Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things leotard and tutu related! As always, it's your favourite ballerina blogger Emma here, and I'm thrilled to share my latest time-travelling adventure with you. This month, I found myself whisked away to the ancient world of Greece, a truly magical experience!
But first, let's catch up on what's going on in the world of leotard fashion, shall I? I always like to kick things off with a little dose of current trends. As I type this, we're in September 2004. Let's just say, it's all about the high-neck leotard! Ballet dancers all over the world are embracing the high neck trend, giving their performances an extra touch of elegance and poise. It's so chic! And if you're feeling bold, there are some beautiful geometric patterns popping up on the leotard scene. I'm absolutely loving the diamond and chevron patterns. I've even been spotted sporting a pair of fabulous emerald green, diamond patterned leotards on my latest street performances.
Speaking of street performances, I had a brilliant set last week in front of the British Museum, a favourite haunt of mine! It seems the crowds really enjoyed my 'Pink Swan' routine. Let's just say there were some very enthusiastic calls for an encore! You all know that there's nothing better than feeling the energy of the crowd while you're dancing, and my London audience was certainly electric. You can catch my whole routine on my YouTube channel if you fancy a peak at the ‘Pink Swan’. You might even get some inspiration for your own ballet looks!
Now, back to my Greece adventure! Can you believe it? A trip to ancient Greece in my trusty, sparkly, pink time-travelling leotard. Talk about a fabulous trip! To be honest, it took a little while for my trusty time-travelling leotard to materialize. You know how it is with the logistics, sometimes you just have to summon it with a twirl and a dash of pink sparkle, and hope for the best! As soon as it materialized though, I knew this trip was going to be extraordinary.
Of course, Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization! I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I landed in Athens. After a little light, pink sparkly choreography and a sprinkling of fairy dust, the time machine finally worked its magic and sent me straight into ancient times. Honestly, my friends, it was incredible. The sights, the sounds, and the sheer vibrant energy of the city…it’s something else.
But the thing that really struck me? The fashion! Oh my gosh, the fashion. You wouldn’t think it, but those ancient Greeks knew their way around a good silhouette. The women, adorned with draping robes, intricate hairstyles, and an air of confidence, were quite the fashion icons! You wouldn't think that ancient Greek leotard styles existed but even back then, some dancers performed in form-fitting tunics made of linen, giving a very early form of leotard. As soon as I stepped off the chariot (okay, it wasn’t technically a chariot, it was more like a time-warp, which thankfully I got used to!) I saw the most fabulous dancer I’ve ever encountered – she was a member of the Lysistrata Dance Theatre. Honestly, she was a goddess in human form – with a simple white linen tunic. She had the most captivating presence. Just incredible.
I also learned that ancient Greeks were obsessed with theatre. They took their costumes and theatre very seriously. You wouldn’t think they'd wear leotards in a play but they often had costumes worn in the theatres which incorporated tights or skin-tight clothes. If anything, they might even be seen as precursors to leotards! They definitely were wearing tunics back then but I’m convinced they’d love the modern leotard today!
It's fascinating how much the love of dance and theatre transcends through the ages, even back to ancient Greece. I spent a few days, learning from the Lysistrata Dancers and admiring their costumes, which would definitely make their way into my vintage leotard collection. They were absolutely mesmerized by my pink tutu. I taught them how to make one - they had to learn using ancient linen fabrics though! There's something about the colour pink that captures everyone’s hearts! Just ask any girl who's ever dreamed of being a princess, and you’ll see that they’re practically all sporting some kind of pink outfit, just like me! I guess it just represents a touch of sweetness and confidence that everybody can connect to.
Anyways, I've got to run - I have an interview with a lovely London design house about the "pink-tutu revolution" I'm spreading around the globe, one dazzling leotard at a time.
Until next time, darlings! Don't forget to wear pink!
Lots of love,
Emma xoxo
