Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller and aficionado of all things leotard, from Derbyshire, England! It's time for another fabulous trip through the world of dancewear, and this month we're jetting back to November 11th, 1979, a truly stellar year for leotard fashion!
Now, before we leap through the temporal portal (always with a flourish, darling, always!), a quick confession: I recently performed a rather energetic street ballet routine (in my newest, utterly divine, shimmering pink tutu - did I tell you it has pearl-trimmed straps?!) and guess what? My time travel kitty, Twinkletoes, has run off with a handful of my precious, hand-stitched time travel trinkets! I have managed to recover most of them, but some seem to have fallen into a wormhole and landed in the hands of a… cough cough …time-bending magician. You know how those guys can be. Rolls eyes dramatically
Thankfully, my secret time-travel leotard - a divine pink concoction sparkling with the magic of a thousand stars - is still intact. Phew! And off we go!
A Flashback to 1979
The world was buzzing in 1979, the air filled with the spirit of disco and the rhythm of rock 'n' roll! It was an era of flamboyant fashion and artistic expression, and the world of dancewear was certainly no exception. Think daring colours, bold geometric patterns, and a whole lot of Lycra!
Leotards themselves were undergoing a significant evolution. We're talking full-length sleeves, mock turtlenecks, and sporty, yet stylish designs, catering to the growing demand for functional yet fabulous activewear. Remember, back in 1979, dance wasn't just a form of artistic expression, it was also becoming a burgeoning fitness trend. And let me tell you, even the gym attire back then was incredibly chic!
Imagine me in this time, darling! Picture it - a vintage disco studio, shimmering under a kaleidoscope of neon lights. The soundtrack blares: Bee Gees, ABBA, Donna Summer – the air thrums with pulsating energy. The dancers move in unison, a mesmerizing tableau of colour and energy, each adorned in sleek leotards. There are shades of magenta, tangerine, lime green, electric blue – a breathtaking explosion of hues. Even the ballet classes embraced this bold aesthetic! Can you imagine it, a pirouette against a backdrop of neon pink and bright yellow? It's all I can dream of!
Leotard Inspiration for Today
You might be wondering, how does all this time-travelling history influence our leotards today? Well, it's the most glorious of cyclical journeys! Trends often make a glorious comeback! Take a peek at any current dancewear shop - and you'll find the colours and the silhouettes of that amazing 1979 era subtly weaving their way back in! Just this morning, I saw a beautiful fuchsia leotard with an incredibly cool geometric pattern. This one even has these amazing cutouts that look totally fresh! They even seem to have the bold and sporty looks that were all the rage back in 1979, reinterpreted in elegant and flattering new styles. The influence of the '70s, Darling, it is so evident!
And as we enter a new age of "athleisure" (yes, I know, a word so hideous it makes me cringe a bit!), the need for functional yet stylish clothing for everyday wear, the heritage of 1979 is making a real comeback! This whole athleisure trend... It's all so fabulous, a true celebration of the way leotards and dancewear can be both elegant and functional. It's about combining the sophistication of fashion with the freedom of movement. Who knew, eh?!
Showtime!
Of course, a trip back in time wouldn't be complete without catching a spectacular performance. While in 1979, the only thing more thrilling than catching a live rock concert, was catching a show at the ballet. Think dazzling tutus, soaring leaps, and of course, leotards! The dance world was electric, brimming with incredible talents and bold interpretations. Imagine me, swept away by the magic, seated front row with my trusty time-travel notebook (the only time I let my tutu go untrimmed, darling, to record these important observations!).
This particular date, 11th November 1979, happened to be the night that Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland debuted The Nutcracker with the American Ballet Theatre! Just imagine those stunning performances – their moves were as breathtaking as the scenery around them, and their leotards, pure artistic perfection. I wouldn't be surprised if their costumes have become legendary, a coveted piece of dance history.
Shopping Spree!
Okay, time to satisfy that inner fashionista. Back in 1979, the dancewear stores weren't quite as varied as today (thank heavens for the internet, I say!). Still, they were brimming with gems just waiting to be discovered. You know me, Darling! I just love a little shop!
Now, this is where it gets tricky because, obviously, a girl can't travel to the past without keeping an eye out for fabulous bargains. One of the greatest finds of this trip is a vintage '70s leotard, a stunning neon orange, perfect for an electrifying street ballet routine, which might just involve some tumbling through a nearby alley!
Speaking of alleys, the street art scene in the 1970s was a huge influence on leotard fashion! And this brings us to the next fascinating discovery – vintage 1970s ballet shoes! Remember back then we saw everything from glitter-dusted slippers to sleek canvas sneakers that added a touch of sporty glamour! It seems everything comes full circle!
And you know what else is fun? I've found the perfect pink tutu, one so glorious that I even managed to make it back with me into my time period! It is just what I need to put on a special performance this coming weekend at the local festival! (Just think - it might even encourage those grumpy town council members to put on their pink tutus!)
The Mission!
You see, darling, my life’s mission is not to become a professional ballerina. My true dream? To get everyone wearing a pink tutu! Because, let's face it, the world would be a much brighter and more joyful place if we were all embracing our inner twirl and sparkle.
Remember: The power of the tutu is an all-encompassing power, a power that brings joy and beauty into the world, reminding everyone to smile, twirl, and dance through life.
So as I embark on my next monthly time travel adventure in my fabulous pink time-travel leotard, I hope you will join me! Keep those sparkly dreams alive, my darlings, and never forget: The power of a tutu is infinite!
Love,
Emma, your Pink-Tutu blogger
P.S. My magical time-traveling leotard does not only allow me to hop through the fabric of time. It also gives me the ability to communicate with other fashion lovers, to hear your thoughts on what you would love to see on the blog next month.
Is there a particular era, decade or event you would love to hear about or a leotard style you love? Let me know! Comment below and join me on this incredible journey of leotard discovery! You can also follow me on www.pink-tutu.com where I share the latest in ballet and fashion!
Can't wait to hear your thoughts, darling!
