#LeotardHistory during 1965 03 March

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina, and it's time for another adventure in the world of leotard fashion! This month, my trusty pink sparkle time-travelling leotard has whisked me back to March 3rd, 1965, and what a whirlwind it's been!

As you know, I'm all about tutus. Pink tutus, especially! And let me tell you, 1965 was a magical time for the ballerina. The styles were a blend of classic elegance and daring innovation. I had such a grand time getting lost in the world of fashion.

Firstly, we flew over to Paris! What can I say, they really know how to put on a show!

The ballet scene in 1965 was thriving. The Paris Opera Ballet was having a fantastic season, with an incredible production of Swan Lake directed by the fabulous Rudolph Nureyev. Honestly, I'm not even a Swan Lake fan (sorry!), but the costumes and performance were breathtaking! Such beautifully draped white tutus, they danced so effortlessly and graceful. And then, just when I was thinking it couldn't get better, guess what they threw into the mix? Red! That's right, bold, vibrant red for the "black swan" segments. They truly were taking a page out of my 'all about pink' book. More on that later!

We wandered down Rue de Rivoli, peeking into the beautiful boutiques showcasing the very latest in ballet fashion. This year was a great year for a mix of leotard styles - the classic form-fitting ones in rich velvet and luxurious silk were definitely a timeless favourite, but also sleek modern ones in bright, vibrant colours were making their mark. Think sunshine yellow, crisp emerald, and of course, my beloved shade - pink!

You can bet I snagged some gorgeous fabric swatches to use back home! Who doesn't love a good vintage find? Plus, it gave me a great excuse to practice some Parisian ballet strutting!

We then jetted over to London, the city of all things theatre. You bet I saw the hottest ticket in town: The Sound of Music. A complete departure from ballet, you might say! However, when you have a magical time travelling leotard, even a musical about an Austrian family makes for an exceptional experience! Plus, let's face it, every performer needs to know how to twirl. And the Sound of Music choreography, those spinning skirts, those gorgeous flowing dresses! Truly exquisite! I even found some lovely silk remnants in the stalls later. Just imagine the incredible pink tutus I could create!

No time-traveler in the 1960s could be complete without a trip across the pond. Now, while my passion leans toward traditional tutus, you can't ignore the fashion impact of America in the mid-sixties. We were living in a vibrant decade where the traditional was challenged and pushed. In fact, I must tell you, I got swept up in the bold, free-flowing styles of modern dance and jazz dancing. In New York, I was at a loss for words to describe the costumes. There was such an air of creativity. Fabrics with shimmering beads, patterns so unique, they felt more like pieces of artwork than simply clothes.

That’s when it struck me: it’s all about expressing oneself! Maybe those weren't the classical tutus I knew and loved, but they carried an incredible sense of energy and creativity, a desire to push boundaries. Perhaps that's why the '60s had such an enormous cultural impact, they took what existed, put it in a blender, and came up with something entirely new.

And of course, we danced the night away on Broadway, which never fails to amaze. The music, the passion, the talent, the lights! You see it and you feel the heart of performance right in the core of your being. This trip just proved, once again, there is no limit to the beautiful dance world, and its unique ability to express any style or form, which can really be appreciated by any age group.

As I’m back home in Derbyshire now, writing up this month's post on the pink-tutu.com, my feet are a little tired, my leotard is feeling a bit worn (but I'm washing it this very minute!). My little heart is brimming with joy at how much the leotard world keeps evolving. And my mind, oh, my mind is bursting with so many ideas!

To end this post, let's get practical, darlings! If you want to look effortlessly stylish, keep it simple, and wear it with confidence! I believe the right leotard is more than just an outfit; it’s a statement, a mood, a confidence boost – which is what I'm always trying to convey. And of course, what better way than through ballet?

I'm eager to bring all my finds to my next street performance this weekend. Who knows, maybe I'll even give those bright yellow and green leotard trends a try! I hope you all can join me there. In the meantime, keep shining, keep twirling, and keep wearing pink!

Much love,

Emma, the Pink Tutu Princess xx

PS: For my lovely American friends, here’s a peek at what happened on the leotard front on this day in 1965. In Chicago, at the Music Box Theatre, the *London-based dance company, The Royal Ballet, appeared in their landmark revival of *La Sylphide, with a fabulous tutued prima ballerina – Dame Margot Fonteyn. She is just amazing! So if you are looking for a dance to inspire you, get down there! (Just be sure to book in advance as it’s often fully booked).

Let’s keep those ballet shoes twinkling, dear readers. I look forward to catching you all here, next month for a brand-new post filled with new time-travel adventures and ballet delights!