Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back with another tantalising time-travel tale. It’s been a while, as you know, my little dance angels, the life of a travelling ballerina is full of, well, travelling! This month, my magical pink sparkling leotard whisked me back to September 9th, 1934.
Imagine a world where flapper dresses were still the fashion, jazz was all the rage, and the world had just glimpsed the shimmering magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing their way across the silver screen! Oh, the glamour! It was like stepping straight out of a technicolour dream, and you just know my pink tutu made a grand entrance.
I landed in New York City, of all places, and the city felt positively buzzing! There were bustling Broadway theatres and neon-bright billboards everywhere advertising the hottest shows in town. The first place I went, of course, was to a vintage clothes shop called "The Chic Boutique". You simply had to step into this place! Their walls were a dazzling rainbow of fabrics, trims and bows! The leotards, while still quite rare in those days, were in full bloom, their sheerness and colours just asking to be twirled.
And oh, the style! Imagine clinging, lace-trimmed leotards in a spectrum of colours, some daringly revealing with cheeky peekaboo necklines. They paired these with satin ballet slippers, and you can imagine how perfectly those shoes glided across the dance floor. Some of the daring dandies even wore silk shorts with their leotards. sigh. It's enough to make you swoon!
But my biggest takeaway? While the ladies in 1934 adored leotards for dancing, these wonderful, stretchy creations weren’t considered commonplace. It was the world of the dancers, of course, but the ordinary folks wouldn't be seen dead in one! This made my heart ache, because what could be better than wearing a soft, luxurious leotard while flitting about your day, sipping tea, going shopping, or maybe even doing some ballet? Oh, the dreams of a dreamer like me, I tell you!
However, that doesn't mean there weren't amazing things happening! I actually saw a stunning show, a true Parisian spectacle called "The Ziegfeld Follies". The whole production was overflowing with vibrant costumes, extravagant feathers and the most incredible ballet! My pink tutu couldn't help but nod its approval in the back row - they knew how to put on a show! The ballet in this production wasn't just about skill; it was an art form, telling stories with each graceful leap and delicate pirouette.
Speaking of skill, I saw a performance by a truly remarkable ballet troupe - the Ballets Russes. They took New York by storm, bringing with them a revolution in ballet. Think bold costumes, dynamic movements, and thrillingly abstract choreography, it was just magnificent. But you know, for all their dramatic elegance, I couldn't help but wish they were rocking a little more pink. I mean, honestly, what is a performance without a splash of pink?! It truly adds a touch of whimsy and joy, a touch of magic!
Another big fashion development that had my tutu positively quivering was the rise of the leotard as sportswear! It became increasingly popular for women doing gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics, and this was absolutely joyous to see! Finally, something for our amazing athletes and their dynamic movements. And yes, I must confess, I tried a few pirouettes while dressed in some of those stunning sporty leotards, just for fun! I simply can't resist a bit of ballet!
The shops were bursting with the latest in "athletic wear", especially the beautiful new swimsuit trends. Imagine flowing fabric, interesting cuts, and designs with sporty yet flattering lines. The "modern girl" was definitely embracing new freedom with her clothes, just like the way I embraced time travel! It was incredible to see this bold move towards women's empowerment reflected in the world of leotard and athletic fashion! It’s all about freedom, freedom to express yourself through dance and movement.
While I may have been wearing a very uncommon pink tutu in 1934, there was a delightful energy brewing around fashion. There were those who still stuck to traditional clothing, of course. The "old guard" as you would say, but they didn't know what they were missing. It made my time travelling heart flutter because change is on its way, just like that wonderful moment in ballet when your arms gracefully extend, ready for the next move.
I ended my time travel journey, feeling invigorated, a bit more rebellious than usual, and with my usual burning passion to get every single person in the world into a pink tutu! It may be a long shot, but as they say in Derbyshire, "Where there's a will, there's a way" and I simply will not be deterred. If you see me out and about on my favourite street corners, come and join me in a joyful twirl. And, if you're ready for your own pink tutu adventure, check out the incredible shop listings on www.pink-tutu.com – it’s overflowing with fabulous finds just waiting for you to find your own time-travelling magic!
Until next month, my lovelies, dance with joy!
Your dear friend,
Emma
