Hello, my darling darlings! It’s your favourite Derbyshire lass Emma, ready to whisk you off on a pink tutu-filled adventure through time! This month, my sparkly pink time travelling leotard has whisked me to November 11th, 1932 - just imagine the excitement!
Now, let’s set the scene. Imagine, if you will, bustling city streets, where everyone's got a bit more pep in their step, the sound of music in the air, and the smell of freshly baked treats. That's the glorious energy I've stepped into - 1932! You know I’m mad about a little nostalgia - and it feels incredible!
It’s like walking onto a silver screen from the era of Astaire and Rogers, only much more sparkly thanks to my divine pink tutu!
1932 - Where The Dance is All About EleganceToday, let’s talk leotards! Oh my goodness, have they come a long way. I just love taking a peep into the fashion of bygone eras and leotard history is just fascinating. You see, while I’m a big advocate of expressing oneself, back in 1932, things were much more refined, with emphasis on graceful lines and a sense of artistry that flowed throughout the whole of life, from fashion to performances and even everyday life! It truly feels as though the entire world has embraced this lovely ethos of elegant movement, and it's simply delightful!
Leotards of this period were often made from fine materials such as silk and velvet. Their colours were rich, with emerald green, burgundy and even a stunning black velvet being particularly popular, particularly with a delicate ribbon design that accented their exquisite shape! The focus was on comfort, freedom of movement, and an absolutely mesmerising, ethereal feel that is just heavenly!
The leotard, at this time, is predominantly seen within the realms of ballet and gymnastics. I even spotted some fabulous female performers in beautiful black velvet leotards paired with elegant silk dance skirts that gave off this utterly captivating, ethereal glow, something you just couldn’t replicate today! There’s such an air of elegance and precision that fills their every movement - I can see why 1932’s ballet styles still inspire choreographers today!
I imagine dancers getting into character and entering this otherworldly realm, transported into stories woven by these movements! These are stories that remain frozen in the graceful curves of those beautiful ballet leotards from this amazing decade!
A Day Out on the Town! The Leotard Life In 1932Of course, it’s only natural that I've got myself a fab new pink tutu, because it simply wouldn’t do to step back into time without a touch of Emma’s pink sparkle! I even spotted some utterly delightful fabrics - the silks I'm looking at would be a perfect fit for some of my future tutu designs!
But don’t think I’m all about dressing up, my darling readers. Oh, I love a good time as much as anyone! And what a good time I had watching a performance of a play called ‘The Duchess of Malfi’, and what an absolute dream this play was. The Duchess wore this sensational crimson satin gown that took my breath away - such artistry and creativity. I know it’s not a leotard, but isn’t fashion all about the details? You can be absolutely certain that those stunning crimson gowns are totally going to inspire me in some of my new pink tutu creations!
You can see just why I'm totally mesmerised by the vibrant culture in 1932 - so full of creativity and character, from street performers to theatrical productions and, of course, the dancers who effortlessly move across those wooden dance floors. I simply love watching these fabulous dancers work their magic in their gorgeous leotards, and let me tell you, my dancing spirit is definitely soaring after witnessing all of this!
There’s such a specialness to this period, which I know I’ll always keep with me in the core of my pink-tutu designs!
I'll be popping back to this era more than once, you can be sure! And in the meantime, please do share your own little discoveries - a leotard you’ve fallen in love with, a new fashion trend you’ve spotted. Do send me your stories and join in with all my fabulous fellow leotard lovers.
Have a fabulous month, darlings, and keep spreading the pink tutu love!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
