Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things leotard-tastic!
July 2003. Itâs a scorcher here in Derbyshire, and even my usual pink tutu ensemble is making me a tad bit warm. But Iâm about to embark on a time-travel adventure that will cool me down faster than a triple pirouette!
You see, darlings, Iâve been following the thread of history, particularly leotard history, ever since I started dancing. And, as any true tutu devotee knows, there are more hidden gems in the world of leotard fashion than a vintage storeâs most treasured collection!
This month, my magical pink, sparkly leotard whisked me off to the United States, specifically, Los Angeles. Itâs not the LA we know with the starlets and sunshine. This is 2003, right in the thick of a dance craze â Dancing With the Stars. Can you believe it? Ballroom dancing is making its triumphant return to the mainstream, and itâs hot, hot, hot!
From what I saw, these celebrities are literally going cha-cha crazy! All that twirling, all those glitter gowns and dazzling ballroom costumes. And of course, beneath those glamorous dresses, you know thereâs a good old-fashioned leotard providing support and, most importantly, style! It seems my passion for leotard history is leading me down a delightful rabbit hole. Who knew?
I watched the celebrities as they sashayed across the dance floor â not in plain leotards, mind you, but in colourful creations designed by the crème de la crème of Hollywood costume designers! I was particularly taken with the shimmering sequined gowns and the bold, bright colours. Honestly, they wouldn't be out of place in a cabaret or a modern-day ballet show. And yes, those sparkly fabrics and intricate embroideryâŚit makes my leotard heart sing!
Speaking of the cabaret, the world was captivated by Moulin Rouge! Oh, what a joyous explosion of feathers, colours and oh, so much glitter. And in the heart of it all? Those iconic can-can dancers and their oh-so-fabulous leotards. It's like they're the perfect blend of athleticism and showstopping glamour! Just picture those tiny satin leotards paired with dramatic ruffles and lace. Theyâre literally the definition of French-style sassiness!
And it wasnât all about glitter and feathers, darling. While the big dance events like âDancing With the Starsâ were captivating America, the rest of the world was also embracing the dance floor.
In Brazil, a delightful little film called Carandiru was making waves, with scenes showcasing inmates in a maximum security prison enjoying dancing lessons â not in the fanciest of leotards, but their enthusiasm shone bright! In their colourful clothes and makeshift dance classes, it really demonstrated that dance knows no bounds. It can reach into the darkest corners of our world and illuminate it with hope and creativity!
And, as I always like to remind you, itâs all about those fabulous leotards! Think sleek and stretchy with pops of bright colour â just perfect for those intense dance moves.
And what is a Pink Tutu without a bit of fun on the streets? My last trip to a market saw the worldâs biggest-ever gathering of people â 50,000 strong! I canât forget the infectious spirit as thousands of dancers danced their hearts out on the bustling streets of Mumbai, celebrating the city's lively Lalbaugcha Raja festival. The rhythmic movement of so many dancers was magical to watch and, amidst the vibrant clothes, those glimpses of leotards under saris, chaniya cholis and salwar kameez reminded me once again, that dance unites us!
So there you have it! My fabulous foray into 2003 â a year when the world went dance crazy! I was amazed to see leotards in unexpected places, whether on the stage in America, under the shimmering glitter in the Moulin Rouge, or right here on the bustling streets of Mumbai. And, my lovelies, all this just goes to show that our love for leotards is more than just a love for fashion â itâs a universal language of joy, passion, and expression!
And you, darlings, know exactly how I feel. You are the ones who get it, who love leotards with every fibre of your being. I canât wait to see what September 2003 holds, and even more, I canât wait for the next time I see YOU, all in those fabulous pink tutus!
Until then, stay leotard-tastic!
Yours in pink, Emma
Pink-Tutu www.pink-tutu.com
