Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from...well, that's the beauty of this magical pink sparkly leotard, isn't it? Wherever I want to be! This month, my adventures in leotard history took me back to October 1997, a truly dazzling time for the world of dancewear!
I swear, this time travelling leotard gets more glitzy every time I wear it. This month's journey was especially magical; I literally sparkled into a dressing room backstage at a big, beautiful London theatre, all plush velvet and swirling chandeliers. My timing was impeccable! It was the opening night of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House. Can you imagine? This is why time travelling in this pink tutu is the best, it's full of incredible, glittery, fashion surprises!
Right then, let's take a trip back to October 1997 to see what was hot in the leotard world, and see if I could've snagged some new goodies from the Royal Opera House's costume department. wink
The Ballet Scene: Swan Lake & Ballet Shoes
Oh, 1997! A truly spectacular time for ballet, and particularly, Swan Lake. Now, imagine being backstage, surrounded by exquisite tulle, intricate hand-sewn tutus, and those iconic swan-like costumes. I mean, come on! Who wouldn't want a pink, or even a black swan tutu, right? I had to pinch myself.
The year saw some beautiful, new ballet productions take centre stage. While "Swan Lake" continued to be a perennial favourite, there were a flurry of new and interesting pieces. "Ballet Shoes" was even adapted for television that year, taking everyone by storm with its nostalgic ballet storyline. Ballet fever was sweeping the nation. Now, who can blame them when you've got ballerinas pirouetteing on TV with all that beautiful leotard fashion?
* Leotard Trends:*
It wasn't just the tutus. Back in 1997, leotard styles were really starting to move with the times. There was a real focus on form and athleticism. Think bold colours, sleek cuts, and flattering details like a sporty scoop back. We're talking leotards made for showing off some serious athleticism and those amazing ballerina bodies. It was a mix of grace and strength, you know? A leotard could be both a statement and a practical piece of sportswear for dancers, too!
Now, one trend I did notice (and immediately wished was back!) were the "Lycra Dancewear" outfits. Yes, remember the 90s trend of super-stretch, bright, bold leggings? It was the trend, especially with an asymmetric leotard worn over the top, sometimes with an additional mesh top. These ensembles were so eye-catching, so expressive. You could even choose to have different colour Lycra on each leg! Can you imagine? We should totally bring that back!
On the Streets and Beyond:
I always think it's fun to see how fashion on stage affects the way people dress off-stage, too. Think Britney Spears in "Baby One More Time", all school-girl inspired skirts and crop tops - and maybe a pair of little pink, ballet flats?! There was definitely a 90s vibe coming out. Leotard looks on stage translated into off-stage styles. I love this about leotard fashion – it's so multi-layered and so dynamic!
And if we're talking street fashion, imagine my joy to spot a troupe of street dancers rocking out in some awesome, colourful leotards, doing incredible feats of contortion and high-flying acrobatics. You see, leotards weren't just for ballet. They were everywhere: hip hop dance groups, gymnastics, ice-skaters, and even the occasional rock band. (Although I personally think the less glitter in a rock star's attire, the better!)
I managed to snag a pair of pink, sparkly tap shoes at a second-hand shop on my little London wanderings that day. It just wouldn't have been a proper visit to 1997 London without getting myself something pink!
* Pink Tutu Power:*
The world in 1997 had already caught on to a very important message: every day is a dance. The world loved dance. Everyone had their favourite moves and steps. I mean, you could just feel it! That vibe, you know?
But, here's what I discovered in October of '97, and that makes me incredibly excited! Even then, people were open to experimenting with their looks. They weren't afraid to be a bit bold with colour and style. It was just the time for a whole new generation of leotards, in all styles and shapes and colours. My job? To ensure that every leotard in the world gets to show its best side - and to help people wear pink tutus! ( Don’t worry, I’ll only *recommend you try a pink tutu. It’s a gentle persuasion!)
It's my hope that I'm encouraging everyone to feel comfortable and confident in whatever style leotard they choose, whether it’s on stage or at the barre.
As I finish this post, I have to confess...I'm starting to dream up new time travel adventures, especially for the amazing vintage shops and those bustling London costume stores, looking for the next perfect pink tutu or a sassy little black leotard, because you know…there are new leotard stories waiting for us, and so many fashionistas and ballet lovers to get into pink tutus! Don't miss my next post in November! * Stay sparkly* * xoxo *
