Hello my lovely pink tutu devotees! Welcome back to another exciting adventure in the world of leotard fashion. Today's date - 12th December 2006, - is extra special. Not just because I got to snag a beautiful hand-stitched silk leotard in Vienna (more on that later), but because I learned about a little-known chapter in ballet history that will truly make you say "ooh la la!"
It's so much fun travelling in my magical pink-sparkling leotard! As you all know, I fund my time travel by performing street ballet - imagine a pink tutu swirling across cobbled squares, a little bit of magic, and always lots of smiles! This month, I had a rather fab gig outside the Royal Opera House. Such a grand setting! It allowed me to take a little time for some serious shopping at Covent Garden (the flower market was heavenly!). And guess what I found tucked away in an antique shop? An actual photograph from 1932 of Russian ballet legend, Anna Pavlova, sporting a leotard design that was the talk of the town back then - the "Pavlova cut"! It's like a romantic mix of classic elegance and playful sparkle – very on trend for modern leotards.
But, enough about the fashionable finds! Back to the story. It's not every day that one gets to witness a revolution in leotard fashion. And that is what I stumbled upon here in the heart of Vienna today!
Remember all those fabulous French fashion magazines you see at the market? They are full of information on current fashion trends - from gorgeous dresses, shoes, handbags - all the latest things people are wearing. This includes leotard trends of course. They're an absolute treasure trove for leotard design inspiration - if only someone would show people all those amazing vintage designs, they would know that modern ballet fashion is a little... well, dull compared to what dancers wore in the past.
Back in the 19th century, women in France had been embracing practical clothing for sports - and this included dance outfits. Then in the early 20th century, these "dance leotards" evolved, leading to some of the most incredible designs we see in old ballet photographs today.
Now, today is the 12th December 2006, and a groundbreaking show called "Dances of the Century" is happening at the Vienna State Opera. I mean, can you imagine a night full of ballet dancers wearing different leotards from across the 20th century - absolute heaven for any ballet lover like me!
But guess what I learned? Back in the 1900s and 1910s, these dance leotards had very specific details. These were often a combination of lace and satin - both comfortable and beautifully elegant. We’re talking romantic – so dreamy – I’m practically swooning just writing about it!
There was one trend I just had to investigate! Think "empire line" and "baby doll" with an edge of chic Parisian flair! French ballet dancers were practically wearing modern leotards! (Before we even had a concept of them!) They even had what they called a "French neckline" - all about showing those beautiful ballet shoulders! Oh my word! These leotards sound positively dazzling!
Of course, ballet designers kept pushing those boundaries throughout the 1920s and 1930s, using things like velvets, tulles and other interesting fabrics – oh so sophisticated, don't you think? All leading up to that magnificent 1932 "Pavlova Cut" leotard!
However, these lovely leotard fashions sadly started to fade out as dancers began using more body-hugging materials like Lycra and nylon for performance. It seemed the days of romantic details were over.
Well, at least until now! You all know that I always champion that "little bit of romance" in our leotard wardrobe – that hint of fantasy. Today I even had an idea for a collection I'm calling "Pavlova's Dream," because every woman deserves a little romance!
Imagine yourself waltzing across the dance floor in a blush-coloured, soft lace leotard that just skims your skin, with a delicate silk wrap that cascades around you - think beautiful flowing chiffon, a dash of sparkle, and a hint of those chic "French necklines." Now add some playful pink ballet shoes – the whole ensemble simply glowing under the soft spotlight… That’s what “Pavlova's Dream” is all about, darling!
Of course, no blog post would be complete without my own fashion confession! Just after the opera performance, I strolled through the Viennese city, twirling in my leotard, admiring the architecture… and, well, you know me! I can't resist a good vintage shop. That’s when I found the most stunning hand-stitched, silk leotard - a little bit 1920s-inspired and perfect for my "Pavlova's Dream" collection!
That, my dearest readers, is my leotard adventure for today. If you find yourself in Vienna, I urge you to seek out that fabulous performance at the Vienna State Opera - "Dances of the Century"! But just remember - there are beautiful treasures to be found all over the world – you only have to have an eye for them!
Now, let’s take those pink tutus and go spread some dance-filled magic around the world! See you all next month for another exciting leotard journey!
Lots of love and sparkly leotards,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
