Hello lovelies, and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your one-stop shop for all things pink, sparkly and leotard-tastic! Iām Emma, your very own Derbyshire lass with a penchant for twirling and a time machine disguised as a magical pink leotard! (Just call me Doctor Who with a lot more sparkle, you know what I mean?)
Today's trip takes us back to a particularly vibrant time in leotard history, a date that deserves a place in the hall of leotard fame! Today we are jet-setting to June 6th, 1988 - the year of big hair, neon colours, and a whole lot of leotard love!
This is Post 1554 on the www.pink-tutu.com website, so please have a browse around the site for a load more wonderful fashion adventures in leotard time. I must admit that I am quite proud of this blog; it took a while to create but I had a wonderful time learning and posting on pink and fashion in all its forms. I'm really quite chuffed about how much it's been read around the globe, I have had loads of lovely compliments. This month it's all about the Leotard of 1988! A year that deserves a double shot of applause for all its colourful creations, particularly with the leotard. As we journey back in time, keep your eye on those sequins, my dears, and hold on tight, because this one's going to be a whirlwind!
My Favourite Thing About the Leotard?
As you probably know by now, my absolute obsession in life is a fine leotard - a beautiful leotard. It's an art form in its own right, really - itās all about that perfect combination of comfort and style. Let's face it - leotards were made for spinning, for dancing, for simply showing off that fab silhouette. They just scream out āmovement' don't you think? The leotard isn't just clothing; it's an attitude!
Fashion-tastic Fundraising!
I earn my time-travelling wings by performing on the street in my finest pink tutu! Sometimes I have a theme (sometimes, for a challenge I'll use only a 1960s vintage look with all the classic shapes!), but often I just enjoy being myself - which usually translates into wearing something sparkling!
That bit of glitter pays for a few fun adventures - such as today! Think of the stories I have to tell! And the pictures, ooh the pictures!
I also spend quite a lot of money on shoes - because what is a ballet outfit without a pair of stylish shoes ?
You know I couldn't travel back to 1988 without my sparkly pink leotard! It really is my little piece of magic, which makes the whole thing happen - but more about that in another blog, my darlings. Today's journey's going to take quite a lot of blog time to explore. Thereās just so much to discover and, trust me, youāll be thrilled you went back with me, lovelies!
A Glimpse Into 1988ās Leotard Glamour
Remember all those colourful leotards in films of the late 80ās? Yes! You do. And it wasn't just a passing trend, oh no, 1988 was about bold, strong colours. And you know I love all those colours - in fact Iām pretty sure Iāve a pair of shoes for every colour of the rainbow. They can be hard to wear but just wait til you get your hands on some lovely coloured leotards and a vibrant tulle skirt for a real look. What was even more exciting was how that colour was reflected in everything - the tights, the tutus, even the hairbands!
Iām loving that all that vibrancy and style in this period ā even though a few years ago it felt pretty wacky! The style then just reminds you that in fashion everything old eventually becomes new again! If it aināt broke, it donāt need to be fixed! We really are back in those amazing eighties leotard days!
You can really tell the designers were having a blast. Bold is what the time was all about. Take for example the āLycra Powerā leotards: those stretch-tastic marvels - what a breakthrough that was back in the day! (Let's not forget that in some ways the leotard design was at its peak in this era - so easy to wear, easy to move in, and incredibly versatile) And oh those colours ā pink, purple, yellow, orange, red - think anything that would go bang- bang for those eighties films - everything goes with the Eighties Look! It really felt like leotard designers were drawing their inspiration from an electric rainbow! The fabric choices, a mix of cotton and stretch Lycra - really felt so comfortable. Think comfy, flexible and a really sporty kind of style for this decadeās leotard fashions!
Dancing The Night Away!
I am now looking at an advertisement for the āDancesport Festival and Championshipā, which was held in Wembley, England and all the dancers looked just stunning in the 1988 dresses ā oh! my gosh, the patterns! And they just knew how to move, too, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all sparkles. It took quite a lot of hard work to perform like that ā I spent loads of time learning how to be an elegant ballerina while I was learning my craft and practicing how to balance while standing on one foot, my mother used to tell me ā Emma, a little grace never hurt anyone!" She had the patience of a saint, although it did make me laugh because when you are on a stage with a bunch of other performers you really have to keep your eye on your dance partner, you just cannot get distracted, it would make you look ridiculous!
I have to say, though, even though I think the Leotard of 1988 was fantastic, the designs for 1989 are so glam!
So let's say a big 'THANK YOUā to 1988 ā an era of colourful creativity! A year full of energy and inspiration, all wrapped up in that glorious and beautiful leotard!
And now, darlings, you'll want to read my little bit of advice, as only I can give itā¦
If you're looking to channel that eighties vibe for your next street ballet show , just grab a tutu, find the biggest, most amazing headband and then look for some funky Leotard! Youāll need lots of sequins ā I can't tell you how to achieve the real ā dance-floor-worthy ā style in a blog. Trust me. Itās a look. The look. As for the Leotard, well, theyāre so easy to find, second-hand, you just need to look out for them online, lots of websites selling them now !
Right lovelies Iām off, got another show tonight. See you next month, and make sure you check out the next blog on Pink Tutu Time Travels - next monthās is something really special - I love it but itās going to be a huge challenge ! I don't want to spoil the surprise.
And donāt forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook ā where Iām EmmaThePinkTutu! There's also the wonderful Pink Tutu Forum where you can discuss all things Leotard, itās where all my readers share their experiences, from dancing, shows and more!
Big Love ā Emma xx
