Hello my darling lovelies!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it's time to take a twirl through time once again!
This month, I've popped the sequined charm on my magical time travelling leotard, the one that shimmers like a million pink stars, and landed myself smack-bang in the middle of 12th December 1972!
Ooh la la, what a time to be alive! Think of it, my lovelies, this was a time when the world was still discovering the wonders of the disco ball, bell bottoms, and let's not forget - the utterly glamorous, super-duper fab leotard!
My feet landed me, literally, right outside the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London! Now, there's a theatre that just radiates elegance, wouldn't you agree? I practically inhaled the history as I floated in - the grandeur, the plush seats, the whispered gossip. You see, darlings, my time machine not only takes me back in time, it lets me experience it fully - all the sights, sounds, even the smells (sometimes they can be a bit dodgy, trust me!)
Tonight was special, as I was going to see the premiere of the ballet The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky. It was the production everyone was talking about! I was so excited, my toes were practically tap dancing a jig!
The Royal Ballet, you know, the creme de la creme, had dancers like Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn gracing the stage. These were names whispered in reverence - pure icons of the ballet world! It was going to be spectacular!
And you know what? It totally lived up to the hype! Now, I have to admit, back then, the dancers’ costumes were a little different from what I’m used to these days. Think sleek, fitted bodices, graceful swirling tutus, with a healthy dose of shimmering velvet and shimmering lace thrown in for good measure. Of course, back in 1972, leotards were worn primarily for practice and warm-up purposes - no one was really rocking them as a fashion statement... Yet! But, believe you me, darling, those outfits oozed a classic elegance that left you breathless!
The dancers seemed to be dancing with more strength, more raw energy than any ballet I had seen before! The choreography was stunning, with incredible power and expression, you could practically feel the emotions in every single movement.
Now, if you are new to the blog, then let me introduce you to one of my most beloved parts of the week - my Leotard Spotlight! You see, darlings, I travel in time for many reasons, but leotard history is a major one. This is where we look back and celebrate all things leotard, both on stage and off!
This month, it's the ballet world that’s grabbing my attention, especially the rising popularity of Dancewear* by a young company called Capezio. I had a delightful time wandering around the West End and, you know, just happening to step into their shop. Let me tell you, this company was on its way to become a total phenomenon, especially when it came to creating ballet wear, specifically for dancers, that just moved like butter. You could say, Capezio set the world of dance fashion alight in 1972. It was almost enough to make a girl forget the Rites of Spring happening across the street! (Not really, but it was quite exciting!)
My next stop was one of London’s most charming spots - a tiny, sweet little boutique hidden away down a little backstreet. It was called "Tutus by Tilly". Tilly was a lady of extraordinary creativity, a real genius with sewing needles and beautiful, flowing fabrics. My, oh my, her leotards! The fabrics were gorgeous - velvets and chiffons, laces and silks!
These were not your run-of-the-mill leotards. Tilly made each one with the utmost care, lovingly embellishing them with little bows and frills, pearls and sequins. Oh darling, you should have seen the array of pink ones! Tilly would have understood perfectly what I was all about. She made each one an exquisite work of art!
So, what can you say about the world of leotard fashion during December of 1972? The leotard was beginning its exciting transformation from utilitarian garment to fashion statement. The design was becoming more exciting - the styles, colors, embellishments, the use of fabrics like silk and velvet! In just a few years, the leotard would move away from just being about practicality to making a bold fashion statement! (Maybe we'll be seeing this exciting transition on the streets of 1977? Stay tuned, my darling readers!)
I always love seeing my blog evolve. And, of course, my dearest readers! You’re the ones that make this pink-tutu-loving ballerina’s heart skip a beat! But enough about me, what about you my lovelies? Are you thinking about adding some pink tutus to your wardrobes this season?
Don't forget to share your pink tutu pictures with me! You can use #PinkTutu and share them on my Twitter and Instagram - it makes me SO HAPPY to see all you lovely ladies wearing your pink tutus and rocking the ballerina life. I think there’s a magic in that bright, playful shade of pink, it lifts everyone’s spirits, don’t you agree?
I have a very special announcement for you too! As my time travels get me more and more excited about all things leotard fashion, I have decided to expand my "Pink-Tutu" website! We're now introducing our very own, beautifully designed Pink-Tutu shop! Where will we be selling a truly inspiring collection of leotard inspired goodies! This shop will include everything a fashion-loving leotard-lover needs to add some pink tutu flair to their lives, and you can rest assured, everything will be, oh-so-beautifully pink! Just imagine - a limited-edition collection of pink leotards, sparkly tiaras, handmade jewelry, and… of course… my favourite tutus, all in a dazzling array of pink hues! Stay tuned!
You are simply divine, my lovely readers! Remember, you are all incredibly beautiful in your own unique way. Love and shine! I'm so happy to be able to share these fun, fashionable travels with you!
Until next time, happy dancing!
Love,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com