Hello my darling dears!
It's Emma here, your resident leotard-loving, tutu-obsessed, time-traveling ballerina, and today I'm whisking us back to 3rd March 1967! Imagine, darling, the world was a kaleidoscope of swirling colours and burgeoning counterculture. The Beatles were topping the charts, fashion was a riot of textures and bold hues, and, you guessed it, the leotard was reigning supreme.
Now, for this trip, I donned my shimmering, cherry blossom pink leotard, adorned with a sprinkle of star-like sequins - a delightful concoction if ever I've seen one! Its bodice was fitted with an elegant v-neck, making for a dash of daring and chic, with an asymmetric cut along the neckline - the ultimate in 60s cool, don't you think? This was coupled with a full, cloud-like, ballerina pink tulle tutu, all floaty and light, adding a touch of magical whimsicality to the whole affair.
Let me tell you, time-traveling can be a tad tricky - I can never quite remember where the magic portal appears, or for that matter, what day it is! One moment you're shimmying through a London cobblestone alleyway in the bustling throes of a street ballet performance, then the next, poof, you're in the past! And you can trust me, my darling, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – especially when the cobblestones are just as cobbled in 1967 as they are now!
My travels in this instance landed me smack-dab in the midst of the bustling New York City - oh how I adore the energy of that metropolis, even through the lens of time! I instantly knew I was in the right place, seeing as leotards were literally everywhere! Every other woman I passed on Broadway was either rocking a vibrant pink turtleneck leotard as the ultimate street fashion, or perhaps they were a dancer performing in a slinky leotard at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - yes, the legend was already gracing stages in 1967, dazzling everyone with the most breathtaking moves and bold style. Talk about iconic!
Naturally, I made my way to the nearest dance studio. My darling, I was simply over the moon to see such a mix of styles - sleek and stylish black leotards paired with the most wonderful patterned tights imaginable - floral, geometric, and even a sprightly stripe! Oh, I simply had to have a go - what better way to feel a part of the action than by throwing a couple of graceful pirouettes on a 60s-era sprung floor? I'll confess I even attempted a few jumps in true '60s style. Talk about a whirlwind, but a delightful one indeed!
This whirlwind led me to my next stop - a glamorous event showcasing the world's best figure skaters. They were sporting bright-colored, fitted leotards, and some had them embellished with sparkling crystals, oh so stylish. And you'll never believe it, I caught a glimpse of some daring ladies even wearing jumpsuits in shades of lavender and teal! Yes, the 60s weren’t shy to embrace audacious design! They'd gone from the simplicity of traditional, single-toned leotards to something that was bursting with character and personality - a truly electrifying evolution for the dance world, indeed!
I must admit, my darling, it wasn't all dance and glitz - I was swept up in the bohemian undercurrents of this era. There were ladies wearing whimsical folk dresses, bright printed mini skirts, and the ever-so-popular pantsuits - all paired with the ubiquitous leotard, the ultimate foundation for stylish freedom!
Oh, how I yearned to visit all the chicest boutiques, perhaps popping into Bergdorf Goodman for some elegant ensembles or even popping in for some high fashion at The House of Dior! The thought of browsing their selections in the late 60s – a mere 50-odd years ago – simply thrills me to my toes, especially with all the amazing styles that emerged from this period.
In terms of fashion icons, oh the darling dears - 60s fashion had it all. Think Twiggy, Mary Quant, and the beautiful, ever-stylish Audrey Hepburn - all legends in their own right! They were trailblazers in their time, embodying both grace and modern sophistication, a blend perfectly achieved by embracing the simple yet oh-so-versatile leotard.
Of course, I didn't come all this way just to gawk, I brought my own little dose of pink magic, performing a whimsical, impromptu dance on a cobbled street in the heart of Greenwich Village. The response was absolutely phenomenal - I've never seen such cheering, whistling and clapping. You know, you might say it's infectious, seeing everyone embracing the love for ballet - after all, my darlings, there's simply something magical about moving in a tutu and embracing a life of creative expression.
Of course, before you say "Time Traveling is impossible," I say - Never say never. The truth is, all of this magical pink tutu and street performance work actually funds my time-traveling! Just like a little sprinkle of fairy dust on the most magical of shoes, I find a unique vintage pink leotard - perhaps at a tucked-away vintage shop, maybe from a delightful street stall - then boom! My magical time-travel portal opens.
And let me tell you, it is thrilling, simply thrilling to see how much leotards were always an iconic staple across cultures - a constant through time! Who knew - there’s simply magic in this beautiful little garment. It has a history that deserves a big ol’ dance of appreciation, wouldn't you agree?
Oh, how I long to time-travel again, this time perhaps back to 19th century Russia where ballerinas first started to sport the leotard - a garment of freedom and graceful athleticism, a garment that has been in every fashion scene, even since before my time! It just goes to show that you can be as whimsical, as edgy, as daring or as refined as your heart desires, simply by putting on a leotard - what magic, wouldn’t you say?
So until next time, darling, remember to twirl freely and let the magic of leotards enchant your heart and mind. Be sure to share your own time-traveling memories - I'd be delighted to read about your own journeys to different eras.
**Until next month, much love,
Emma xx**
www.pink-tutu.com
