Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink-Tutu.com! This month's trip has taken me back to a very exciting time in the world of dance - 3rd March 1990! My time-travelling pink-sparkle leotard landed me right in the middle of a ballet class at the Royal Ballet School in London, and let me tell you, the leotards were just divine.
The 1990s were a decade of such incredible dance fashion! They were all about beautiful, clean lines and graceful silhouettes. We're talking elegant, long-sleeved leotards in shades of lavender and dusty rose, accented with delicate straps or intricate lace detailing. Think "swan lake" with a modern twist, you know?
Now, let's rewind a bit... because this isn't just any random date in leotard history. It's the day I witnessed the unveiling of one of the most iconic leotards ever! A new generation of pointe shoe was born - a marvel of engineering that revolutionised ballet, and looked absolutely breathtaking. Yes, my darlings, I'm talking about the "New Balance" pointe shoe!
Picture this: The dancers, all so incredibly graceful and poised, adorned in their silky leotards and tights, their hair carefully swept up into elegant buns. As they effortlessly twirled and leapt across the studio, their "New Balance" pointe shoes just seemed to float through the air!
Seeing those pointe shoes up close was an absolute treat. I just knew at that moment that I had to include them in my collection. It was fate, really! As a time-travelling ballerina blogger, you'd be surprised how much of my life is dictated by leotards!
The dancers themselves were so excited about this new invention. It felt as though the ballet world was entering a golden age. You could see the pride in their eyes as they proudly wore those shoes. They felt like pioneers, and it was contagious!
My visit to the Royal Ballet School wasn't just about pointe shoes, though. I was lucky enough to witness a performance of The Sleeping Beauty. And what an exquisite show it was! I’m telling you, those 1990s ballerinas were incredible! They moved like dream dancers - their tutus billowing gracefully, their leotards clinging to their perfect lines, and their “New Balance” pointe shoes twirling around like little bursts of sunshine! The entire production was a beautiful ballet dream come true!
But, enough about the dance! (Just kidding!) You see, the best part about travelling to 1990? The shopping, of course!
There was a wonderful little ballet shop called Dance Paradise just around the corner from the Royal Ballet School, with shelves stacked full of colourful leotards and delicate tutus in all shapes and sizes! There were even tutus with sparkle! Imagine, sparkly tutus back in 1990! It was heaven for a ballerina with a penchant for pink like me! I bought a little lavender leotard with a delicate lace back. And a soft, pink tutu with matching satin ribbons, obviously. You can’t visit the ballet world and not bring home a new tutu, right?!
Speaking of ballet fashion, another fascinating element of the 1990s was the introduction of colour blocking in leotard design! Can you believe it? Now that’s fashion! There were so many exciting combinations to choose from! One of my personal favourites is a leotard in shades of raspberry, mint green, and dusty rose - an elegant yet edgy style. Absolutely perfect for a ballerina who wants to stand out!
There was also a wonderful rise in the use of mesh and velvet for leotards in the 1990s. Just imagine the luxury! And let's not forget the beautiful details like pearls, lace, and crystals – what a statement they made. The ballet world was all about refinement, and the leotard was definitely its centrepiece!
After all that, you know it wouldn't be a proper trip without some street ballet performances! I dusted off my favourite pink tutu (because every ballerina needs a trusty tutu for street performances) and hit the London streets. My favourite move was always a pirouette on top of the fountain in Trafalgar Square, but sometimes even the best ballerina needs a break. The day was going to be long and it was time to rest.
Now, darlings, let me tell you about something quite remarkable I saw. While shopping for some ballet essentials at Dance Paradise I was shocked to see a poster advertising a ballet class for men! I know, I know, men in ballet might seem strange now, but imagine that, in 1990! Now, it’s quite commonplace and totally accepted but back then, that was huge! Just imagine the courage it took for men back then to go out and dance! It made my heart swell with pride and a feeling of awe for them. I mean, can you imagine being the first to try that back in 1990! Wow, these pioneers of dance deserved so much admiration!
While I always enjoy my adventures in time, 1990 holds a very special place in my heart. It’s such an important date for the history of leotards and pointe shoes. From elegant lace and sparkle, to revolutionary footwear, there was truly a lot of magic in the air in those days!
So, my darlings, next time you see a ballerina in her elegant leotard, remember that history is always being made. And that it is something to truly celebrate. After all, there’s just something so magical about dancing in a leotard, and I believe everyone can join in! So go on, put on a leotard (or a tutu if you’re feeling really brave) and let your inner ballerina shine!
Until next month, stay beautiful, stay strong, and stay twirling!
With love,
Emma
P.S. Have you all started your Pink Tutu street dance training yet? Let me know your favourite dance moves on my Instagram! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest time travel shenanigans and fabulous leotards. Oh, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to wear your very own pink tutu next time you're out! It's time to let your pink tutu fly, darlings! ✨💕🩰
