Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire-born tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another pink-tastic time-traveling adventure! This month, we're twirling back to 5th May 1985, a date bursting with leotard fashion excitement - and of course, plenty of pink!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Emma, why the 5th of May? Isn't that a bit… plain?" But oh, my lovelies, this date was anything but plain. It was the day a certain leotard-clad superstar dazzled the world in the New York premiere of "Once Upon a Time" – and believe me, that performance made this date anything but forgettable.
Imagine, if you will, a world of oversized shoulder pads and neon colours. Think leotards that were bold, daring, and almost begging for a pair of leg warmers! It's the perfect playground for a time-traveling ballerina with a love for leotard history. And wouldn’t you know it, my magic pink time-traveling leotard had me whisked away to the Big Apple faster than you can say "leg warmers!"
It’s true – on the 5th of May 1985, the legendary “Baryshnikov on Broadway" debuted at the Gershwin Theatre in Manhattan. And I wasn't going to miss it! My sparkling leotard took me straight into the front row of the legendary Broadway venue. It was pure, glorious pink, adorned with sequins that glimmered under the stage lights – absolutely perfect for soaking up the leotard magic in the air!
But let's rewind a little – let’s go back a couple of years. I was in New York, exploring the vibrant city back in 1983, where I was captivated by the electrifying stage production, "White Nights.” You know the story. The legend himself – the Russian Ballet’s own Mikhail Baryshnikov – paired with American choreographer Twyla Tharp, for a captivatingly modern take on ballet. It was truly enchanting - not just because of the breathtaking moves, but the stunning ballet costumes as well! It sparked my deep admiration for Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Now, the premiere of “Once Upon a Time,” created and choreographed by Twyla Tharp, was set to be something incredibly special. We're talking a show with a contemporary ballet and classical music score set to create an artistic explosion, so naturally, I couldn't wait to see what wonders leotard fashion had in store!
From the moment the lights dimmed, I was enthralled. Baryshnikov, looking every bit the handsome, confident ballet legend, dazzled us all. He glided across the stage, a graceful maestro in a captivating dark blue leotard, its simple design letting the beauty of his movements take centre stage. It was the perfect marriage of form and function – simple yet utterly captivating. A masterpiece of elegance!
But let's not forget the other dancers! There was an incredible range of vibrant leotards in action. Sparkly and flamboyant, classic and streamlined – it was a whirlwind of colours, shapes and styles, and they were all captivating!
For this time-traveling ballerina, it was an absolute visual feast. Every twirl, every leap, every gesture – everything felt so powerful, expressive, and exciting. The leotards were almost like paintings, with the dancers bringing those brushstrokes to life in a breathtaking ballet performance.
I even spotted one amazing black and pink ensemble that I would love to wear myself. A simple but elegant leotard, a flowing tulle skirt that swirled with each move, and those quintessential 80s leg warmers for a dash of extra glamour – it truly epitomized the time! It was like something right out of a leotard-loving ballerina's dreams!
But it wasn't just about the dazzling leotard-clad dancers. "Once Upon a Time” also brought incredible storytelling to the stage – with characters that captured our attention and stories that moved our hearts. You wouldn't believe the powerful emotions I felt, sitting in the front row, surrounded by people transported into the story. I dare say, even the most jaded New York theatregoer couldn't help but be drawn in.
I spent the entire evening in a state of absolute enchantment! And when the final curtain fell, I walked out of the theatre filled with excitement and inspiration. It’s clear that on the 5th of May 1985, "Once Upon a Time” didn't just bring Baryshnikov back to the Broadway stage - it ignited a whole new chapter in the story of ballet fashion.
Of course, no visit to 1985 New York is complete without a little retail therapy! Luckily for me, this was a time when dancewear stores were flourishing, bursting at the seams with vibrant and fashionable options. There were shops with racks and racks of the most extraordinary leotards! Some were designed for the rigours of ballet, and some were for fun – like the ones we love to wear while practicing our pirouettes, plies, and leaps. And guess what I found in this glorious dancewear haven? An amazing pink leotard, all sparkling and glamorous – a perfect ode to the amazing day!
After a day brimming with ballet magic and a pink-tastic souvenir leotard, my magical pink time-traveling leotard whisked me back to my Derbyshire home.
I couldn’t wait to tell you about this experience. So darlings, what do you think? Isn’t 1985 such a captivating decade? Filled with so much colour, excitement, and dance-inspiring moments!
I encourage all of you, whenever you have the chance, to get dressed in your favourite pink tutu and step out into the world – or hop on a plane, take a trip and visit New York City for yourself! After all, every day is an opportunity to spread some ballet magic and sprinkle a touch of pink into your lives. And don’t forget – ballet is about more than just technique, its about telling stories, embracing the art, and exploring those expressive movements through incredible leotard styles!
Don’t forget, you can follow my ballet adventures, get inspired by the most stunning leotards, and maybe even find the perfect pink tutu to rock yourself at www.pink-tutu.com ! Until next time, stay fabulous, darlings!
See you soon!
Lots of pink love, Emma xx
