#LeotardHistory during 1928 04 April

Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It’s been another whirlwind month of leotard-loving and time-travelling, and today, I’m taking you all on a dazzling journey back to April 4th, 1928, a date brimming with ballet fashion and dazzling delights!

I have to tell you, travelling in my trusty, shimmering pink time-travelling leotard never gets old. Every time I hop through time, it’s like a brand new adventure. The wind whipping through my tulle, the sparkle catching the sun, it’s absolutely exhilarating. This time, I decided to venture back to a rather momentous time in dance history…

Stepping into 1928, it’s instantly clear I’m in a time of change and creativity, especially within the ballet world. The sleek lines of the ‘Ballets Russes’ were in full swing, a truly captivating spectacle! I felt like I’d landed in the midst of a storybook!

In 1928, the world was embracing the new ‘Roaring Twenties’ style – think flapper dresses, short hair, and an absolute obsession with everything modern! Fashion, of course, was on a revolution. But what about our dear leotards? Well, they were undergoing quite the transformation as well!

For starters, leotards themselves were gaining huge popularity, especially in ballet. The 'Ballets Russes' company was really leading the way, championing sleek, streamlined designs and stunning costume design that captured the artistic spirit of the times.

As I walked through the bustling streets of London (the centre of the dance world back then!), I noticed a real shift away from the Victorian frills and fuss of the past. Ballet dancers, particularly ballerinas, were starting to wear more form-fitting costumes, revealing more of the legs and allowing for freedom of movement.

Imagine! This bold move paved the way for the iconic tutus and leotards that we adore today.

Of course, my time in London wouldn't be complete without a trip to the grand Royal Opera House. And let me tell you, the shows there were absolutely spectacular.

Stepping into the plush red velvet interior, I was immediately caught up in the energy and excitement. I had the pleasure of watching an extraordinary production of Diaghilev’s "La Boutique Fantasque" – such a dreamy piece, filled with beautiful costumes and enchanting characters.

I was so impressed by the innovative costumes and striking designs! The ballerina costumes, while still long and flowing, showed off the dancers' incredible grace and fluidity in such a modern and alluring way.

I simply had to capture the spectacle! Luckily, my phone still seemed to work (don't tell anyone my secret!) - it felt a bit weird not having Instagram back then but that's time travel for you! I couldn’t help but take some clandestine snaps to share with you, my loyal followers. I hope you like them! (Picture of ballerina wearing a flowing white tutu with 'Ballets Russes' designs.)

No trip to London, even in 1928, is complete without a visit to Harrods! And let me tell you, it was quite a sight. So many incredible styles and fabulous clothes! But you know me, my true focus is always on the leotards.

My heart was aflutter as I made my way to the dancewear department. It wasn't the most glamorous section back then (think more utility, less sparkle, and a lot of velvet!) but I still managed to find some real treasures.

The shop assistant – a lovely lady with the most charming vintage bob and a thick pair of spectacles, - helped me navigate through all the classic dancewear styles. She had such an encyclopaedic knowledge of all the major dance companies and fashion trends in the world!

It's such a pleasure, isn't it, to meet someone who genuinely cares about the world of dance fashion? It reminds me that leotards have such a long and fascinating history.

She showed me a number of stylish ballet leotards – think lovely colours like navy, burgundy, and emerald green! They weren't all just in black and white, as I might have assumed!

Of course, my inner pink flamingo screamed! So I made a small (but quite extravagant, dare I say?) purchase – a gorgeous, baby pink velvet leotard!

I'm so thrilled to add it to my vintage collection. This beautiful piece just shows the beauty and variety in leotard fashion throughout history!

(Picture of Emma with her vintage leotard)

I know what you're all thinking! “Emma, have you discovered anything special on your adventures?”

Oh, my dears! My adventure, though exhilarating, has been a gentle reminder of how much ballet fashion and dance wear has evolved over the years. The simple beauty of a flowing, black tutu with beautiful embellishments – those were the classic trends back in 1928.

As for the pink tutus… well, it’s safe to say they hadn't taken over the world just yet. I think we still have some work to do! But let’s just say that this trip gave me an even greater appreciation for the delicate evolution of ballet and leotards – the change, the creativity, the boldness… it's utterly inspiring.

Until next time, keep your leotard-loving hearts shining! Remember, there's always a new style to discover, and a new story waiting to be written!

Much love,

Emma

[Please note that the details around dance fashion during 1928 have been inspired by research, historical details and have been romanticized for a blog post]