Hello my lovelies!
Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another exciting adventure through the dazzling world of leotard fashion! As you know, December is always a busy month, but I simply couldn't resist squeezing in another time travel escapade for you. I simply cannot resist a bit of history, especially when it's so intrinsically linked to our beloved leotard.
This time, I set my sparkly pink tutu sights on December 12th, 1982.
I was drawn to this date for a very specific reason, you see. It's the year the beloved Strictly Come Dancing show launched, albeit with a slightly different name, "Come Dancing". Imagine, all that glitter, those elaborate costumes, and the dazzling leotards worn by some of the nation's most talented dancers. A pure joy! I can hardly contain my excitement at being able to witness this milestone in dance history firsthand!
From Derbyshire with Love:
Before I whisk you back to 1982, I simply have to tell you about the amazing weekend I had. Derbyshire truly has the best street performance opportunities! Last Saturday, I took to the cobbled streets of Matlock Bath with my trusty boombox and some classic 80s tunes. I even found a spot right next to the River Derwent. As always, I wore a particularly dazzling pink leotard. My dearest Aunt Gladys helped me pick out the one I wore – an emerald green and blush pink, multi-layered tulle leotard from a little boutique in Ashbourne, all glittery sequins and sparkle! Of course, the gorgeous pink feather boa was a necessity! I must admit, it brought quite a crowd to the street! You really should visit Derbyshire – I am sure they will be so welcoming to you too. You simply must try one of their famous Bakewells tarts, the best in the world!
Tumbling Back to 1982: Time Travel Time!
Now, off we go! This time I journeyed through the magical portals in my shimmering pink leotard (it does glitter a bit more brightly for the 80s! Just a touch more neon, darling!). The time machine deposited me in the grand foyer of a lavishly decorated television studio. Imagine the smell of hairspray and make-up - oh the fun! The whole place was buzzing with energy!
Stepping out of my time machine, I instantly spotted the dance floor in all its grandeur – the Strictly Come Dancing studio, albeit with slightly less fanfare and the rather dull, and dare I say dated name of "Come Dancing!" . There, a troupe of vibrant and incredibly talented dancers, with their glorious hair, fabulous shoes, and most importantly - a multitude of breathtaking leotards!
Let's have a look at what leotards were trending in 1982...
Leotard Fashion - a look at the past!
The 80s! The decade of neon, bright colours, leggings and leg warmers, but especially, the leotard! Leotards weren't just confined to dance studios! Leotards made their way into fashion magazines and even appeared on the catwalk.
Now, this wasn't just a casual throw on and go leotard. They were meticulously designed! Bold and flamboyant! Some adorned with sequins, lace, ruffles or just a splash of the season's most fabulous colours. And let's not forget the sleeves - bell sleeves, puffy sleeves, shoulder pads (Yes, you read that right – leotards with shoulder pads! Pure fabulous!). The choices were endless. They were, as you know, and as always – an essential piece for any budding dance aficionado!
But that wasn't all! There were other significant styles, I must add! In the more modern dance scenes, I discovered the popularity of stretch fabric leotards, some with a flattering boat neckline, and of course, there was always a leotard that allowed complete movement for dancers performing in modern dance shows! Oh the beauty and diversity!
Let me take you on a brief tour through some of the incredible leotard designs in Come Dancing's first season:
Velvet: Velvet, my dears! It was all the rage! You can imagine, with it’s luxe texture, the vibrant colours - emerald green, burgundy, and deep blue were real stars. And I think you all know how much I love a bit of velvety shimmer. It added a touch of glamour to all these graceful movements.
Animal Print: Yes, I know! But before you think of leopard print! We had something truly spectacular - Cheetah print leotards in vibrant fuchsia! Or how about bold and daring Zebra striped leotards with flashes of neon pink? They looked incredible under the stage lights.
Bows and Ruffles: Let's face it, what's a leotard without a bit of flourish! And these leotards certainly had it. Delicate ribbons, delicate chiffon bows, and dramatic tulle ruffles with just a hint of that perfect 80s oversized charm, added a splash of extravagance. It made all the beautiful dancers stand out. And who doesn’t like a bit of frill?!
Performances in the Past:
I found that watching a performance in Come Dancing studio gave me some fantastic ideas for future time travelling looks, of course. They really made such a strong case for leotard design with such intricate detailing and unique touches. Just imagine! I spent a blissful couple of hours soaking in the dance styles, those flowing movements. They looked so comfortable yet so chic in their leotards - I was spellbound by the dance routines and, yes, those amazing outfits!
This trip took me back in time to the beginnings of something incredible, a phenomenon of the highest level in television dancing. And that truly wonderful leotards! Oh, how the world of dancing has progressed in all these years. I could feel the magic that created Strictly Come Dancing as I experienced the evolution from “Come Dancing,” and to me that’s exciting!
Now, before you go and think pink tutus don’t deserve their rightful place, darling! Please note, the best ballet performers do love their tutus (especially in pink, like myself!) It simply reflects an expression of beautiful, fluid dance with grace and dignity. I could even see that “Come Dancing” already used a touch of the pink tulle in their costumes - yes, we're always in style!
It seems, a big chunk of dance fashion has come full circle, you know! It is inspiring to be able to witness and then share it all with you! Oh my, darling, a girl could get lost in time, you know?! Until next time my lovelies! Do wear your pink tutu with confidence!
