#LeotardHistory during 1968 05 May

Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another month's dose of leotard loveliness from the archives of dance history! This month, my sparkling pink leotard and I are whisked back to 5th May, 1968 - a truly spectacular year for dance, especially when it comes to those fabulous leotard trends!

I'm currently in my Derbyshire studio, getting ready for a little performance later, and already dreaming of all the vintage looks I'm about to experience. The streets are already abuzz with anticipation! There's something so magical about the early days of the Summer of Love - a feeling of liberation, expression, and oh, such incredible fashion! And for us leotard lovers, 1968 is a year of exciting, audacious designs and some absolutely breathtaking trends.

Think back to those classic, whimsical ballets we all adore, like “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.” 1968 was all about the soft elegance of ballet fashion, reinterpreted for a generation that demanded a more playful, free-spirited approach. So, while the classic “pointe shoe” was still in its heyday, a new, youthful energy was blossoming in the realm of dancewear.

Imagine a scene of soft ballet pink tulle and elegant, slim-fitting leotards, perfect for both the theatre and the studio. Leotards in those days often had beautiful floral prints, geometric patterns, and oh, such stunning colour palettes! Think bright splashes of sunshine yellow, vibrant cerulean blue, or deep ruby red. But what really took my breath away was the abundance of rich jewel tones: emerald green, sapphire blue, and even an occasional splash of amethyst!

The iconic 1968 look is all about flowing lines and a hint of movement, reflecting the new artistic freedom in ballet. You'll find a lot of lace detail, subtle ruffles, and perhaps a bit of elegant beading here and there. Imagine a little frill on the neckline or maybe a soft ruched effect down the front of a leotard. Now, these weren't the over-the-top ruffles you might find on a ballerina tutu - these were subtle nods to the elegant, sensual nature of movement itself!

But for the true trendsetters, the must-have look of 1968 was the bold leotard, in striking solids and captivating textures. Imagine a dazzling scarlet or an intoxicating shade of deep plum. And as for texture, it's all about the feel. Think velvety silks, satin with just a hint of sheen, or perhaps a beautifully knit jersey that captures every delicate curve of a dancer's body. It’s an absolute masterpiece for the modern dancer - graceful, flexible, and oh-so stylish!

I'll confess, I can’t help but fall in love with the boldness and vibrancy of these leotard designs. I’ve got a few new items on my shopping list already, inspired by this time-travel adventure!

Of course, dancewear wasn't confined to the stage in 1968. This was the year of youth culture, freedom of expression, and breaking barriers. We all remember those iconic images of fashion in the streets – bold geometric patterns, flowing dresses, and a distinct move away from rigid fashion norms. This energy found its way onto dance floors across the world, bringing a more relaxed, comfortable vibe to dancewear!

Just imagine, a leotard worn for a ballet class could be effortlessly styled with a flowing skirt, jeans, or even layered underneath a chic top. Imagine a colourful, playful leotard, perhaps a little geometric pattern, becoming the foundation for an entirely new look! A statement piece to express your own personal style and creativity - that's what really captured the heart of dance fashion in 1968!

This newfound acceptance of dancewear for everyday use is one of my favourite aspects of time travelling to the past! You can truly see the seeds of the fashion trends we love today taking root! And the idea that fashion was more than just clothes - it was a language, an attitude, an entire lifestyle. The street was a stage for self-expression, a celebration of individuality, and oh, how this influenced the designs of dancewear in the 1960s!

### A Glimpse Into History's Wardrobe

To celebrate this exciting period of leotard fashion, I'm dedicating this month's “Pink Tutu” blog to my personal picks from 1968's must-have looks:

• The Jewel-Tone Ballet Leotard: You've simply got to experience the elegance of a emerald green or sapphire blue ballet leotard, maybe adorned with some intricate beading, and worn with the perfect pink tulle skirt. You can just picture yourself gliding across the stage, or twirling down a Parisian cobblestone street!
• The Geometric Print Statement Leotard: A bright geometric print, like a playful take on a checkerboard or perhaps some bold, swirling shapes - the ultimate 1968 leotard for those who dare to be different. Dress it up or down with a flowing skirt or your favourite jeans and, let your inner fashionista run wild!
• The Velvety Elegance Leotard: A smooth, soft, velvety texture - a caress to the skin! Imagine yourself wearing a deep red or an intoxicating shade of violet, a testament to the sensual side of fashion. So elegantly modern - even by today's standards!

Don't forget, darlings, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the world of dance fashion in 1968. From iconic fashion shows to breathtaking dance performances, the history of dance is an ever-inspiring treasure chest of ideas. My aim, of course, is to share those inspiring stories with you every month, encouraging you to delve into the past and find the perfect pink tutu - whether for the theatre, for your next studio class, or simply to wear on a special evening out.

This is what I live for, darlings. To see the world bloom in the dazzling pink hues of dance and fashion. Remember to subscribe to “Pink Tutu”, leave your thoughts in the comments below, and of course, feel free to join me for a performance or dance lesson at my Derbyshire studio any time. The door is always open, and the music is always ready!

See you soon!

Emma xo

[Photo of Emma wearing a shimmering pink leotard, holding a vintage dance costume, with a caption saying "Ready to time travel back to 1968!"]