Hello, darling dancers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things leotard and tutu. Today, we're hopping on our magical time-travelling leotard and whisking ourselves away to 7th July 1987. Get your pink tulle ready, because this is a fashion extravaganza you won't want to miss!
It's a glorious Derbyshire summer morning, the sun peeking over the Peak District hills, and my time-travelling pink sparkle leotard is already tingling with anticipation. You see, 1987 was a truly fabulous year for leotards, a kaleidoscope of colours, styles, and fabrics. And this month's travel destination is all about getting that retro 80s vibe!
The excitement has been brewing for weeks. My latest street performance in Nottingham brought in enough dosh to fuel my time travel adventures – not forgetting my trusty Tutu Boutique, where I sell my hand-crafted pink tutus and other bespoke dancewear. So, with a flourish, I step into my leotard, and – poof – there we are!
The World of Leotard Fashion in 1987:I landed in the middle of Covent Garden, surrounded by bustling street performers and shoppers, the air buzzing with the infectious energy of London life. But, before I delve into the delightful spectacle, let's chat about the world of leotards in 1987.
It was a time when leg warmers ruled! Remember those long, woolly, sometimes even fluffy, tubes of colour, perfectly accentuating every dancer's long and lean legs? Leotards themselves were incredibly vibrant: think sunshine yellow, sky blue, and of course, my personal favourite, a beautiful rosy pink.
But what really took the stage in 1987? The rise of the power leotard! These masterpieces featured bold cuts, exciting mesh panels, and those incredible, eye-catching 'power mesh' inserts for extra support and style. Remember the feeling of wearing that supportive and sculpting fabric? You truly felt like a dance warrior ready to conquer any barre or stage!
It's this very power leotard style that has brought me to London. Tonight, I'm attending a show featuring the legendary Royal Ballet, and rumour has it they are wearing the latest power leotard creations, crafted by the renowned dancewear designer, Diane Von Furstenberg.
Covent Garden's Thriving Ballet Scene:But before we dive into the dazzling performance, it's time for some London leotard exploration. The streets are alive with dance performances – a true testament to the city's cultural heart!
Every corner reveals a different form of dance. I spotted a group of breakdancers in their iconic leotards and loose-fitting, colourful trousers, flaunting some seriously cool moves. Their movements are almost like a lyrical language, every spin, freeze, and pop radiating confidence. I absolutely love this free-flowing dance style, where a leotard provides the perfect base layer for these complex and athletic performances.
Over near the market, a group of street ballerinas are showcasing a beautiful blend of ballet and hip hop. They are wearing stylish leotards in the most vibrant colour palettes. Each piece, embellished with playful sequins or shimmery holographic fabric, seems to tell a different story.
They weave together a captivating spectacle of powerful jumps, flowing pirouettes, and contemporary hip hop steps. It’s inspiring to see how different dance styles converge in a delightful tapestry of artistic expression. And, of course, their vibrant leotards become a dynamic visual aspect of this powerful performance.
Time For A Dance Shopping Spree!No London trip is complete without a little shopping therapy, especially when it comes to leotard exploration! With the Royal Ballet performance on the horizon, it would be a fashion crime not to take a peek at London's Dancewear havens!
The air practically hums with the rhythm of Capezio's, Bloch's, and Wear Mois*. The windows display an enchanting world of leotards, from the sleek classics to the modern creations of the moment.
It's fascinating how Dancewear in the 80s was more than just practical gear – it was a fashion statement, celebrating movement, style, and freedom. I fell in love with the Tumble Gymnastic Leotard - a vintage piece adorned with a dazzling swirl of colourful sequins. This leotard exudes pure 80s glam and instantly transports me back to this iconic decade.
It's impossible to resist picking up some delightful leg warmers – one pair with a funky rainbow knit and another with a chic geometric print. These essential 80s dance accessories are perfect for adding an extra touch of flair to any leotard.
After a whirlwind leotard spree, I'm feeling utterly charmed by this era of dance fashion. It was all about expressive individuality, the thrill of taking centre stage, and embracing the playful beauty of movement. I am already dreaming of reimagining this era in a Pink Tutu twist – perhaps a vintage 80s power leotard paired with a soft tulle skirt.
The Magic of the Royal Ballet:But now, it’s time for the main event! As I step into the Royal Opera House to watch the Royal Ballet, the excitement builds. It's incredible to see how leotard fashion transforms from street dance into the elegance and finesse of the professional world.
The Royal Ballet's dancers glide through the air, a blur of grace and control in their impeccably designed leotards, embellished with delicate details and classic shapes. You can tell the time, thought, and craftsmanship poured into every piece, it truly is leotard haute couture.
I marvelled at their intricate ballet steps, every plié and jeté a masterpiece of precision. It was truly mesmerizing how these delicate dance steps intertwined with the striking artistry of their power leotards, a powerful testament to the artistry of both the leotard maker and the dancer.
And to finish off this delightful journey, the Royal Ballet dancers brought out their tutues, an absolutely breathtaking moment of tutu glamour.
But, here's a little secret. My very special Pink Tutu has been keeping me company throughout my time travel escapades. In the hustle of Covent Garden, its light and bouncy layers swayed with every energetic dance step I made. In the grand theatre, its pinkness brought a dash of femininity and a soft contrast against the black tie elegance.
Pink Tutu's Final Thoughts:As I make my way back to Pink-Tutu.com, I reflect on this wonderful journey through the captivating leotard world of 1987. From the vibrant streets of London to the polished brilliance of the Royal Ballet, each moment has showcased the incredible beauty, power, and diversity of dance, and, of course, the iconic role leotards play.
Now, I know you might be asking, "What's the connection to pink tutus in 1987?" It's simple – we celebrate every expression of dance, whether it's bold street styles or refined theatrical performances. And just like leotards bring together the worlds of practicality and glamour, so too, does the pink tutu. It stands as a symbol of whimsical fun, confidence, and that beautiful belief in embracing what brings us joy in dance and beyond.
So, tell me, darlings, what’s your favourite style from the 1980s? What piece of dancewear sparks the greatest memories? I love hearing your tales and seeing your inspiring style! Let's make our Pink Tutu community sparkle! And, until next month, may your leotard adventures be as dazzling and joyful as a perfectly twirling, perfectly pink tutu.
And always, remember, wear your pink tutu with confidence and never stop dancing your heart out.
Much love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
