Hey darlings, Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whimsical journey through time, all thanks to my trusty pink, sparkling leotard! You see, time travelling in a glitzy outfit like this makes all the difference - it's not just a fashion statement, it's a statement of fun and excitement! I mean, imagine rocking up to, say, the 1920s in a leotard and tutu - now that's what I call making an entrance!
Speaking of entrances, this month's trip took me to a day I remember as the ultimate fashion dreamland - the 11th November, 1981! This date was the one where the world got to witness a ballet showstopper of all showstoppers - the very first performance of Baryshnikov and the American Ballet Theatre's new production of "Swan Lake". 🦢🩰 Talk about fashion goals! Just picturing all the dazzling leotards in those white and black swan costumes, oh, it's pure ballet heaven.
I practically spun my way to that auditorium! But before we tumble into that glamorous moment, let's chat about my current leotard situation!
Today, I'm channelling a vintage 1950s vibe with a pink and black floral print leotard and a full-bodied, fluffy tulle tutu. I even added a little something extra with a feather boa and pink ribbon in my hair. You know me, I can never resist a little extra!
This leotard isn't just comfy, it's got that classic ballet style, the one that makes you feel elegant and ready to twirl! Plus, this beautiful floral design just oozes romantic charm and the bright pink? It's simply divine!
Now, back to 1981 and Swan Lake. 🦢 Can you imagine the magic of that opening night? The hushed excitement of the audience, the stage lights bathing everything in a warm, soft glow. And then, there was Baryshnikov. Oh my, what a ballet star he was, all grace and athleticism!
Honestly, my time-travelling heart skipped a beat when I saw all the leotards. It was a kaleidoscope of textures and colours, with black and white taking centre stage in all its contrasting glory. And those stunning tutus, with the sheer volume of the white ones! It felt like a beautiful ballet dream come true!
Speaking of dreams, there was something extra special about this show. That night marked the American Ballet Theatre's debut on the international stage. It wasn't just about Swan Lake, it was about the arrival of a whole new world of ballet on the scene. This production wasn't just a performance, it was a statement. And I was there to witness it!
Oh, you think that's the only show I went to during my 1981 trip? Absolutely not! The world of dance and fashion is too big for just one performance, don't you think? My 1981 tour was jam-packed, like my little pink leotard on a good day!
The * *Royal Ballet had just premiered a new production of "Manon" - can you imagine all the stunning Leotards in a romantic ballet like that? I nearly cried with joy!* And there were plenty of exciting Royal Opera House performances, but those I'll save for another post!
I'll be honest, there's nothing quite like going to a ballet show - the excitement, the sheer talent of the dancers, the costumes. You could say it's my weakness! And that's what made this 1981 journey so thrilling. Every show was an adventure in its own way.
I mean, my fellow time-travel enthusiasts, if there's one thing I know, it's that ballet never goes out of style, and that goes double for the leotards and tutus! And when you're wearing a sparkly, pink time-travelling leotard like mine, you always have to have the perfect, sparkly tutu to complete your outfit. It's all about those tiny details, right?
Speaking of details, did you know there were plenty of fashionable highlights going on in the world of dance outside of those ballet performances? The 11th of November in 1981 wasn't just a day for swans. There were other things going on in the dance world that really helped shape the way we dress, move, and even think about our wardrobes, you know?
I loved visiting the local dance studios - even though in 1981, the idea of a studio where you'd wear a sparkly leotard like mine for hip hop, would have been totally foreign. It would've been about tights, warm-ups, and maybe a little stretch pant here and there. Back then, ballet studios were just the beginning, really.
That being said, those studios played a vital part in the leotard story, helping us see this humble garment in a new light. Think about it - dancers wear their leotards with confidence, they move freely in them. And for a fashion girl like me, well, it's about time leotards had their day!
I am determined to see leotards worn every single day - to get everyone in a tutu and making their way into a dancing state of mind! It doesn't matter where you are, whether it's on the street, on the dance floor or just about town. This piece of clothing has so much potential, and I'm just going to make sure the world sees it! I’m even working on a collection of leotards – “Emma’s Collection of Extraordinary Leotards!”
So what are my thoughts on 11th November 1981 in terms of fashion? Well, this year, I was really into what I call a “ballet inspired” look. I saw a lot of bright colors with patterns that felt kind of vintage. You see, ballet's a real chameleon when it comes to style - it’s like a timeless form of fashion itself. I loved it, and I bet you do, too.
Speaking of chameleon styles, have you noticed the way fashion evolves so much, year after year, in just a matter of decades, fashion goes from one style to the next. But the leotard has really stood the test of time, that’s why it’s my favourite piece to time-travel in. I don't just wear this leotard, it's like a piece of my soul.
You can find me, your resident pink tutu fashionista, sharing my love for the leotard, tutu and all things sparkly! If you have any questions or want to know about leotards in a particular year, shoot me an email at
I always welcome a good chat and love a little fashion feedback – it helps keep my fashionista dreams afloat, you know!
And as always, remember, a good dance makes everything a little more exciting, a little more stylish! Don't just sit there! Get your own tutu on, go out there and spread your own unique kind of dance-powered joy. And remember, everyone looks fabulous in a tutu - we all do!
Until next time, darlings! Emma.
