Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving, time-travelling Emma, back with another peek into the fabulous world of leotard history! This month, we're taking a trip to 8th August, 1989, a time of big hair, neon colours and - you guessed it - absolutely glorious leotards!
For those who are new here, I'm Emma, a ballerina from the picturesque Derbyshire countryside (though I'm more at home twirling down a bustling Parisian street!). My love for leotards and tutus runs deep, and that's how my journey of time-travelling began! You see, I discovered I have this special leotard - all pink sparkles and hidden magic - that takes me through the annals of history. And believe me, it's an absolute blast!
This time, we're going all out with a classic '80s aesthetic! Think leg warmers, bright neon colours, and plenty of ruffles, all in the name of leotard fashion. Oh, and can we talk about the hair?! I think they had entire shops dedicated to hairspray back then!
What was happening in the leotard world in 1989?August 8th, 1989 saw some pretty exciting things in the leotard scene! Firstly, the London-based dancewear brand "Dancesport" was celebrating their tenth anniversary. Known for their elegant, high-quality leotards, their designs often featured rich colours like sapphire blue and emerald green. Think sophisticated glamour for the dancer, which I definitely wouldn't mind getting my hands on!
In the world of ballet, "The Royal Ballet" had just finished a tour in Paris, performing a selection of classic ballets, which I imagine looked absolutely breathtaking with the leotards that period favoured! Picture intricate detailing, tulle layers, and the use of classic colours like white, black, and nude. This style was perfect for the delicate movements of the classical ballet dancer!
But let's not forget the '80s aerobics craze! This period saw a surge in popularity for the 'activewear' leotard - often bright, colourful and perfect for stretching and working out. The key elements here were comfort, movement, and the ability to showcase the amazing dancer body, which makes sense, doesn't it?
I also found an adorable article about leotard fashion being inspired by "Miami Vice" (can you imagine the pastel pink leotards with white ruffles?!) And just imagine all the high-energy, feel-good dance music that these fabulous leotards must have accompanied!
How did I fund my trip?I'm so glad you asked! My amazing, pink sparkle leotard has an added bonus - it turns me into the best impromptu ballerina on the planet! It gives me the strength and flexibility of a seasoned dancer (plus the grace of a swan!). And so, I fund my trips with street performances. That's right, I make my living as a spontaneous ballerina, popping up in random places across time and spreading joy, grace, and of course, a whole lot of leotard-clad fun!
This month, I'm thinking of dancing to Madonna's "Like a Prayer" on a bustling London street, complete with a glittery leotard, bright red leg warmers, and a vibrant pink tutu. Oh, the magic!
What did I see in 1989?It's no surprise that I found myself gravitating towards the local ballet studio in my 1989 visit. It was just as I had imagined! Young ballerinas, all in various shades of pink leotards and matching skirts, were practicing pliés and tendus with a sense of concentration and passion that was absolutely heartwarming! It’s amazing to witness their dedication to the art of dance and how their joy at practicing fills the room. I especially adored one young girl with her bright red hair, pulling a dazzling double pirouette, while wearing a leotard adorned with glittering star-shaped sequins. Absolutely divine!
Later that day, I decided to see what the local music scene had to offer. It was a glorious neon dream - I mean, they practically made the night glow with bright light! I ended up at a club with an electrifying atmosphere, and, to my utter delight, a live band with a vocalist sporting a striking black and neon pink leotard and a full tutu that wouldn't look out of place in a professional ballet performance! The fusion of street fashion and the performance art was truly remarkable, the dancers, their movement and choreography so raw, so energising, and so perfectly 80s!
My leotard and I soaked in the music and energy of the place, and even had a quick chat with the singer - an incredibly nice and passionate person who talked all about her vision for a “revolutionary dance movement” that could only be realised through “purely captivating performance leotards,” her words, not mine. The conversation left me inspired and filled with an even bigger urge to inspire others to embrace the joy of the leotard, because after all, it’s not just about clothing, it’s a statement of expression, of empowerment, of sheer joyous creativity.
And so, my fellow leotard-loving fashionistas, what do you think of this fabulous decade for dancewear?Share your thoughts on our Facebook group and don't forget to visit our website www.pink-tutu.com. Every month, we'll journey together through the extraordinary evolution of the leotard.
Let's celebrate the power of the leotard together, one pink tutu-filled time travel adventure at a time!
Stay radiant, and don’t forget to keep it sparkly!
Emma x
