#LeotardHistory during 1977 11 November

Hello my gorgeous leotard lovers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire, and oh boy, do I have a story for you this month! Buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to journey back to the fabulous decade of bell-bottoms, disco, and yes, you guessed it, the incredible leotard styles of 1977!

Now, you may be wondering how a girl like me – a Derbyshire girl with a penchant for all things pink and tutu – manages to time travel, and you'd be right to wonder! Well, the truth is, I have this little secret… it's a sparkling pink leotard, a magical gem handed down from my ballet-loving grandmother, who, in a twist of fate, just happened to be the inventor of a little contraption known as a "time turner". It's all a bit crazy, I know, but the main thing is – I get to go on the most incredible adventures in leotard fashion history!

And today's adventure leads us to November 11th, 1977. Let's pop that time turner on and twirl our way through the past!

First things first, let's dive into the leotard world of '77. The key word here is "liberation." Think bold colours, a move away from traditional, form-fitting designs and a splash of "sporty" influence. We're seeing vibrant hues like deep reds, bright oranges, sunshine yellows – think of those incredible neon colours of the decade, like they've jumped off a disco ball. You'll also see a move towards leotards with sporty details: think contrast piping, fun logos, even a splash of athleticism with raglan sleeves. But don't worry, our lovely ballet tutus are still a mainstay, with delicate chiffons and delicate tulle flowing like silk.

And let's not forget about The Fashionable Footwork. While it wasn't considered "fashion" at the time, the athletic dance shoe took a leap into the mainstream in the late '70s. It was the first sign of ballet fashion embracing the practicality of athleticwear – and you know me, I’m all about practicality with style!

Our first port of call? London. We're heading straight to a fashion show in a venue that exudes glam – the Grosvenor House Hotel, nestled in the heart of Mayfair. Now, if you haven't been, this place is a palace of grand, gilded elegance, and I simply had to see how fashion paired with ballet and leotards at a time of major change!

The models sashay down the catwalk in a glorious showcase of bold, bright colours. There are jumpsuits in brilliant, flowing silks, a bit like the first-ever ballet leotard, but for the streets! You'll see knitwear in incredible patterns and colour blocks – think of a leotard designed by Kandinsky!

What really captured my attention was the spirit of it all – this move towards casual elegance, practicality blended with glamour. This fashion show was more than just clothing; it was a glimpse into a new way of thinking about style. A new way of thinking that could totally apply to ballet. I'm seeing how a simple leotard could be mixed with everything – a blazer, a stylish trouser, a vintage cardigan.

As I twirled through the 1977 fashion scene, I noticed the ballet fashion had a much smaller footprint than today's booming ballet lifestyle and dancewear fashion. So I knew exactly what I had to do! I slipped into a shimmering purple leotard, the colour of the '77 streetwear and put on a show right there in London's Leicester Square.

It wasn't a conventional performance - no full theatre, just me and my dancing. But as I pirouetted and leaped with a playful expression, smiles erupted from the onlookers. It felt like a mini-ballet fashion show, where every step brought smiles and inspired others to explore the potential of a simple leotard.

And speaking of inspiration, my journey into 1977 was overflowing with it. You're likely familiar with the iconic leg warmers of the era, well, they were big business in dance and were featured everywhere. The key for a ballerina in 1977 was practicality – leg warmers for class, the classic wrap-around dance skirt, for added glamour.

After seeing the vibrant fashion scene of the 70s, my inner leotard-loving fashionista went into overdrive. The colour blocks, the casual yet stylish spirit, it was an explosion of inspiration. Back to 2023 I came, and with a little bit of time turner magic, I brought some 70s flair to my website www.pink-tutu.com!

I think everyone should wear a pink tutu, don't you? They’re like magical fashion clouds you can wear anywhere! But, with a little sprinkle of '77 fashion, why not try a touch of boldness in your ballet wear?

Until next time, darling leotard lovers, may your outfits always sparkle with confidence and grace!

Yours in pink,

Emma