Hello darling tutu lovers! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back from another fantastical jaunt through history! This month, I took my magic pink sparkle leotard (it's practically begging for a photo op, isn't it? ) for a trip back to September 9th, 1983. And, let me tell you, this wasn't just any ordinary jaunt, oh no, it was a whirlwind trip with a mission!
A Call From The Past
This month, I felt a particular pull towards this date - almost like I could hear the soft swish of tulle and the joyful cries of the crowd beckoning me to their world. And wouldn't you know it, there I was, magically whisked back to a time when big hair, bold shoulders and the pop princess herself, Madonna, were all the rage!
The Heart of London
The year is 1983, the place: the bustling metropolis of London. It’s just a short hop from my home in Derbyshire, so it felt wonderfully familiar despite the differences. But where Derbyshire feels full of history, London was all about vibrant modernity - it was absolutely buzzing! And as soon as I popped out of my magical portal, I knew I had to find the leotard hotspot of the day, Covent Garden.
A Show Must Go On
London in 1983, my darlings, was positively brimming with cultural experiences. From the West End, with its lavish theatrical performances, to the vibrant street scene, London was overflowing with creativity. But as soon as I heard the word 'ballet', my toes practically started to tap! I’m such a sucker for a good performance! Luckily for me, the London Festival Ballet (now called English National Ballet) was taking centre stage at the London Coliseum, showcasing a ballet extravaganza based on the iconic Tchaikovsky masterpiece, "Swan Lake." The very air crackled with anticipation - could I possibly resist the temptation? No chance!
Leotards on Point
Now, you might be wondering, "Emma, what did you wear to this fancy ballet?!" Well, my dears, even though it was the 80s and shoulder pads were reigning supreme, you know me! My magic pink sparkle leotard had just the right amount of glitter to blend in (and it's also pretty versatile!). I felt like I could have fit right in - maybe just a little less shoulder, a little more twirl!
Fashion Frenzy
Of course, any trip wouldn’t be complete without a bit of leotard shopping. While I wouldn’t wear a lot of the '80s designs in my day-to-day, some were incredibly interesting! We were seeing leotard silhouettes move away from the classic shape of the 70s, getting more daring and a little bit more '80s, think strong and graphic with neon colors and geometric patterns. Lots of vibrant Lycra was on the scene. In a nod to the iconic neon colour of the decade, the trend saw bright, energetic pink and neon green. And guess what - they're all starting to come back in style, though maybe just a little bit more toned down this time!
More Than Just Dancing
In the wider world of leotards, we also saw the rise of the sporty leotard, a trend still going strong today! The early 80s was all about the fitness craze and that led to a major shift in activewear. This decade saw the rise of jazzercise and aerobics! You might have noticed that those leotards, with their bright colour schemes and innovative cuts, were perfect for gym routines and offered both freedom of movement and a flattering, fashionable silhouette.
Tutu Time Travels
Now, a little something from me! I can’t leave a time-traveling trip without a bit of fashion history - it’s a major passion of mine, darling! Did you know that during this period, the iconic tutu design was taking a slight shift? Ballet outfits embraced a more modern silhouette – think a shorter tutu and even skirts layered on top of the classic shape for an edgy look. Now I must say, this didn't sit right with my romantic heart! While it certainly embraced new energy in dancewear, I loved the elegance of the long tulle tutus. That was definitely my preferred era - when dancing looked ethereal and whimsical! But, change is the only constant!
The Street Performance Scene
As much as I love big ballet performances, the thrill of performing on the streets is always exhilarating. So of course, on this trip back to the '80s, I couldn’t resist showing off some fancy footwork for the public! The people of London, with their stylish attitude and cool vibes, gave me such a warm welcome - even more so when they caught sight of my twirling pink tutu. They had a sense of playfulness that matched my love of expressing myself through dance, especially with all the fantastic vintage tunes that played on the streets!
Back to the Future
As I prepare to hop back to my time with the magic of my pink sparkle leotard, I’ve got to say - this journey back to the '80s has re-ignited a passion within me! It's amazing to see how ballet, and leotard trends in general, keep on evolving, always ready to reflect the zeitgeist. One thing remains constant: the love of the perfect dance move and the joy of expression, both on and off the stage.
So darling tutu lovers, remember, we may be separated by time and trends, but our passion for leotards and ballet, remains ever-present! Let's keep the leotard love going strong! I’ll be back next month, ready to whisk you away to a new time, and new leotard discoveries.
Until then, don't be afraid to step into your own magical world of pink tutus, where dreams come true with a swish of tulle. And if you want to show off your love for the world of leotards, make sure you come and join the #PinkTutu community!
Keep your eyes open, darlings! There's a little magic in every movement - just don't forget your twirling shoes!
Lots of love and sparkle, Emma xx
