Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to take you on another time-travelling adventure through the wonderful world of leotards! As you all know, my magical, sparkly, pink leotard is a portal to any era, and today, June 2017, I'm setting my sights on... drum roll please... the Victorian era!
Hold on to your tiaras, darlings, because things are about to get delightfully decadent!
Victorian Dance Fashion - From Corsets toā¦ Well, Still Corsets
Imagine, my dears, a time when dancers were squeezed into tight corsets and heavy, cumbersome dresses, even when performing. Can you believe it?! It's truly fascinating, and oh-so-frustrating for any tutu-lover like myself! Now, while those long, flowing skirts weren't exactly designed for pirouettes and arabesques, the ladies certainly made do with their gracefully choreographed movements!
Despite the restrictive attire, there was a touch of romanticism that permeated Victorian dance fashion. Think elaborate tutus made of silk, lace, and feathers, often accompanied by beautiful bodices and colourful sashes. Honestly, the level of detail and artistry in those old costumes was astounding.
But What About Leotards, You Ask?
You know, even with my all-powerful sparkly leotard, I couldn't quite bring myself to pull up a seat at a Victorian ballet performance. Why? Well, darling, they didn't exactly have leotards as we know them! Ballet in those days wasn't quite the modern spectacle we know today. Ballet was for the aristocracy, a form of entertainment, more a refined ballroom dance than an athletic spectacle. Imagine ballet on a pedestal, surrounded by chandeliers and swirling silks, and you'll have a picture of the era's ballet aesthetic.
The Ballet of the Day - From Fairy Tales to Shakespeare
This is the time of Marius Petipa, the maestro who created some of the most beloved ballets, like The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, and oh, he knew how to create a visually dazzling performance!
I've been dreaming of the day I get to see the first staging of Swan Lake, darling. Imagine the grandeur, the emotions, and the pure magic of seeing this masterpiece come alive! It's almost as if my sparkly pink leotard can already feel it...
But, darling, you're telling me I'm going to see zero pink tutus?
Well, now, let's not get carried away! Although tutus weren't exactly what they are today, let me tell you about one iconic tutu: La Sylphide's diaphanous, barely-there dress! And wouldn't you know it, it was pink!
Now, imagine La Sylphide gracefully flitting around the stage, a vision of ethereal beauty in her pink skirt. That's what this whole 'pink tutu' thing is all about, my dears - the power of the pink tutu to embody a dancer's ethereal spirit, their power, their passion.
The Leotard of Today - Oh My, Such Styles!
Okay, let's switch back to the world of today's leotard trends, my loves! Have you seen the latest releases, darling? My online shopping addiction is in overdrive! From sleek and sporty designs with bold prints, to those gloriously frilly tutus perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your performances, the choices are simply divine! And let's not forget the colour palette: pinks, blues, greens, oh, it's a leotard lover's paradise out there!
Oh, darling! The newest collection of tutus is from a boutique in Derby. Yes, thatās my hometown, right here in Derbyshire! These designers, āLeotard Lovelinessā, just blew my mind with their use of colour, detail and creativity! Theyāve designed their whole collection in the most amazing, delicate, feminine pink shade - it's an absolute masterpiece. They have been on my āto-seeā list for a while and are now top of the list! I canāt wait to catch a show and add one or two beauties to my collection!
Speaking of seeing shows, you wonāt believe who is playing in London on this day, 19 June, 2017, the Royal Opera House are presenting āLe Corsaireā a show I have always wanted to see and will be there in the audience! If you ever get the opportunity, darling, be sure to see it for yourself. You will not regret it!
Remember, my loves, wearing a pink tutu is not just about fashion. Itās about a way of life! Itās about embracing your femininity, your individuality, and your love for the arts. So, put on your prettiest pink tutu, strike a pose, and spread the joy of dance and the love of pink with every pirouette you perform!
Now, off to my next time-travel escapade, my dears! Until next month, keep twirling and spreading pink magic everywhere you go!
**Your Pink Tutu Queen,
Emma.**
