#LeotardHistory during 1928 07 July

Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, back again with another exhilarating adventure in time! As always, I'm bursting with excitement to share the latest sartorial discoveries from my time-travelling adventures.

This month, I whisked myself back to a sweltering summer's day on July 7th, 1928! My sparkly pink time-travelling leotard had never shimmered quite so brilliantly as it took me through the whirls of history. You wouldn't believe the glamorous fashion scene I encountered in the bustling heart of 1920s America.

Landing in New York City, I immediately set about a day of pure indulgence: theatre tickets, department store browsing, and even a dash of street performance to replenish my travel funds (a little bit of pink tutu magic always brings the crowds, you know!).

I must say, this era of fashion really resonates with me - I can just picture myself twirling in the flapper dresses, shimmying with the boys in Charleston contests, and perhaps even making an appearance on the big stage in a magnificent, shimmering gown! Oh, how I do adore a bit of glamour, and this time, the leotards weren't far behind in the fabulous department!

So, without further ado, let's dive into the sartorial splendours of the roaring twenties, as captured by a pink tutu-wearing time traveller:

My heart fluttered when I first stepped inside the majestic Gimbels department store on Broadway. Just the sight of the gleaming mannequins adorned in opulent attire sent my head spinning with sartorial bliss! Imagine my joy at discovering the most exquisite display of dancewear in the heart of the women’s wear department!

The leotards of the time were certainly unlike the form-fitting ones we see today. Oh no, my lovelies, this era celebrated feminine fluidity and the freedom of movement. Imagine a supple bodice of soft satin with silk chiffon sleeves billowing down to the elbows. These leotards were designed to move and to inspire a more whimsical style of dance.

These weren't the restrictive, streamlined leotards of the ballet stage – the emphasis was on a sense of luxury and a playful exploration of the body’s movement. Imagine dancing under a shimmering spotlight, every move underscored by the effortless elegance of such a garment!

For ballet dancers, there were a multitude of gorgeous styles:

• The Strapless: This timeless classic offered a sleek, chic look that would never go out of fashion!
• The Sleeveless with Decorative Embroidery: Picture a simple bodice adorned with intricate floral patterns or sparkling sequins – utterly captivating.
• The Short Sleeve or 3/4 Sleeve: The gentle flow of chiffon and satin added an element of lightness to the dancer’s form.

And don't forget, these leotards often boasted a vibrant palette of colour! The fashion scene in 1928 favoured bold, vivid shades like sapphire blue, emerald green, and shimmering ruby red. What an absolute dream for a time traveller with a penchant for all things pink, right?

Of course, no leotard ensemble would be complete without a touch of whimsy. I even discovered a whole aisle dedicated to tutus!

Think floaty, full skirts made of layers upon layers of tulle, adorned with shimmering sequins or cascading ribbons – perfect for pirouettes and ballets! Oh, my dears, you have no idea how tempting it was to snag one of these beauties and bring them back with me to Derbyshire, but I’m trying to keep my time-travel shenanigans low-key! 😉

I can't tell you how much I was captivated by these delightful ensembles! Even then, fashion in dance was embracing a playful sense of colour and creative flair.

But my time travelling diary doesn't end there. Of course, my visit to the Great White Way (otherwise known as Broadway) would be incomplete without catching a live show!

The grandeur of the Radio City Music Hall blew me away! I’m talking sheer spectacle, extravagant costuming, and stunning ballet sequences. They even featured aquacade, an intricate show featuring water-ballet elements in the world's largest indoor swimming pool. My heart fluttered like a dancer’s ribbon!

During my visit, the world-famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes were performing The Follies of 1928. Now, this show wasn't your traditional ballet – oh, no, this was all about the sheer magic of musical theatre! Think grand-scale dancing with an abundance of stunning feathered headdresses, glittering sequins, and bold, dramatic choreography. The costumes were simply breathtaking - long, flowing gowns, glamorous sequins, and shimmering tassels. They were truly a spectacle to behold!

Speaking of costumes, the Ziegfeld Follies, a famous Broadway revue at the time, featured lavish costumes, sparkling leotards, and intricate feathered headdresses. You simply had to witness it to appreciate its pure grandeur. The leotards featured intricate detailing with sequin embellishments and delicate tulle layers that cascaded like a shimmering waterfall. The theatrical use of the leotard really gave these dance sequences a magical, captivating aura.

My time on Broadway left me awestruck and dreaming of a time when ballet, music, and spectacular costume design combined to create pure, untamed theatre magic. And oh, my darlings, what better to take back with me than the vibrant spirit of 1928? It certainly added some extra pizazz to my pink tutu routine for the rest of the summer!

Okay, let’s talk about some fun with fashion! After spending time in the 1920s, I couldn't help but experiment with some of their looks myself. I know my heart belongs to pink tutus, but even a pink tutu loving time traveler can embrace a bit of vintage glamour, right?

Here is a little outfit I pulled together inspired by my time travels - perfect for a jaunty night out on the town, or a dance performance in the park!

1. The Leotard: I love how 1928 leotards were less about tightness and more about flowing with movement. So, I chose a silky, flowing ivory leotard with a touch of pink in the design. This creates the delicate touch that I find so irresistible.

2. The Tutu: My absolute go-to! I opted for a blush pink tutu this time – a bit more toned down but just as impactful, think a cloud of the most delicate pink imaginable.

3. The Shoes: Since I’m embracing a vintage look, I went for a pair of comfortable satin slippers. Not too showy, but so feminine! The best part is that these will work on the streets or in a theatre - the perfect cross between the street and stage, just like my fashion persona!

4. The Accessories: Now for the fun part! I topped my look with a 1920s inspired headpiece, with a beautiful cascade of delicate, blush-coloured feather. Let's add some glitter, right?!

I am sure you are just as inspired as I am!

Remember my dears, leotard fashion is not just about looking glamorous. It is also about feeling empowered, embracing your unique style, and dancing to your heart’s content!

As always, thank you for joining me on this whimsical trip through time. And my darlings, remember: wear a pink tutu and unleash your inner star!

Love, Emma x

P.S. Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com every month for more exciting time-traveling adventures in the world of leotards!