#LeotardHistory during 1996 11

Helloooo, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you the very latest in all things leotard fabulous from my adventures through the fascinating tapestry of time! I'm currently back from a trip to November 1996, and boy oh boy, let me tell you, the leotard scene was positively popping!

For my trip this time, I chose my "Future Sparkle" time travel leotard, a glorious concoction of shimmery pink sequins, a little bit of neon turquoise for that touch of futuristic edge, and a cascading tulle skirt – for who could resist a bit of dramatic flair, even in a past era? The good news is that my arrival, complete with my shimmering pink time travel leotard and my signature bouncy curls, caused a bit of a stir in the bustling streets of London, in a good way, of course! You'd think I'd just stepped off the stage at the Royal Opera House, darling! People seemed quite charmed. It's all about finding that right blend of bold and graceful, and thankfully, I know my tutus.

Now, let’s dive into what was happening in the world of leotards during my November 1996 adventures.

As usual, the world of ballet was all abuzz! It’s hard not to be thrilled with how the elegance of ballet leotards never fades, their simple forms allowing for incredible expressions of artistry and athleticism. I particularly remember the joy of visiting the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House! The beauty of the dancers’ movements was captivating. Their leotards – a sea of classic black, navy and shades of nude, some adorned with the iconic 'decolleté' neckline – showcased the strength and fluidity of the dancers. I especially loved the deep plum leotards – divine! I also caught the opening night of 'La Bayadere' and it was a visual masterpiece! So many tutus, and those ethereal ballet leotards – what could be better for my fashion loving soul?

Of course, no trip back in time is complete without a little window shopping. I was captivated by the new Dancewear Store on Wigmore Street – just a stones throw from the ballet-heaven of the Royal Opera House. Such lovely leotards, darling! There was this magnificent neon yellow Lycra masterpiece with criss-cross straps and a daringly high neckline that had me in complete rapture! Imagine the colour on stage!

While the Royal Opera House was breathtaking, my travels didn’t stop there! Oh, no, not when there was so much exciting dance going on. This time around, I journeyed down the West End to the Palace Theatre to see "Rent". It's an unforgettable musical that tells the story of a group of young artists facing the challenges of love, life, and, yes, poverty, in the early 90s! It was captivating! And what truly caught my eye? It's got to be the dynamic performance wear! Tight-fitting pants, bright colours and fun and exciting shapes – these leotards were all about embracing individuality! Not quite a pink tutu, but fun and full of movement, so I couldn't help but be inspired by this vibrant world.

Speaking of musicals, I popped down to Drury Lane Theatre to catch the 20th anniversary performance of 'Miss Saigon'! A breathtaking performance with a remarkable cast – the emotion and beauty truly resonated! There was so much emotion, and the colourful military leotards – imagine all the glitter! It truly reminded me of the powerful combination of dance, drama, and visual beauty that is at the heart of leotard fashion.

## The Leotard Buzz – Street Style

I'd never thought to think about the leotard scene beyond theatre and ballet but, dear readers, I have to say that this trip to November 1996 broadened my horizons and filled me with endless inspiration! This was the peak of the 90's rave scene and let me tell you, leotards were getting very creative. From the fashion to the performance art and street shows, the combination of colour, texture and flair on display was really electrifying! It got me thinking about incorporating some of that edgy, fun vibe into my pink tutu!

I spent hours exploring Covent Garden's bustling marketplace, watching the local street dancers with their dazzling performances. It was incredible seeing how leotard fashion was so creatively used. I particularly fell in love with the athletic vibe. Neon leotards, sports bra tops, Lycra trousers, and oversized hoodies, worn by dancers executing a range of gravity defying movements - they all had that fierce and powerful vibe which I found totally inspiring!

The 90s, they embraced bold styles, fearless fashion, and endless movement, so it's little wonder their influence continues to inspire us today. It's wonderful to see this powerful trend of self-expression woven into dance wear - a touch of individuality and a bold expression of confidence in movement. And with my little "Future Sparkle" leotard, I'm determined to carry this same flair into the 21st Century!

## Emma's Pink-Tutu-licious Corner

Speaking of my latest adventures, and I'm still totally in awe of my time travel escapade, let's delve into this month’s Emma’s "Pink-Tutu-licious" Corner! For November 1996, I’m feeling inspired to design a limited-edition leotard inspired by my travels. Think black and purple - oh darling! It would feature a long-sleeved base, black with elegant silver accents, a bit of shimmering sequins – maybe around the shoulders? - and a purple sheer tutu, flowing in graceful folds. It will certainly add some '90's chic to the 'modern-day' pink tutu. It'll be a head turner for sure - a beautiful combination of elegant style and free-flowing confidence - and you'll want to watch out for the 'limited-edition' 'Emma's '96' launch date over at www.pink-tutu.com !

Don't forget to keep in touch! You can follow all my adventures in pink and follow my fabulous #PinkTutuTimeTravel on Twitter and Instagram – I am @EmmaPinkTutu! Until next time, darlings! Keep those tutus twirling!