Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu Time Traveller, back with another sparkly slice of leotard history! It's time for another exciting journey to the past - this time, we're swirling our way through the fascinating fashion world of 1969, a date etched into the history books for so many reasons – most notably, that giant leap for mankind... and I’m going to be honest – I’m not sure what that had to do with leotards! 😜
So, it's September the 9th, and a shimmering wave of nostalgia is washing over me! Did you know that back then, the most groundbreaking dance movements were taking place outside of the theatre? And while those iconic spacewalks weren’t actually wearing leotards… well… I can’t really comment, this is a leotard focused blog. But, even without the sparkly, I am so glad that this date still gave us one thing; a real chance for women to break down walls in the world of fashion! It was like the dance floor, the runway, and the whole of society was ready to take flight in something new and fabulous! ✨
I was literally whisked away, wearing my time travel leotard I tell you! (You really must have seen it. A magical blend of pink sequins, glittery lace and swirling swirls, it even twinkles when it snows!), right to a groovy party hosted by the fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg. Yep, that iconic designer, who practically made wearing wrap dresses an international obsession! It was heavenly. A symphony of slinky textures, sleek cuts, and, best of all… leotards! Not just for dancing! But they were being used for dancing - in a super sexy and edgy way too. 💃🏻
Did I mention the shoes? The “go-go boot”? These babies were ankle-hugging, patent leather, and just short enough to accentuate the most fabulous, daringly styled, oh-so-pink leotards - and the perfect accessory for the iconic looks of the day! My personal favourites were the knee-high ones with an ultra-chic platform sole! You really could say that the world of fashion had officially landed. pun intended! 😉
Let me rewind for you a second – my Derbyshire neighbours had no idea that the same month, in 1969, across the Atlantic in New York City there was an entire group of artists in the middle of redefining the “street style” with their incredible use of … well, you guessed it! Leotards! The “Harlem Renaissance” had been about jazz, and music. But it also had an equally powerful dance vibe going on - where women like Josephine Baker were setting a precedent for the future of “leotard style”! It wasn’t about showing off – it was about self-expression! It was about individuality. It was about letting the body tell a story!
But 1969, was all about “breaking through” in different ways! So much so that you even saw new ways of doing ballet! The "New York City Ballet", was shaking things up with their performance of the "Concerto Barocco". I watched this live! Imagine! It was an exquisite, vibrant performance – featuring breathtaking ballet, beautifully crafted tutus - which I can safely say looked nothing like the ballet you see today - in shades of creamy beige, vibrant pink, and delicate powder blues! I know - who would have thought? And if you ask me – the fashion was divine. If anyone's up for another time travel adventure, we can talk all things pink and tutus. Just say the word. 😜
As the lights went up and my pink tutu glistened in the applause (It had a special glitter, for you time-travelers!) I realised my journey through leotard history wasn't just about style, it was about a feeling - an almost electric energy that flowed through these extraordinary dancers. You could see the fire in their eyes, a passion for self-expression and storytelling - a love of dance that resonated deeply in my very soul.
Speaking of passionate expressions! Have you seen the street performers these days? It's an amazing phenomenon of energy and talent. They are all doing what we should all be doing - dancing our own, unique style! *Which is *exactly why my own pink tutu movement will help inspire all of us to shine in our own, wonderfully stylish way! ** ✨
But what about my pink tutu movement?!
My darlings! As you know, my goal, with my blog, and my street performances - yes, the money I raise for time travel does come from that! It's true. 😉 – is to get everyone wearing pink tutus - from Derbyshire all the way to the moon! (I’ll tell you all about the ballet I performed on the moon soon!). We're talking about expressing our individuality through pink tutu magic – with tutus that are made for more! It's like saying - I'm going to stand out! I’m going to embrace who I am – and I'm going to look utterly fabulous while doing it!
I know this blog might have gone off on a bit of a tangent today, but I hope you've loved our journey through history as much as I have. And remember – it’s not just about leotards – it's about feeling good in our own skin, and daring to express our inner beauty, through movement, style and the magic of our own imagination.
Love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Did I tell you about the time I met David Bowie at a party?! And that’s all we are going to talk about. 😉
(Don’t forget to comment below and let me know what YOU are rocking! It’s important to stay connected! 😉).
