Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller and curator of all things leotard. Today's journey takes us back to 2005, April the 4th, to explore a moment in history that I simply had to see for myself. Imagine, if you will, the fashion scene just over a century ago... sigh, it was all so wonderfully dramatic and full of flourish.
My magical, shimmering, pink leotard zipped me through time this month and I found myself on the cobbled streets of London in 1890. What a treat it was to experience such a different world, especially the world of ballet and stage performances. Imagine, a world before stretchy fabrics, lycra and even tights. Leotard fashion was quite a bit different then, but even more fascinating!
For the first time, I began to truly understand the revolution the dance leotard, which we now see as the staple for gym and stage alike, represented. Before this, ballet, as I learned, relied on very elaborate costumes, often quite cumbersome and hot. It's incredible to think of the bravery of those dancers as they leapt and twirled in layers of fabric!
That is not to say, however, that I did not appreciate their elegance. It was in these earlier times that dancers’ garments were almost a visual representation of a ballerina's evolution into grace, of transformation, as they discarded restrictive, decorative and cumbersome costumes and slipped into a simple garment designed for movement: the leotard! The shift was one of power and freedom in movement.
A Peek into Leotard History in the 1890s:
It is believed the modern leotard took root, so to speak, in the 1890s with the innovative designs of dancer and dancer-turned-designer Jules Léotard. While he is primarily known for the circus leotard worn by his renowned acrobatic company in France, this later spread into the dance world as well. The style was seen as the embodiment of strength and form, which it surely was, and a much simpler approach to dressing dancers.
This style began its evolution from the form-fitting, often white leotard with a wide neckline into what we now see as the leotard style of ballet classes: sleeveless with a close fitting shape to the body, made in cotton and a variety of materials. You can see that the modern leotard truly takes its form from this initial revolution in clothing designed for physical grace and expression.
Exploring Fashion and Culture on April the 4th, 1890:
The highlight of this trip for me was the chance to attend a show. In 1890, the London Coliseum was still in its infancy. Now, one of the iconic performing arts centers in the world, it was bursting with excitement and energy in its debut years.
I found a fabulous leotard from that time period for my trip to the Coliseum - a shimmering emerald green silk bodice with lace edging, matched with a deep plum velvet skirt! (Oh, the luxury, you simply wouldn’t find materials like that in stores now!)
Now, you may not think there was much dancing to see on the bill, as this is when musical theatre, opera, and vaudeville reigned, but, believe me, I got to see some truly incredible and imaginative stage costumes. Think corsets, puffed sleeves, and dramatic headdresses! Oh, the creativity of the period is absolutely dazzling and inspiring.
On the subject of corsets, though, my little tummy ached for a bit after a full evening. Just imagine wearing them all night – no way could you get that free range of motion for leaps and pirouettes, like dancers enjoy now! The style of dance reflected this - no quick, sharp, light steps for them, instead, more fluid movements - much like a dancer being "encased" within their gowns.
While the corset trend had reached its pinnacle in the 1890s, its reign was coming to an end. I truly see how that movement impacted the simplification of costume that emerged in dance around that time. Imagine those dramatic layers and fabrics changing into the sleekness of today’s dance leotard! What a shift!
The Pink Tutu - Always Inspiring:
As I hopped back to my Derbyshire home, my pink tutu swirling around me like a cloud of loveliness, I knew I’d fallen in love with this bygone era, and in a funny way, this trip only cemented my desire to spread the pink tutu message! I believe that leotard fashion has truly come full circle, taking inspiration from past trends to embrace modernity and personal expression, whether we’re at the ballet or taking a Zumba class!
And on that note, darlings, I have a rather exciting announcement! In May, I'll be making my big debut in London's Hyde Park! The perfect spot to dance amongst nature! You know I can't wait to inspire Londoners with my pink tutu ballet, and share my leotard love with all who cross my path.
Be sure to stay tuned for the next exciting chapter in my adventures.
With love and sparkle,
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with all your fashion-loving friends!
P.P.S. Remember, every day is an opportunity to put on your pink tutu and embrace the world in a beautiful way. 💖✨
