#LeotardHistory during 2009 05

Hello lovely readers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another sparkly and fabulous journey into the world of leotard history. Today, we're dipping our toes (well, perhaps more accurately our toe shoes) into May 2009, and trust me, it was a month teeming with leotard fashion fun.

So, grab your tea, a slice of Victoria sponge (or if you're feeling extra adventurous, a pink macaron - they match my sparkly pink time travel leotard!), and settle in for another journey back in time with me!

This month's travels took me right to the heart of London, a place where leotard fashion always flourishes, whether on the stages of the West End or strutting down Oxford Street. Oh, it's just wonderful seeing how leotard styles evolve through the decades, it's almost as fascinating as those time-hopping shenanigans.

Imagine my excitement, finding myself back in 2009 in a swirling mass of silk and sequins! I swear, the streets of London were ablaze with colour and energy, with every showstopper I bumped into looking ready to step onto the stage. I was particularly taken with the trend of intricate designs on leotards – think flowers, swirls, geometric shapes - the details were breathtaking, adding a new dimension to those beautiful lines.

It felt almost impossible to resist a twirl (even on the crowded pavements - a small indiscretion, you know). It was a visual feast - so many colours, textures and embellishments. It really reminded me how lucky we are today, to have such an incredible variety in the world of dancewear.

From what I could glean during my time travel escapade, here’s what was making waves in the world of leotards in May 2009:

• A Touch of Gothic: It seems the world of dancewear was taking inspiration from the Gothic scene. Black lace and velvet trims, paired with daring cutouts and deep jewel tones were really making a splash. Think, 'Dark Angel meets Prima Ballerina'. It was edgy and dramatic!

• Sequin Dreams: Forget subtle shimmer; this year it was all about head-turning sparkle! Sequins were everywhere! Imagine a symphony of rainbow hues cascading down the legs, making every movement glitter and dance. The brighter the better, my darlings!

• Cutaway Choreography: Designers were playing with shapes and cuts, showing off every curve in all the right ways. Cutaways, particularly in the bodice, were a prominent feature. These leotards offered a delightful mix of sleek, clean lines and peek-a-boo reveals. Just the right balance of sassy and elegant!

• High-Waisted Hues: The high-waisted trend wasn’t just for dresses in 2009. Leotards with high waists paired with flattering skirts or tutus were a popular choice for ballet and street dance alike. They accentuated the silhouette and added an air of grace and refinement, making the dancers look even more elegant and statuesque.

I simply could not resist a quick detour into the glittering world of a vintage shop. The shopkeeper, an absolute sweetheart with an incredible knowledge of fashion history, guided me through the shelves overflowing with colourful gems.

Let’s just say, my little pink time travel bag came back brimming with a few lovely pieces from May 2009 that perfectly encapsulate the period's spirit.

I nabbed a stunning black lace leotard with a high, sheer neckline - a truly elegant piece! You just have to see the way the lace catches the light! And I also discovered a bright crimson leotard, sparkling with an explosion of red sequins, perfect for those passionate street dance performances. Just add some fierce makeup and a killer dance routine!

Of course, any visit to a new era wouldn’t be complete without a bit of street ballet exploration. May 2009 had some wonderful performers gracing the streets with their vibrant routines. One particularly stunning display took place in Covent Garden, a troupe of dancers, dressed in a spectrum of leotards - deep greens, sunshine yellows, fiery reds, their movements fluid and captivating. It reminded me just how powerful and impactful a simple leotard can be.

Their artistry was utterly spellbinding. I especially enjoyed the graceful moves accompanied by a contemporary soundtrack. It really brought the street to life. It was like watching a performance on a grand stage, but right there on the streets! A truly inspiring reminder that ballet can truly thrive in every setting.

Of course, any journey back in time requires a journey back to my humble abode in Derbyshire. I must admit, it's a bit of a culture shock, especially after seeing the vibrant street scene of London. However, I find that Derbyshire has a certain charm. And, being surrounded by lush greenery and the countryside air does help you rediscover a sense of peace after a chaotic time travel trip!

I also do find time to put on a few of my vintage leotard finds and put on a few street dance performances in Derbyshire - let's just say, those folks from 2009 have certainly influenced my routines, making me a little bolder and bolder. The locals do enjoy it, it brings a bit of London glitter and a lot of laughs to the area!

I must confess, I did try on my new gothic leotard in the Derbyshire countryside. To my surprise, it did look absolutely fantastic against the backdrop of the green fields, under the bright blue sky - it made the dramatic leotard feel almost innocent, a little ironic but totally chic!

I’m now back in my little corner of the world, surrounded by sketches for my latest leotard designs and the comforting patter of rain on the windows, my latest leotard-obsessed musings are all I can think about! Oh, it's going to be hard choosing the next destination, so many exciting leotard adventures await!

So, lovely readers, remember to be brave and follow your passions, just like I do. Whether it's leaping through time, twirling in the street, or rocking a killer pink tutu, let’s make this world a little brighter with our love of leotards and a dash of sparkle!

Until next month!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com