#LeotardHistory during 1989 10 October

Hello my lovely Leotard Lovers! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling fashionista, ready to whisk you off to the dazzling world of leotard history! It's a rather special day, you see - the 10th October, 1989. Why? Because I'm channelling my inner child with a little trip back to the 80s, to discover the hottest trends in leotard fashion! Now, settle in for a story with a sparkle, darling - you never know, it might just inspire you to dig out that old tutu from the back of the cupboard and show it who’s boss!

You might be wondering how I'm able to travel through time. Well, you see, darling, it's all thanks to a secret little gem in my wardrobe - my sparkling pink time travelling leotard! (You haven’t seen the colour pink till you’ve seen it under the flashing strobe of a time machine!) I find myself a particularly enchanting leotard at one of my street ballet performances, and then whoosh! Off I go to another era! My last journey took me back to 1960s, where I twirled in the glamorous world of "Go-Go" girls!

You can bet I have my eye out for a new vintage leotard to fuel my time machine each month, which I’m telling you is more difficult than it sounds!

My main job is making sure everyone embraces the power of the pink tutu, but the extra thrill? Leotard History! This month’s journey’s taking me to the glittery and glamorous decade of the 80s. Grab a glass of something bubbly and get ready to dance because it’s time to explore 1989's leotard scene!

The 80s. Big hair. Neon colours. Shoulder pads bigger than your granny's handbag. This decade is just screaming for a pink tutu comeback! (Trust me, darlings. I'm here for all that 80s throwback. Even that ridiculous legwarmer look!).

In the 80s, the leotard truly flourished! It was no longer just for the dancer, oh no! From gymnasts to rock stars, this fashion piece became a staple in many wardrobes! Think Madonna sashaying on stage, Jane Fonda leading us through her workout routine, and even Cyndi Lauper rocking out in a pink leotard, proving the versatility of this stylish garment.

My travel plan today takes me to the legendary Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. It’s opening night for the Royal Ballet! And oh, how exciting it is! The anticipation in the air is palpable, buzzing with the sheer spectacle of live ballet performance!

London’s ballet scene is abuzz! There’s an energy in the air, the kind that makes your feet want to tap and your head start nodding! The leotard is front and centre. In fact, there are no leotards to be found today. It’s a dress code affair, with glittering long and mid-length dance dresses. And the fashion? Fabulous. We are talking swathes of beautiful silk and chiffon, with flowing trains and lace. And if anyone dares wear something a bit more modest – we’re talking elegant wrap around garments - well, it’s just the chicest, simplest way to look fashionable for a night of pure ballet delight!

From delicate pas de bourrées to breathtaking jetés , each dancer creates an effortless yet powerful vision. These gorgeous dresses have such a simple beauty about them, making each dancer look ethereal!

I'm feeling the buzz from my first ever Royal Opera House show in London. I wonder if I can make my pink tutu sing the “Pinkalicious” music like in this show!

My time travelling pink leotard whirls me across the Atlantic to the Big Apple, the melting pot of all things fabulous, a city brimming with creativity and style!

In a snowy New York City, I’m lucky enough to see a magical show on ice called The Stars On Ice.

Think glittering sequins and stunning ice routines. These performers are wearing some incredible leotards that are making me wish for the warmth of a pair of glittery leg warmers - the 80s are really making a comeback on the ice rink. The girls on ice, they’re definitely pulling off this 80s style leotard – with sleeves – look, oh darling, the pink tulle, with it! I’m loving the leg warmers look again, and even the tutus - all pink!

Oh my, the detail in the leotards on ice is incredible! Glittering and sheer, but still offering a stylish look, with the occasional embellishment, of course. We’re definitely seeing a touch of that classic ballet elegance in the 80s!

Even the guys aren’t immune to the appeal of this amazing piece of attire! They’re also on stage rocking leotards, alongside those stunning ice princesses!

New York really does have the knack for embracing that artistic fashion forward spirit. My kind of place, darling!

Even beyond these professional performances, you can see how the leotard is woven into the everyday. I’m going shopping to a trendy boutique and what do I see? It's like the leotard is everywhere! We're seeing a return to that classic athletic chic and 80s power looks – those strong and vibrant colours, all wrapped up in stylish cuts. You know, darling, just that kind of comfort that looks fashionable even when you're strutting down the street, hitting the gym, or rocking out at a concert.

What’s even more fabulous is the evolution of this beloved leotard in the fashion world. Imagine that – wearing the same leotard as a professional dancer - and the comfort? Oh darling, it’s the perfect blend of style and comfort, allowing us to dance into the day with a confidence. The freedom and style? I think the 80s were right!

Today’s fashionable street and street ballet performers can embrace the same freedom as these elite professional dancers! It’s time to get those old pink tutus out, darlings, give those legwarmers a look-over, and bring back the fashion flair of the 80s!

It's truly magical how this one piece of clothing - a little bit of stretchy goodness - can be transformed into something so empowering. It's the little things that really inspire us to unleash our inner confidence and rock that fabulousness.

Right, darling! Time for this pink tutu to get back to its magical leotard-filled world, searching for the next adventure! Make sure to check back next month for the latest time-travel blog about the latest in leotard fashion.

Stay stylish, darlings. Remember, you can never wear too much pink!

Love and Twirls, Emma x