#LeotardHistory during 1928 08 August

Hello my darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things leotard and, of course, pink. This month, we're whisking you back in time to a wonderfully vibrant August in 1928. It’s Post Number 836, so strap on your dancing shoes and grab a cuppa, because this one's a real hoot!

I know, I know, time travel – I haven't told you about my sparkly pink leotard, have I? It’s an absolute dream, just waiting to whisk me away on a fashion adventure through the ages. Honestly, I've no idea who the original owner was or how it came into my possession, but when you slip it on, it feels like magic, and the world just spins away… in a good way, obviously!

Now, I wouldn't be doing this blog justice without telling you about my trusty time travelling technique. To get me back to Derbyshire, England (where, you know, my actual life resides!), I'm forced to dance – which, let’s be honest, is never really a hardship. So, whenever I travel back, I use those street dance skills to raise some much needed moolah – who'd have thought you could fund your life-long obsession with leotard history through some jazzy footwork! Let’s just say there have been some raised eyebrows in some rather fancy London squares...but it's all in the name of fabulousness, isn't it?

Anyway, enough about my glamorous life. Let's jump right back to August 1928, because, my dear friends, it was a corker of a month for the world of dance. Think: Flapper-chic, bold colours, and some * seriously * swishy leotard trends!

So, let’s talk about 1928. Think flapper dresses, short bobs, Charleston jazz – pure roaring twenties! In this era, we saw an explosion of movement – it was like everyone suddenly wanted to get up and shimmy, and who could blame them! It's almost as if dance studios sprung up everywhere. Now, imagine this: the era of the jazz age is at its peak, and you're standing on the sidelines, just observing the fashion scene in these glorious dance studios… you're going to be seriously impressed.

The leotards in 1928 were daring, bold and oh-so-stylish! They were about to become so much more than just simple training garments; they started transforming into these incredible little dance works of art! Think bold geometric shapes and shimmering fabrics like silk and satin. And of course, it wasn’t just the cut and the material that made it special.

Oh, darling! The colours are to die for! I'm talking deep rich ruby reds, shocking emerald greens, and sunshine yellows that could melt your heart, right there on the dance floor. Imagine it, these dancers would wear these beautiful coloured leotards with the same boldness as their shorter, shorter flapper dresses! It's so much more than just clothing; it's a complete celebration of the carefree spirit of the times.

You simply couldn't miss those glamorous dancing shows back then! They'd be held in magnificent theatre houses – everything was just more… elegant. Can you imagine? A ballet performance with dancers in leotards in all these striking colors – what a vision!

### Fashion Trends for the Dancing Darling

Now, I’m a ballerina through and through, but in 1928, leotards started becoming an essential piece of everyday wear! Imagine a long white jersey leotard worn under a chic skirt. Oh, so fabulous! That little bit of ‘je ne sais quoi’, just the perfect touch of femininity and grace. I’m definitely going to be recreating this for one of my next shows. Think a deep burgundy leotard under a classic white tea dress? I've already got the fabric and I'm itching to try it out!

But let's go back to 1928! Can you see these gorgeous women waltzing around in their leotards and chic dancing outfits – even when not dancing? Those flapper dresses with their shimmering fringes – the dance scene and the social world were literally twirling together! This fashion fusion, my dears, is exactly why I'm here – to help bring the wonder of dance and leotard history back into our lives.

Think about those fashion trends for just a second… think about the modern take. Imagine your own take on these 1928 vintage fashions! Let's give our everyday looks that dash of the flapper style – what do you think? Do we channel bold colors, or dare to wear a leotard as part of our everyday wear? This, my darling friends, is how the magic of dance and leotard history can work their magic, and sprinkle their own fairy dust over everyday life.

### London's Atop The Dance Chart

Speaking of magical fairy dust and swirling fashion – did you know that the world's greatest dancing teachers were drawn to London in 1928? Imagine London buzzing with so much talented dancing. It really was the hottest place to be in the world if you were passionate about dance! The most acclaimed ballet dancers and choreographers were arriving to join the wonderful array of dancers and teachers, all to offer their skills to London’s hungry dance world!

Of course, London is famous for its beautiful theaters. Just imagine walking through those glorious glass doors – with those elegant swirling chandeliers - into one of these wonderful London theatres. Just like those 1928 ballet dancers on stage – so captivating, so bold, and so incredibly elegant. Oh, those were days I would have loved to experience! I just wonder how the modern-day ballerina dancers would respond to those wonderful leotards worn by the dancing beauties of 1928?

But for me, it wasn't all about ballet back in 1928. Jazz dance, ballroom dance, social dance – they all played their part in the glorious world of dancing in that golden age. And, of course, who could forget the elegant tap dancing? The dancing world of 1928 had such fantastic variety.

This is a glorious time for me, to step out onto that stage and dance under the limelight, surrounded by these brilliant talents. Imagine wearing one of those stunning red or ruby leotards on the London stage back in 1928. And the crowd just went wild! That’s what the vintage glamour was about, my friends – bold colours, captivating energy – and maybe a tiny little sparkle.

I love looking at those photographs, these precious pictures from that time – of women in those beautifully fitting, flowing silk and satin dance outfits. It really brings home the timeless fashion we can learn from, in every decade.

So my dears, let's give a heartfelt thank you to 1928 and that amazing dance fashion scene that inspired the world! Now, who’s ready to get those fabulous flapper-inspired looks going?! This month I’m giving away three vintage style leotards (two red, one ruby) – with just a tiny bit of my magic touch – to the most original 1928-style outfit creation, so let’s get those cameras clicking!

It's been a delightful journey back to the enchanting world of 1928! We can truly appreciate how our love of dance, fashion, and those magnificent leotards can be passed down through generations, like an exciting whisper of style that’s always waiting for its next performance.

Until next month, darlings, keep twirling!

P.S. If you’re in London – and let’s be honest, it's always fabulous to visit London - try London's “ The Little Box ” dance studio for a spot of vintage glam dancing, just around the corner from The Theatre Royal! You'll be swirling around in no time – and let me know if you find any vintage dancing costumes!

Emma x