Hello, darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! It's Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another fabulous journey through time, in my trusty pink time-travelling leotard.
This month, I'm taking you right back to the heart of 19th century London! It's 2nd February 2021 back in Derbyshire, but I'm dancing amongst the cobbled streets of Victorian England, taking in the sights and sounds, the horse-drawn carriages and, of course, the leotard fashion of the day!
Now, my darlings, the 19th century wasn't exactly known for its brightly coloured, tutued, street-style leotards. No, this was a time of corseting and crinolines! However, I always find it utterly fascinating how styles and shapes evolve, and it all starts with some inspiration from somewhere!
Before I could even set foot in a London theatre, I felt the magic of the past beckoning. Imagine my surprise as I wandered down a dusty street and saw a tiny dance academy nestled amongst the booksellers! As I peaked in, I spied a young lady with auburn hair and a kind smile, her leotard form just glimpsed beneath a long flowing tunic. She was guiding her students in beautiful balletic grace, demonstrating stretches and techniques, each movement elegant and purposeful!
This little school was just brimming with potential, the atmosphere radiating passion for dance and artistry. These ballerinas weren't strutting in sparkling sequins and tutu's, but they were practicing their heart out!
The young instructor told me all about their performances at the "Theatre Royal Drury Lane". My pulse quickened - could it be?! It had to be! This was the very spot where the famed choreographer, Jules Perrot, had once graced the stage! A true pioneer of ballet! And yes, of course, there was mention of his leotards - or as he called them, "The Tight" ā so tight fitting!
He is thought to have revolutionised leotards in the 19th century, crafting them from flesh-toned jersey and making the tight leotard a staple of the ballet wardrobe! I think you could say, my darlings, that he was a bit of a genius, if you will forgive the pun! He understood the beauty of simplicity, the fluidity of movement. His tights were all about letting the dancersā bodies speak through dance, free and unbound! I must say, his understanding of what was essential for a ballet dancer is quite admirable, as always.
You know me, my darlings! Once a time travel bug bites, thereās no stopping me. The call of history drew me towards that legendary Theatre Royal Drury Lane. As I stood in the street, imagining the bustling crowds, the gaslights illuminating the Victorian era streets, I couldnāt resist stepping through the portal to see it all in full glory.
My magical leotard whisked me through a whirling vortex, and within a heartbeat I was standing in front of the grand old building, bathed in a soft glow of the early evening twilight. Such a majestic building with its beautiful architecture, full of character, steeped in theatrical history! I could practically hear the echo of applause from its depths!
It wasn't a huge leap, my darlings, to realise that such a vibrant theatre would also be bustling with fashion! I hurried towards its imposing doors, eager to experience a taste of its theatrical charm.
Inside the theatre, I wandered into the opulent lobby. Everything shimmered with a soft opulence, velvet seats adorned with floral brocade, ornate mirrors, glittering chandeliers. I could easily see this place had witnessed its fair share of dramatic moments! The place was bustling! Actors and actresses in period dress bustled around in excited chatter, and a hushed silence fell over the gathering crowd just as the curtain rose for the performance.
Tonight, it was an operetta, and oh, my darling, what an operetta it was! I sat, enthralled, mesmerised. The singers' voices floated through the air with grace and beauty, the sets a beautiful swirl of painted backdrops, the costumes dazzling in their historical accuracy, the dramatic movements, the theatrical makeup and of course, the wonderful dance scenes!
There were dances performed in traditional costumes and the male dancers, some of whom sported tights, while others were clad in full Victorian costumes, a sight for sore eyes, truly beautiful.
My breath hitched as the female ballet dancers took centre stage. They weren't wearing my signature tutu, my darling, but their dance costumes were magnificent! The leotard - it looked more like a top to us modern gals - a white "The Tight", made of knitted fabric. It gave a slight nod to the "Leotard" named after Jules, yet the difference between them was enormous! This top was a part of a layered dance ensemble and paired beautifully with a full-length flowing tutu! A sheer black skirt, almost a net, was worn beneath that flowing, frilled and fluffed tutu, which came to just below their knees, perfectly designed to emphasise those graceful moves.
Each twirl, every delicate hop, a graceful arabesque, showcased a beautiful artistry. Their dance costumes celebrated feminine beauty, showcasing the fluidity and beauty of their moves. It was captivating, a real celebration of dance. The theatre was alive with a captivating, magical atmosphere!
Itās fair to say I was smitten with those graceful Victorian dancers, especially those incredible, beautifully sculpted tutuās, each with layers of gossamer tulle that billowed like a gentle wave as the ballerinas twirled! It felt like a fairytale - but then, my darlings, donāt all tutus feel a little like that?
As I savoured every moment of the performance, it suddenly struck me. This ballet style, these flowing tutus and these ātight fitting topsā ā they could be considered an evolution, perhaps an ancestor, to our beloved leotards and tutus of today. It's those foundations in the 19th century that made the contemporary leotard a stunning dancewear staple today!
With every twirling, dancing form, every soaring leap, the theatre came alive! As I basked in the captivating performance, a sense of joy washed over me. I couldnāt help myself, a spontaneous desire to dance took over. I hopped onto the stage, as I so often do when inspired, in a spontaneous tutu-clad whirl! I pirouetted my way to centre stage and let my imagination carry me away!
The audience went wild, showering me with applause! The ballet company clapped, the singers laughed, and I felt the magic of performance flowing through my veins! I even noticed a few of those Victorian gentlemen, dressed in fine attire, clap their hands and doff their hats! Oh, how they loved that pink tutu of mine, it really took them back to a more fanciful time!
This adventure has truly been a wonderful discovery, my darlings! I never tire of finding new corners of leotard history, finding those unexpected treasures! It seems our dance-loving world owes a great deal to the vision of pioneers like Jules Perrot, those daring performers who wore The Tight, and to the graceful ballet companies who embraced the evolution of the dance costume!
Now, off I go, my darlings, to continue my journey through time in search of the most glamorous leotard moments. Donāt forget, Iām Emma, and itās my mission to get everyone in a pink tutu! Stay tuned for my next time travel adventure and donāt hesitate to get in touch to share your own leotard fashion stories with me on www.pink-tutu.com!
Yours,
Emma x
P.S. It's all happening in the world of leotards right now! Some exciting new designs coming out! There's a lovely pale pink silk one from Ballet Beautiful, adorned with black lace! It reminds me of a dream - elegant, whimsical and totally me! And then there is the gorgeous vintage, retro leotard from Free Spirit! With bold geometric patterns and vibrant colour swirls, I just have to have one for my collection, darling! It reminds me of a beautiful vintage dance hall with glittering lights and shimmering sequins - the ultimate in style!
Oh my darlings, be sure to take a look at those latest additions to the leotard fashion world! You can even see a little preview of them right here on my website. You just know that youāre going to love these leotard collections - they will set you on fire!
Be sure to come back and check in next month, darlings, when I share my time travel secrets. Until then, wear your pink tutus proudly!
