Welcome back to my Pink Tutu Travels, darling! This month's adventure takes us back to the glorious year of 1989, to the 4th of April. Let's set the scene…
As I gracefully shimmied out of my sparkly, pink, time-travelling leotard, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This wasn't just any 80s day; this was the height of the Neon era! You know, when everyone thought they could pull off leg warmers and scrunchies in every colour under the rainbow? Ah, such iconic fashion! And let me tell you, this day did not disappoint when it came to the world of leotard fashion.
As usual, I kicked things off with a street ballet performance – you wouldn't believe how much joy a little twirl can bring to even the gloomiest of onlookers! And today, my dancing proved quite the conversation starter as I landed in the heart of London. After a quick change – from my pink sequined leotard to my signature pink tutu – I was off on my leotard quest for the day.
First stop, a visit to a local ballet studio, and let me tell you, this wasn't your average 'wear your usual dancewear' affair. I'm talking about fluorescent colours galore! Leotards with swirling neon stripes, tie-dye fabrics, and bold geometric designs were all the rage. It reminded me of the kind of neon art you see in vintage video game shops – you know, the kind you look at and just feel a little bit of the 80s? Well, these leotards had the same impact – bright, vibrant, and undeniably fun.
It wasn't all about the bold and daring, though. We saw some stunningly simple yet stylish designs. Ballet shoes in neon colours were all the rage, of course. As were these beautiful, sleek, single-coloured leotards. They might not have been neon, but their colours – think emerald greens, fiery oranges, and sky blues – made quite an impact. It was all about finding a way to add that little something extra, you know? And, of course, you couldn't go without a headband or scrunchie in matching neon hues!
I can just imagine how many happy smiles were created thanks to those neon, bouncy moves at ballet classes across the UK that day. There's something undeniably uplifting about seeing so much vibrant energy – especially through dance. It felt like the very fabric of the 80s was vibrating with creativity, and, of course, with that ever-so-lovely pink hue!
Moving from the studio to the stage, I made my way to the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. It's a bit of a personal favourite – especially since it played host to one of my most treasured memories in time-travel history, where I managed to snag a selfie with Marie Antoinette (more about that another time). But back to 1989, this evening saw the grand opening of a brand new production of 'Giselle'. A whirlwind of talent, of course – but I couldn’t take my eyes off the costumes.
Now, let's be honest, ballerinas always look stunning – but the costumes that night were truly spectacular. The dancers wore custom-made leotards featuring elegant yet bold, graphic designs. They weren’t the traditional pink we usually see, but beautiful, deep rich reds, midnight blues and deep violets. A splash of gold here, a splash of silver there.
I caught up with one of the lead ballerinas after the show, who had been wearing an absolutely stunning blue velvet leotard, decorated with glittering silver stars. "This leotard is an absolute masterpiece, just as intricate as a starry night," she said, "and the blue velvet adds a hint of majesty – perfect for Giselle!"
It was just the kind of elegance and brilliance I’d expect from one of the UK's leading theatres. But the real story wasn't the colour of the leotard. It was how that vibrant blue shone even brighter against the deep stage colours – proving that a simple yet sophisticated touch can make all the difference.
By this time, the streets were alive with the energy of the city, and my Pink Tutu Travels couldn’t end without a little exploration, you know? I popped into a few vintage clothing shops, where I was charmed by the brightly-coloured leg warmers, the neon leggings, and even some tutus in neon shades that looked straight out of a music video!
You'll be hard-pressed to find a pinker shade than mine, darling – but even a dedicated pink-loving ballerina like myself has to admire the daring and confidence that comes with wearing a neon colour with pride.
*My favourite moment from the day? *
Oh, where to begin? Well, I had the absolute privilege of watching the street artist, Ben Eine, put the final touches on one of his incredible works – a mural featuring a little dancer, no less! Now, this dancer wasn't quite as adventurous as my pink tutu and I, but he did wear a simple, white leotard. It was in that moment that I truly felt the connection – the artistry of the dancers, the colours of the world, the beautiful expression of ourselves. And the reminder that, even without neon lights or fancy sequins, a simple leotard can truly make you feel like you're ready to conquer the world – whether you're dancing down a bustling street or performing for thousands under the stage lights.
It’s time for me to go back to Derbyshire now and rest my dancing shoes – but oh darling, I'm already planning my next trip back in time. It's a secret, but it will be absolutely dazzling, and trust me, the world of leotards has a few more surprises up its sleeve!
Until next month,
Emma xx
Don’t forget to catch up on all my latest Pink Tutu Travels adventures on www.pink-tutu.com
This post, #1564 on my Pink Tutu Travels blog.
