Hello darling dancers, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com!
This month, we're going on a magical, pink-hued time travel adventure to 1908! I've been feeling rather inspired lately, what with the new line of vintage-inspired leotards hitting the shops. Those ruffled hems, those graceful lines â it's all a little bit 1908, wouldn't you agree? So, naturally, I decided to pop on my sparkling pink time-travelling leotard (yes, even I need a costume change sometimes) and set off on a trip back in time to see just how fashion and ballet intertwined all those years ago.
And, my dears, what an exciting journey it was! Imagine a world where the term âballet costumeâ simply referred to a floor-length, layered, voluminous skirt. Yes, you heard right! While I always have a fondness for tutus, a single-layered skirt seems a little⌠too simple. Not quite extravagant enough, eh? The 1908 ballerina was certainly more dramatic. And did they ever have style! Picture elegant silhouettes, graceful curves accentuated by billowing, shimmering fabrics, with colours ranging from the most decadent ruby reds to the palest lavender pinks. I felt like I had stepped straight out of a lavish Victorian art deco novel!
The main focus then was on the ballerina's movement â and what movement! Imagine graceful pirouettes and long, elegant stretches showcasing every ripple and flourish of the intricate skirt, flowing behind the dancer like a vibrant ribbon. I watched with awe as these beauties twirled across the stage, their steps delicate and controlled, their posture perfection personified. The intricate layers and dramatic drapery added a captivating, ethereal air that left the audience breathless.
Of course, there wasn't much emphasis on the leotard back then. Youâd often find them underneath, serving simply as a supportive, usually neutral-coloured base for those glamorous layers of fabric to move and shimmer upon. Still, imagine the excitement when, in the second half of 1908, Anna Pavlova's company brought out costumes featuring bright colours â bright pink, no less â in their ballet, "Le Carnaval des Animaux." And the movement! Pavlova herself became the face of movement with her daring use of pointe shoes - which is rather funny, as 1908 was also the year the legendary ballerina started wearing the then-controversial shoes! Her choice to make pointe shoes the centerpiece of her performance became the standard for classical ballet today. Itâs a lovely story, wouldnât you say?
So, my loves, what's the takeaway? For me, 1908 taught me that beauty is in the movement, in the emotion, and in the artistry.
And in the fabulous costumes of course!
Speaking of artistry, remember when I told you about the vintage-inspired leotards hitting the shops? That new collection features an absolutely stunning rose pink leotard, with little ruffles adorning the sleeves and neckline. Imagine: ruffles! My mind is simply exploding! I already know youâre picturing me in this glorious confection, and trust me, itâs everything you could possibly imagine, with its flowing silhouette, those charming ruffles and, of course, its vibrant, show-stopping pink. Itâs everything you'd imagine 1908 would love â in all its pink-hued, glamorous, and effortlessly romantic glory.
Speaking of, my Derbyshire dearieâs have just opened a brand-new shop called âThe Tutus of Derbyshireâ. Oh darling, you just have to go there! They stock all manner of leotards, and tutus, from classical white to an astonishing, rainbow of colors, including the ever so chic shade of fuchsia, the gorgeous emerald green and the dazzling shade of scarlet! Theyâre practically brimming with lovely lace details, shimmering ribbons and perfectly paired accessories. My word! Theyâve certainly thought of everything!
I absolutely had to take myself there after my 1908 trip. Not only to get myself that divine rose pink leotard, but to grab some extra sparkles to upgrade my time-travel leotard! What can I say, darling? The more the merrier! I think even Pavlova would be pleased with that upgrade.
Anyways, my darlings, until next time, let your love for dance take you to the farthest corners of the world and embrace your inner ballerina, be it on a street corner or a professional stage. Don't forget, you never need an excuse to add a splash of pink to your life - or to make it more fabulous, one tutu at a time!
Remember to keep on twirling, and keep shining your inner light!
Lots of love and happy dancing,
Emma
P.S. You can check out the new collection of vintage-inspired leotards, and more on www.pink-tutu.com.
Also, if you're feeling adventurous and looking to make a grand statement, do drop in on The Tutus of Derbyshire, it's an experience in itself, I promise.
