#LeotardHistory during 1990 01 January

Hey fellow leotard enthusiasts, it's Emma here, your time travelling ballerina blogger extraordinaire, straight from the heart of Derbyshire. It's a new month, which means another fabulously fantastical time travel adventure to share! Today, we're zipping back to 1990, and I've got my sparkle-studded pink leotard all ready to go.

Hold onto your tutus, darling, because 1st January, 1990, was all about bold colours, playful patterns and a real embrace of individuality in the leotard world. I can feel the excitement bubbling already!

Now, you're probably wondering, how on earth does a girl like me, loving pink and all things sparkly, get about in time? Well, it's all thanks to this magical pink leotard I found hidden in a vintage store in London. It's not just any leotard, though – it's a shimmery, sequined dream that carries me through time and space. Just a thought, if you're in London, you might want to do some digging…

Anyway, I've been making a few bob from my street performances – a cheeky little routine here, a quick pirouette there – to fund this month's travel expenses. I love the energy of the crowds, watching their faces as my sparkly tutu and sassy moves transport them to another world. Maybe one day, we'll all be doing street ballet together! Imagine, a world filled with pink tutus and graceful leaps, that’s the dream, right?!

So, with my time travelling leotard shimmering, I’m off back to 1990 to see what fabulous fashion awaits. But first, let’s do a quick recap of the world of leotard fashion back then…

This was the era of vibrant colours, bold prints, and expressive styles. Think neon pink, emerald green, and cobalt blue – a perfect match for my pink leotard, actually. You know, they say pink is back in style this year, so what's new is old, see?

Key Leotard Trends in 1990:

• Colour Blocking: Think bright, contrasting panels – a bright pink bodice, maybe with turquoise sleeves and lime green detailing, all designed to make a statement. We all love a bit of statement fashion, right?
• Patterns: Geometric designs were everywhere, from stripes and polka dots to swirling patterns. Some people might find them a little busy, but for me, more is definitely more. I'm all for showing off my inner creativity, especially in leotard fashion!
• Metallic Finishes: A sprinkle of silver, gold, or even bronze was definitely making waves in the 90s leotard scene. It added an extra touch of sparkle and a hint of disco glamour. Let’s face it, we all have a little disco queen in us!

But it wasn't all about the colours and patterns. The style and silhouette of the leotards themselves were also taking shape:

• Sleeveless: Sleeveless leotards were incredibly popular for both dancing and gymnastics, as they offered both freedom of movement and a more athletic look.
• Cropped Sleeves: Cropped sleeves with a fun ruffle, like my dream leotard, added a bit of flair and helped create a more flattering fit.
• Cut-Outs: For a bit of a daring look, designers were playing around with cut-outs, especially on the back or sides. I might be tempted to try a little bit of this! I can imagine how sassy a pink leotard would look with a stylish cut-out!
• Layered Tutus: And of course, tutus were still the crowning glory of many leotards. I absolutely adore tutus! We need more of them in everyday fashion! Imagine the fun – pink, fluffy, full tutus, who wouldn't want to rock one?

And while the fashion was bold and expressive, it was also important to have high-performance fabrics:

• Lycra: Lycra was the fabric of the moment! Its stretchy, comfortable and breathable properties were a hit. It's easy to see why, with its comfortable fit and stunning silhouette, you’d be sure to find me dancing and swirling in Lycra every chance I get!
• Spandex: Another star player, Spandex helped ensure freedom of movement for those dramatic jumps and spins that are always part of the performance!

The 90s saw a distinct blurring of the lines between dancewear and street fashion. Leotards weren't just for the studio anymore – they started showing up in magazines, music videos, and even on the streets! Remember that pop sensation, Britney Spears? She was rocking the leotard on stage! I just know, the girls back in 1990 loved her leotards – all those playful colours and sporty styles – a real dream!

Leotard fashion in the 1990s also felt like a reaction against the strict fashion rules of previous decades. There was a desire for freedom, expression, and a bit of playful sassiness! The trend spread globally, and you could see it in everything from music videos and theatrical productions to magazines and street fashion.

And here's where my magical leotard whisks me away, through the portal of time, right into the world of 1990. The first thing that struck me was the vibrant atmosphere, filled with a joyful energy I loved!

My time travelling leotard took me straight to New York, where the city that never sleeps was truly embracing bold, playful, colourful leotards in all their glory!

My first stop? A fabulous ballet performance at the New York City Ballet. It was mesmerizing, full of grace, beauty and strength. The dancers, so confident and bold, their moves breathtaking. They wore simple but sleek, classic leotards with a modern twist – I saw plenty of leotards in vibrant pink!

Next, it was time for a little bit of theatre, and I took in a Broadway production of "Miss Saigon". I just love how theatre has this incredible way to transform into a whole different world. The costumes were amazing - a mix of traditional Vietnamese styles and modern trends. I saw some leotards with intricate beading, like delicate, sparkly flowers.

Of course, I couldn't be in New York without visiting some shops – always the best part of any journey. The vibrant atmosphere in 1990 made me feel like I could dance and twirl my tutu down every street!

From vintage boutiques selling unique finds to high street shops offering trend-setting pieces, the world of leotards was bursting with creative designs, fabrics and colours. I even picked up a stunning cropped, sparkly pink leotard – just to say I was here, you see!

Paris! My Parisian trip was truly delightful, and so, so elegant. The streets buzzed with Parisian chic and street style, and leotard fashion was making waves. I spotted leotards paired with jeans, jackets, skirts - such a cool and stylish way to blend leotard fashion with street wear. Who knew such a glamorous piece of clothing could be so versatile! Maybe, I thought, it's time to try this myself!

Then it was off to the world of opera, the opulent grandeur of the Paris Opera House! As I floated through those halls, it felt like I was stepping into a storybook. I found myself enthralled by the extravagant costumes of “Carmen,” the beautiful opera about passionate love and tragic consequences.

My Parisian journey wouldn't be complete without a trip to a legendary dance studio, one known for nurturing a new generation of talented dancers. The leotards there were as elegant as a Parisian summer, and a far cry from the street style, with graceful, flowing lines that highlighted the graceful beauty of movement. The passion in the room was electrifying! I just know this is a place that inspires dancers, and helps to bring to life those elegant and stylish leotards.

It was time to travel back to Derbyshire. Back to my lovely pink leotard, my comfortable little haven. And honestly? The more I travel, the more I realise how important leotards are - they offer this unique blend of function and style, making them a universal favourite for all!

1990 was a great time to be a leotard lover. It was about experimentation, about bold and confident statements, a chance to move to the beat of your own drum – all beautifully expressed through leotards, whether they were on a ballet stage, in a street performance or gracing the city streets.

And here in Derbyshire, I can feel that energy, too. I know that I'm not the only one here who's a huge leotard fan – it's in the air! So here's to leotards of every colour, every style and every time. May they forever bring us grace, strength, beauty and a whole lot of fun. I'll be here sharing our love of leotards and all the sparkly, twirling magic they bring, with a pink tutu and a whole lot of optimism, of course! Until next time!

Lots of love, Emma x