Hello darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and sparkly, where tutus reign supreme and leotards are the ultimate expression of grace and fashion. Today, we're taking a little trip back in time, but not just any old trip, no, we're taking a time-travelling adventure, naturally in my very own magical pink leotard. This month, we're exploring the year 1913 and a very important era in leotard fashion.
So, put on your favourite tutu, grab a cuppa (itâs a British thing!), and settle in for a whirlwind journey through time.
1913: A Year of Change and Dance
1913 was a year of change and innovation, not just in fashion, but across the world. This was the year that the first modern Olympics took place in Stockholm, and across the world, dancers were pushing boundaries and embracing a new era of athleticism and elegance. The world of leotards was transforming, too! Gone were the bulky and restrictive styles of the past.
In the early 1900s, leotards were mostly seen in gymnastics, where their practicality for showcasing the dynamic movements of the sport was evident. They were often made of cotton and could feel quite heavy and thick compared to what we see today. But change was in the air, and that change was all about freedom of movement, style, and elegance.
Enter the World of the "Dancing Girl"
The dance scene was evolving rapidly, with new styles like modern dance emerging. This new, expressive form of dance required a leotard that was light, airy and moved with the dancer, allowing them to flow with the music and capture the emotions of the choreography. The iconic "dancing girl" was starting to take centre stage.
This new aesthetic extended beyond the world of the stage, as well. It was fashionable for women to embrace a new spirit of freedom, both in their clothes and in their lives. Leotards started to appear in sports and activities like swimming, giving women the confidence to explore their physical capabilities without feeling restricted.
A Blast to the Past - My Fashionable Adventures in 1913
The journey to 1913 began, as usual, in a flash of pink and sparkly magic. And who could resist?
In the time travel vortex, the world around me began to shift and blur, until, suddenly, I found myself standing in a busy London street. But this wasnât the London I knew. This was the London of Edwardian England, a time when elegant hats, corseted gowns and fashionable gentlemen in dapper suits filled the streets. It felt like stepping into a sepia-toned photograph!
Naturally, I wanted to blend in - just a little bit! - but keep that unique tutu charm. My sparkling pink leotard wouldnât look quite right among all those frocks, so I chose a delicate lace petticoat to go with my favourite pink tutu. The combination of the airy lightness of the lace and the bright, beautiful pink was positively divine.
I made my way to the West End to witness the theatre scene firsthand. As I entered the elegant theatre, I found myself in a world of shimmering lights, luxurious velvet seats, and a buzz of excitement that mirrored my own!
My mission was to see âThe Merry Widowâ, a sparkling operetta by Franz LehĂĄr that captured the hearts of London society in 1913. As the music swept through the theatre, and the dance scenes unfolded, it was like I was in a real-life performance of the ballet "The Pink Flamingo," only without the flamingo (alas). The graceful movement of the dancers, the beautiful costumes and the dazzling sparkle of the whole affair just made me feel like I was a part of a living dream.
Of course, I was incredibly interested in the dance costumes. The leotards I saw in the performance werenât as simple or streamlined as what we wear today. Instead, they had a little bit of a romantic flair. The designs were more ornate and featured a variety of embellishments like lace, ribbons, and even sequins.
What particularly stood out to me was the sheer beauty of these leotards, highlighting the bodyâs movement through fabrics such as chiffon, silk and velvet. You know Iâm a huge fan of embellishments and delicate textures. Even with the relatively heavy, voluminous leotard, there was an unmistakable aura of grace and fluidity.
A Visit to Liberty London
After my theatrical delight, I was keen to see how the new wave of leotards and dancing styles influenced fashionable London women. I made my way to Liberty London, a store that was considered the centre of avant-garde style in 1913. Stepping inside, it was like a symphony of colours, patterns, and fabrics, a kaleidoscope of sartorial elegance!
I immediately made my way to the ladiesâ wear section, looking for those beautiful new dance and sports-inspired clothes Iâd been hearing so much about. My excitement bubbled over as I came across a gorgeous selection of dresses and tunics made from flowing silk and delicate lace, perfectly showcasing the fashionable and modern woman's silhouette. It felt like every item was calling out for a spin, a dance!
I did find a leotard - a one-piece, very simple in design but in an eye-catching deep red. It would have been fantastic on a ballet dancer in a professional performance! But that day, I just felt drawn towards the exquisite designs of the flowing frocks and intricate, beautifully embellished ladiesâ tunics. They truly captured the spirit of feminine fashion. I think it's the freedom of movement, of style, and self-expression that drew me to those stunning garments - a feeling that speaks directly to the true purpose of my time-travelling quest to inspire a global pink tutu revolution.
From the Stage to the Streets: Pink Tutus Reign
Back in my own time, I have to confess that this visit to the Edwardian era reminded me how even back in 1913, women weren't afraid to break barriers and experiment with their clothes, embrace new ideas of elegance, and above all, celebrate the power of movement, grace, and feminine charm. And what better way to capture that feeling than with a gorgeous tutu!
But remember, thereâs more than just ballet to tutus! Don't let anyone tell you that pink tutus are just for fancy, stage performances, my darlings! Whether youâre walking through a bustling street, taking a class, or simply twirling for joy, the power of the pink tutu knows no bounds! Embrace it! Own it! Be proud of that fabulous sparkle and embrace that joyful confidence.
You never know what time travel adventures my next leotard journey will bring, but I hope this little trip to 1913 inspired you to step out of your comfort zone, explore your inner style, and wear your pink tutu with pride. After all, a life without tutus is a life wasted! And that's just not right.
Until next month,
Keep dancing!
Emma xx
