Darling readers!
Hello from your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma! This month, I've been transported to a fabulous date - February 2nd, 1993! My time travelling leotard glittered and sparkled as I whizzed through the swirling, rainbow vortex, landing in the most exciting decade, the nineties, with my trusty, oh-so-fabulous pink tutu fluttering around me like a pink cloud. I'm always delighted to find myself back in this fabulous era - it's just dripping in style!
Today, the first thing I did was hop over to the local newsagent and snag the latest copy of "Dance International". This magazine is always jam-packed with fabulous ballet fashions, and this particular issue is brimming with dazzling new leotard designs! Imagine the shock and delight on everyone's faces when I strolled into the shop wearing a pink tutu and my dazzling time travel leotard! The shop assistant was quite impressed! He couldn't help but compliment my "unique style" and even offered me some sweets to say thank you. I happily accepted and, of course, he took a peek at my leotard and inquired where I had bought it from. It was fun trying to explain to him how this dazzling number was indeed, my time machine. He even thought about investing in a leotard of his own to do some "travelling!"
Speaking of "Dance International," it's a fabulous read filled with leotard inspiration! This particular issue was awash with shimmering sequined tops, bold colour-block designs and even a glimpse of the return of the "en pointe" shoe! This little trend was actually very exciting news as it showed how we dancers were still finding new ways to showcase our creativity and movement with such a beautifully timeless design.
From there, I headed off to the grand opening of the new ballet school, "Dancers Dream" - oh, the glitz and glamour! I had to remind myself to hold onto my tutu lest the strong winds of this new beginning lift it into the heavens. The ballet school looked fantastic - the new sprung floor was shiny, the barre gleaming, the mirrors like polished jewels, reflecting every graceful pirouette. It felt magical, a symphony of excitement ready to be played by every young ballerina who stepped inside. I can’t even begin to describe the wonderful mix of pink and black ballet leotards and tutus; this was what real ballet dreams were made of! And the highlight? A masterclass given by the fabulous prima ballerina, Fiona O'Brien! Talk about a dream come true! The dancers were so mesmerized by her artistry. Fiona O'Brien gave them some exceptional techniques on “La Sylphide”. I took notes, darling! A real leotard connoisseur never stops learning, not even when travelling through time!
From the school, I headed to the Royal Opera House in London, a place I adore, even when dressed in my sparkling pink tutu! I’m not always subtle. It felt fitting to celebrate this exciting new chapter of "Dancers Dream" at the Covent Garden's grand stage! They were showing Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, "Swan Lake". My favourite ballerina, Claire Watson, was dancing Odette, and it was such an emotional and beautiful performance. As she danced on stage, her long, flowing white leotard gracefully caressed her elegant form as she effortlessly danced between light and shadow - the image was simply captivating. It's the detail, the delicate embellishments that set a ballerina’s style apart! It was during that show I was lucky enough to meet Claire Watson, who is known for her exquisite grace and style. Of course, we chatted leotard designs, what’s next in fashion and all things ballerina.
The next day, I popped down to Covent Garden to meet with a designer who has become one of my favourite sources for fabulous ballet fashion! He has created the most breathtaking pieces - think lace, silk, and gorgeous vibrant colours - each one designed to make every ballerina look and feel her most confident, and a touch glamorous. It is hard to choose a favourite amongst all the exquisite creations in his boutique. There were silks that shimmered in shades of emerald and ruby red. Each garment was a mini masterpiece of leotard design, begging to be danced in and worn proudly! And I felt quite inspired to add some new designs into my wardrobe collection too, of course. I am such a hopeless romantic at heart!
But as always, my favourite part of any trip is meeting the dancers! Each ballerina's unique sense of style, and how they wear their leotards is absolutely mesmerizing. Some choose flowing skirts to compliment their delicate leaps. Some go bold and wild, with vibrant colours and dramatic patterns, and some go for a clean and classic silhouette with classic black leotards.
Here are a few more trends that captured my eye this time period:
Leotard Trends of the Times * More colours: Remember the 80s? Those bold neon colors? They were making a comeback but with more of a sophisticated flair. Think bold but elegant reds and deep ocean blues. * Embroidery: It was all about detailed embellishments this time period. You could spot intricate designs on leotards, often inspired by nature like blossoming flowers or graceful swirls. * The rise of the 'fitted leotard: There was a major shift to tight, sleek styles, often designed in flattering colour palettes and stretchy fabrics. It allowed dancers to express more agility.
Of course, I didn't miss out on a little street dancing myself, it is how I fund my time travel adventures. The cobblestone streets of London, Derbyshire and even in the quaint villages, became my temporary stage. My dancing is as vibrant and eclectic as my style! A sprinkle of traditional ballet mixed with my street dance routines. After all, there’s no need to restrict yourself when it comes to dancing in a leotard. As long as you can move to the beat, there are no limits to expression and style.
That evening, I went to the Sadler's Wells theatre for a wonderful evening of modern dance, complete with breathtaking performances, mesmerising music, and dynamic choreography. The choreography seemed to speak its own language! From modern masterpieces to expressive improvisational dance, every performance was as unique and powerful as the next.
After two wonderful weeks in the UK, my time machine was calling. It’s always hard to say goodbye! The next few days flew by, I did some more show hopping and leotard shopping until it was finally time to bid farewell to the beautiful streets and glamorous atmosphere of this fantastic decade, 1993. I couldn't help but notice how this time, the shop assistant was sporting a very fetching black and pink leotard! I might have been a touch instrumental in getting him on board with the pink tutu movement! I really did try to convert as many people as I could!
See you next month, darlings! Stay twirling!
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
