Hello darlings, and welcome to another installment of my time travelling blog, Pink Tutu Travels! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here. Today, I'm going to whisk you all back to the glorious 1966, a time when fashion was daring, music was grooving, and the world was starting to truly feel the shift towards the groovy mod movement.
As you know, I’m a massive fan of leotards – they're so versatile and always look chic. Imagine my joy when I discovered that this month’s trip landed me on March 3rd 1966! This day in history holds a very special place in my heart – especially for the sartorial aficionado! Think shimmering stretch fabrics, groovy patterns and playful cuts, oh my! You see, 3rd March, 1966, is the day that the very first leotard with a built-in bra, a creation by the revolutionary Madame Herminie Cadolle, debuted! This revolutionary innovation in underwear, or should I say ‘under-leotard’, completely changed the game for the world of dancewear, allowing for even more freedom and a smoother silhouette. It's a perfect example of how fashion can not only express style but also empower women!
Now, my travel leotard today is a particularly fetching sparkling pink creation with a gorgeous layered tulle tutu that I designed myself – perfect for showcasing my latest dance moves. You see, I fund these fabulous time travelling adventures by doing street performances – always with a playful pink twist, of course! Think sassy pirouettes, flamboyant fouettes, and graceful ballets that grab the attention of passersby. Not to mention the endless joy I bring!
Once I’ve completed my set, it's time to really immerse myself in the cultural tapestry of the era. Today, I'm headed to London's swinging West End! They've been showcasing this spectacular new musical Hair, which has sparked a huge trend for shaggy haircuts, bell bottoms and loose-fitting silhouettes. Honestly, I'm delighted that the musical reflects the leotard styles I'm seeing! Think relaxed fit and playful experimentation with movement, much like ballet, if you will.
Speaking of ballet, darling! This week has been such a delight, especially since the Royal Ballet is having its run of Giselle. Such elegance, such finesse, and I simply cannot get over the exquisite romantic tutus! The classic Romantic tutu, with its multiple layers of tulle, was definitely the fashion trend for ballerinas. Now, don’t get me wrong, a ballet is much more than the tutu. The ballerinas are truly remarkable artists with unbelievable skill and control, but there is no denying that a breathtakingly beautiful, shimmering white Romantic tutu adds that magical air! It is something truly magical and, as you all know, I am all for making ballet as accessible to the masses as possible! A touch of pink or lavender and maybe even a splash of glitter would add that little something special I’d add, don’t you think?
And if I'm talking about tutu's, we must also speak about fashion that has inspired ballet costumes and the styles I’m seeing on the streets. Did you know, darlings, that Mary Quant is still the talk of the town for her revolutionary miniskirts, and that's definitely resonating with how modern dance interprets those daringly short styles. It seems like everyone wants to embrace both fashion and performance, to bring those beautiful styles to the stage.
But the style inspiration goes beyond the miniskirt, and you can even see some influence from the leotard. You’ll often see that the style for dancing dresses are moving towards simple lines, flowing silhouettes, and, yes you guessed it, leotards – but not any old leotard! We are talking beautiful silks, shiny materials and beautiful cut outs - like a wearable piece of modern art.
Speaking of styles I have encountered during this wonderful time travelling, have I told you about the beautiful fabrics they are working with right now? So much nylon and Lycra - imagine those amazing stretch-knit dresses, clingy but light, which perfectly show off all those elegant dance moves! They’re still incorporating silks, satins and even velvets too, but it seems like those new fabrics really highlight that movement of modern dance.
Don’t even get me started on the colours darling! So much sunshine, vibrancy and optimism - I just love how it’s mirroring the bold pink choices I’m wearing in my ballet performances and in my day-to-day adventures. So much colour and vibrancy from hot pink, magenta, to neon yellow! All so striking, and very fitting for that dance movement! In 1966, they are taking risks with bright hues - like those bold red leotards – a fabulous pop of color onstage, so bold and so exciting! It just reflects the mood of the time, really - lots of free spirit and a rejection of stuffy formality. You just feel that burst of optimism on the streets, in the theatre, and it certainly comes alive in these new colour choices for dancewear.
I love this new energy of the fashion world. It reminds me so much of the dynamism and elegance I always bring to my own time travelling.
You see, it’s all about daring to be bold, to be different and to find beauty and style everywhere! It's all part of the incredible energy of time travelling! And don’t forget: wear your favourite pink tutu and let your own individuality shine through. It’s so important to stay true to yourself and always express yourself with the boldness that comes with loving dance. That's what I live for and I can't wait to take you on the next amazing adventure in my time-travelling pink leotard!
Until then, Stay glamorous and stay colourful, my dears!
Emma xxx
