Hey darlings! It's your girl, Emma, back with another sizzling time travel adventure. Grab your pink tutus (it’s mandatory for this journey!) because this month, we’re stepping back into the vibrant world of 1947, a year brimming with fashion excitement, from shimmering sequins to…well, even more sequins!
You know me – a girl loves her leotard history. And honestly, nothing beats being transported back in time in my magical pink sparkling leotard. Who knows where I'll land this time?
Hold onto your tulle! I'm in 1947, 7th July, London. Let’s dive into this beautiful era!
First stop: A Showstopper at Sadler's Wells Theatre
It’s Saturday night, the 7th of July, and I’m taking my place in the elegant crowd at the iconic Sadler’s Wells Theatre. I love this time, the air buzzing with a thrill for live entertainment, the thrill of a night out in post-war Britain. A wave of excitement rushes through the theatre as the curtain rises, and the dazzling world of dance bursts onto the stage. We are all ready to be transported!
I spy some stunning leotards adorned with tulle and silk, perfectly fitting the era's elegance. My heart flutters at the sight. It's ballet at its finest – graceful movements, flowing fabrics, and a symphony of emotions brought to life through the dance. Tonight, it’s “Cinderella” – the fairytale, brought to life by the exquisite costumes. The Cinderella Leotard is everything. I feel so happy being in 1947; ballet fashion was truly magical.
Fashion-Forward and Beyond
Of course, no trip through time is complete without some serious shopping! Thankfully, a fashionable gal in 1947 could find all sorts of glamorous leotards. This is an era of elegant fashion with plenty of vibrant colour, textures and dramatic flourishes. It’s the era of glamorous sequins, dramatic lace, tulle and velvet and of course, plenty of silk for that ultra-chic feel. There are even bold styles incorporating colourful patches and geometric designs on the leotards – something that’s still trendy today. A girl can’t help but love a bit of nostalgic inspiration!
The high street buzzes with boutiques full of stylish clothing, including beautiful leotards perfect for dancing or for an evening out. There’s a growing interest in ballet wear, too! Even the non-ballet fashion is so stylish – skirts, blouses, and dresses are all inspired by the elegance and femininity of the ballerina world!
It is the first post-war summer – London is abuzz! You see the change in mood with the people’s dress sense, which feels almost playful compared to the previous years. People are clearly ready for brighter days, lighter days and fashion definitely reflects that.
Street Dancing - Spreading the Tutu Love
No matter how fabulous the leotards are in the stores, nothing beats the buzz of street performance! To finance my time-traveling antics, you see, I use my own special style of “Street Ballet,” It’s not your classic balletic style (although, I do love those steps) – I’m all about expression and spreading the pink tutu joy through street-style dance! It works perfectly with the London crowds’ love for dancing and music! It seems everyone wants to get up and move when I perform – so wonderful!
Back then, there are a lot of dancers who love expressing their talent in a spontaneous, free fashion. There’s just this love of movement. It’s incredible. People dance on the streets. And what do they wear? It’s leotards all the way! Sometimes you see a mix-and-match styles. They're the “original vintage lovers.”
As you can imagine, in 1947, a pink tutu would truly be a statement! People stare. I can’t help but beam with glee when a few even try to join in on the fun. Every time I travel back in time I feel like I'm making a small difference – sharing my love for dancing and inspiring people to move and celebrate the joys of life! It’s simply a joy to make everyone dance!
A Night Under the Stars: A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s Leotard World
As the night ends, and the final notes of “Cinderella” fade into the air, I find myself strolling along the River Thames. There’s a new feel to the city’s spirit - a real hopefulness that radiates from the people – people who had experienced such hardship yet remain optimistic about the future.
As I gaze across the city lights, I feel inspired. This 1947 leotard fashion world - so graceful, so bold and so optimistic - it leaves me wanting to explore and see where it will all lead. Will the leotard evolve even more into its next chapter?
I may have traveled to 1947, but with every adventure, I'm inspired for the future, to continue spreading the pink tutu joy around the globe.
Until next time, darlings! Stay fabulous, dance on!
With pink and glitter,
Emma x
*Follow Emma's time-traveling leotard journey on www.pink-tutu.com. Let us know where in history you would love to time-travel with Emma in the comments section below! *
