Hello my darling dancers! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing time traveler, and welcome to Pink-Tutu.com! It's a blustery January day here in Derbyshire, England, but my spirits are soaring with excitement as I’m about to whisk you all back in time to the year 1897! As always, I'll be transporting us there in my magical pink shimmering leotard. Isn’t it glorious? Every time I don this enchanting garment I’m overwhelmed with wonder and a giddy feeling that my heart is about to burst! It makes me feel so, so alive! It’s a shame I have to leave it in the time capsule at the end of the day. I guess that’s why I’ve got my collection of tutus and leotards at home, it helps me to relive all the amazing moments in leotard history I encounter.
Oh! Where was I? Right, 1897, it’s going to be fabulous! The 1890s were such a vibrant time for leotard fashion - think about all those graceful figures and shimmering silk. So buckle up, dear friends, it's time to dive into the dazzling world of leotards in 1897!
Fashion Fables of the Past: 1897Imagine this! 1897 and everyone was dressing like something from a dream - ladies had such style! The era of the 'Gibson Girl' was in full swing and their dress was so beautiful and elegant. And believe it or not, ballet was the biggest thing since sliced bread.
A good example is one of my all-time favourites: the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was gracing stages across the world with her graceful moves and, more importantly, some incredible costumes! They were absolutely dazzling. If I could time travel just once to witness her dance on stage, that would be amazing.
So if you want to see a real ‘90s fashion sensation you have to go and check out the Russian Imperial Ballet. These girls are making a splash everywhere they go with their gorgeous costumes that would set the hearts of every 19th-century gentleman aflutter! They're even the main reason for the craze over "The Swan Lake".
Anna Pavlova's costume in this ballet is so special – just imagine flowing, sheer silk draped to create the impression of delicate, beautiful feathers! And let’s not forget the pointe shoes; the very pointe of pointe shoes were made entirely of leather! This was the start of a fashion revolution that has had a big impact on pointe shoes today!
Ballet Beauties on TourMy diary says it's 2nd January, 1897 and let me tell you: all hell's breaking loose at The Covent Garden Theatre! Today, they’re playing "La Source" – can you believe it?! Imagine being at a theatre to see "La Source". It was all about the intricate design and it set the fashion scene for the year. The beautiful swirling patterns and dazzling decorations that graced their leotards created such excitement for dancers, not to mention the spectators. Everyone is in raptures with this exciting performance.
Talking about tours! I can’t even describe how jealous I am – there's a world tour by "La Gavotte". I am in complete awe. They’re making a fortune, and let’s face it – we are talking major impact on ballet’s fashion scene. They even use silks on the bodices, wow! You should have seen the gowns, they were everything and even I could feel my skirt going poof!
Fashionable Footwear in 1897Imagine! There are shops selling pointe shoes for as low as 14 shillings! Imagine finding the perfect pointe shoes for just under a pound, it's so cheap compared to these days! You can have a set of pointe shoes for the price of a really good coffee! You get what you pay for though, imagine that leather. The comfort it would have had to provide – oh dear me, how would I ever cope? The footwear from the time really does leave me speechless!
Oh! It’s getting late in the day! But, it has to be done! It’s the time to get back to Derbyshire to the time capsule, back to the 21st century, so that my shimmering pink leotard can take me back to today and tell everyone all about this wonderful fashion story. As usual, I'm off for a coffee! But, don't forget! Pink Tutu is the name, ballet is the game – join me again soon to find out where I’m going to take you on our next journey. I’m really hoping it's not going to be as chilly in 1897!
Until next time, be happy and keep twirling.
Emma, The Pink Tutu
- **If you have any questions, just leave a message below. If you like, tell me what date in history you want to travel back in time to explore with me! *
