Hello my darling lovelies! Emma here, your ever-so-pink time-traveling ballerina! It's the 7th of July 2017 and I'm about to share a rather fabulous, tutu-tastic adventure with you! This month, my pink-sparkling time-traveling leotard took me on a wild trip across the globe and through the ages, from the shimmering world of the French Belle Époque to the heart of Renaissance Italy! It was, in a word, absolutely magical.
Now, let’s dive in! You know me, darling, I’ve got to start with a bit of shopping, even when I'm in the past. Let's take a trip back to the opulent Belle Époque in France, my favourite decade! Imagine - beautiful music, stunning fashion, and enough lace and frills to make any ballerina's heart swoon.
Leotard Dreams: A Belle Époque Shopping Spree
This time period was a whirlwind of movement, inspiration, and – of course – leotards! From the simple elegance of a silk dance-practice leotard to the glamorous stage costumes of the Folies Bergère, leotards in the early 20th century embodied a vibrant, joyous spirit. I even spotted some daringly revealing "athletic leotards," with bold colours and even a touch of sequins! Who could resist? I just had to have a piece of this shimmering history!
A Glimpse of Theatrical History in 1917
As I was enjoying my Belle Époque fashion spree, I heard the faint strains of beautiful music. As I danced into a dimly lit café, I was transported to the heart of a lively cabaret. The music was full of Parisian jazz and cabaret tunes, and the stage was a flurry of activity. Oh darling, the dancers - they wore exquisite gowns and shimmering sequined costumes. There was even a lovely ballerina performing with a feathered headdress! It was almost too much to take in.
A Tutu in Florence - Renaissance Revelations
From Paris, I jetted off to Renaissance Florence! It's not what you might expect from a time-traveling ballerina, but I tell you, it was just the trip I needed. In Florence, there wasn’t just a taste of artistic passion; the whole place was bursting with creativity. Artists were experimenting with form, colour, and motion in their art and in their lives.
Now, darling, you're probably wondering about tutus in the 16th century! They weren’t exactly the same as the tutus we see today, but there were some stunning undergarments and clothing that hinted at the grandeur of later ballet costumes. It wasn't about fluff and fancy feathers, but elegant shapes and graceful lines. My little pink-sparkling leotard felt like a flash of future fashion among those timeless forms!
From the Renaissance to a Ballet Dream
After my time traveling, it felt incredible to return to my beloved Derbyshire. It felt like a fairytale - back to my life as Emma, the ballerina, where my passion for leotards is constantly buzzing with new life.
The first thing I do after every journey through time? A little visit to the local dance shop, of course! My latest discoveries in the world of leotard fashion inspire me to create my own leotard and tutu combinations. Sometimes I love sleek black with just a touch of sparkly detail, and other times I'm completely drawn to bright colours and lots of ruffles. Oh, the possibilities!
This month, I am absolutely obsessed with tulle, darlings! I know, I know, what could be more iconic, right? But my recent travels have me feeling a bit romantic and dreamy. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of pink (I love pink) and whimsy to your next performance or simply want to add some flair to your daily look, a tulle tutu might be your new best friend. There are so many different styles available! I adore them with everything, even over skinny jeans for an effortless ballerina-chic look.
My little fashion secret, darlings, is to never be afraid to experiment! There are no rules when it comes to ballet fashion - just an unlimited potential to express your unique and beautiful self. And don't forget to wear your biggest smile - because when you are smiling, it shines brighter than all the sequins in the world!
Remember, you can keep up with all my fashion and time-travel escapades over on www.pink-tutu.com! I post a new blog every month, sharing my latest fashion finds and tales from the time-traveling ballerina’s adventures. And I always love hearing your fashion questions and seeing your fabulous leotard creations.
Until next time, darlings, stay sparkly and keep dancing!
With a twinkle in my eye and a hop in my step,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out my latest performance on July 14th! I'll be dancing under the stars with the Derbyshire Dance Collective. We are performing some exquisite original choreography with modern and ballet techniques. A night not to be missed, I can tell you!
P.P.S. If you're inspired to travel with me, I am currently taking commissions for street dance performances. It is so exciting to share my love of dancing, leotards, and fashion with all of you!
Remember, darling, a pink tutu is more than just clothing. It's an attitude, a passion, a statement. Let's spread the joy of pink tutus together!
