion in this dazzling era. And guess what? There’s so much to uncover, it’s a true testament to how timeless and ever-evolving the leotard is, no matter the era!
Let’s rewind the clock, grab some champagne and step into the glittering world of leotard fashion in the twenties.
A Trip To The Theatre!
This time travel adventure kicks off with a bang. You won’t believe this, darlings - this particular date is THE anniversary of the world-famous London Palladium's grand opening! Yes, this legendary theatre, renowned for its glitz and glamour, celebrates 10 years since it first opened its doors on September 9th, 1916! It’s a major theatre landmark in London’s history, so naturally, I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek!
The Palladium was a hub of artistic energy, a haven for ballet and musicals, so imagine my delight when I discovered its opening night production was the "Folies Bergère," an extravaganza of stunning dancers and dazzling costumes! Think showgirls strutting in flamboyant costumes and swirling feather boas. Talk about a theatrical feast!
Now, this particular theatrical scene was where the Leotard started becoming a backstage fashion staple, making its way into the wardrobes of dancers.
Why the Leotard? Well, think practicality and elegance all rolled into one! Back then, ballet was more of a dramatic art form, less about precise pointe work. The Leotard gave the dancers freedom of movement, allowing for incredible spins, elegant gestures and dynamic routines. Oh, and can we talk about the fabric! Gorgeous, smooth, stretchy, and, oh darling, so chic. Talk about a win-win for dance fashion.
And who better to embody this style than Josephine Baker? Can you even believe she performed here? I absolutely adore her; she was one of the first artists to bring African American style to the world stage, making history and dancing her way through Parisian hearts. I would be absolutely besotted with her, wouldn’t you?
A Ballet Stroll in The City
After taking in the glamorous sights and sounds of the Palladium, I wanted to delve further into how Leotards were becoming a favourite for female dancers all over London. I decided to embark on a little tour to see where else this fabulous piece of clothing was taking centre stage.
I started with the esteemed Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. You might be surprised to learn that, at this point in time, Ballet was not as celebrated as it is today! They primarily showcased opera and even incorporated dances into their dramatic productions, which involved lots of fabulous costumes!
Leotard trends in these productions involved silk fabrics, bold colours and a daringly fitted shape. Think gorgeous scarlet silks or shimmering gold - these Leotards really were works of art! Imagine them dancing under the bright stage lights! Absolutely magical!
Moving from the grand Royal Opera House to the lesser-known halls where dance schools and academies operated, I found myself in the midst of a Leotard evolution!
Smaller theatres across London and even across the channel, were featuring a plethora of dance forms. This led to variations in Leotard design!
For instance, the graceful, expressive "Russian" style ballet schools featured Leotards with delicate patterns and embroidered designs. Meanwhile, the modern ballet academies were sporting sleeker designs with minimal frills and maximum comfort for high-energy dances.
From elegant lines to bolder colour choices, I was swept away by the versatility and creativity of the Leotard fashion during this decade!
The Parisian Chic
Of course, no discussion of the 1920s is complete without a Parisian journey! So, I jet-setted across the channel to the heart of this trendy city, and what did I find? Well, Paris was ablaze with fashion and creativity - from flapper dresses and the iconic bob haircuts, to the newest trend in dance!
Parisian dancers embraced a daring and stylish version of the leotard, one that took cues from the latest fashion trends of the time. The leotard became more form-fitting, often designed in shimmering fabrics or striking two-tone colour schemes, truly making a statement! It felt both elegant and empowered, allowing women to express their individuality and dance their way into a new era.
But darling, the real revelation of my trip was the Parisian influence on Balletwear itself. Imagine sleek, sophisticated leotards in shimmering metallic hues and deep jewel tones. They became iconic and were featured everywhere, not just in the studio. The dancers began taking to the streets and cafes in these chic Leotards, which were then further elevated by a simple yet beautiful, knee-length tutu.
Remember that iconic "Pink Tutus" image I’ve been sharing? Well, it came to life during this very decade!
Think ballerina beauty and the glamorous style of the 1920s, both blending together to make a true fashion statement!
My Pink Tutu Inspiration
And that’s my darling readers, is what sparked my love affair with the Pink Tutu. It symbolizes everything that era stands for - empowerment, glamour, beauty, a revolution of freedom.
And the perfect place to close off this Leotard adventure? Well, it has to be a street dance! In true Parisian fashion, I took my Pink Tutu, a silky leotard, and did a spontaneous performance at the beautiful Trocadero gardens, where the Eiffel Tower stood proudly, a gleaming symbol of art, innovation, and this wonderful decade!
This journey has given me an immense amount of leotard love and an endless supply of Pink Tutu inspiration. So what can we learn from these fashionable Leotards of the roaring 20s? Well, we see that a simple garment can embody style, creativity and individuality! And who says a Pink Tutu can’t take us on a magical time travel journey?!
Oh, one more thing, don’t forget to join my fabulous "Pink Tutu Tribe" on our exclusive facebook page where I share fashion tips, styling tricks, and all the exciting details of my upcoming Leotard Time Travels.
Keep on sparkling, my dearest darlings,
Emma xo
