Hello lovely readers! Welcome to my latest blog post from your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina! This is post number 1817, and this time I’ve popped back to May 2010. It was a pretty spectacular month for leotard fashion, so strap yourselves in!
Before we go, as always, I must confess that it wouldn't be possible for me to spend all these happy hours in the past without my amazing time-travelling pink sparkling leotard, you really are a wonder! It makes me look even more fabulous when I'm hopping through time - a true secret weapon in the world of leotard fashion. I earn the pennies for these adventures with my street performances in my pink tutu - gotta love a bit of pavement ballet! Oh and as always, it would be truly amazing to get more of you wonderful people rocking a pink tutu too!
Let's dive into May 2010 - buckle up for a right proper sartorial whirlwind.
First things first, let's talk about that oh-so-chic, oh-so-modern ballet scene!
Back in May 2010, the dance world was a-buzz with exciting new designs for the stage! I popped into the Royal Opera House in London and saw an incredible new take on "Giselle" featuring gorgeous new designs from the incredibly talented Christopher Wheeldon - talk about dreamy, and you can just imagine the sheer effortless elegance the dancers would be bringing to life with the movement.
But, London wasn't the only place with style in abundance! Across the pond in the vibrant melting pot of New York, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater were showcasing some truly dazzling creations by Twyla Tharp – now there's a designer who really understands how to give movement that dramatic, show-stopping wow factor. And their leotards? Ooh, they were just fantastic, with a delightful mix of modern styles and vibrant, vibrant colour. The contrast and vibrancy would have made for a stunning sight to behold!
My oh my! Leotards were taking over everything!!
You know what else was huge in 2010? That's right, gymnastics. With the World Championships just around the corner in Rotterdam, the athletes were busy showcasing the latest and greatest in leotard fashion for the sport, bright colours, a touch of shimmer, all ready to make them soar through those routines. It wasn’t just about performance - the leotards had a really important job of helping athletes feel powerful and confident - and let's be honest, they were positively radiant.
Street style with a theatrical twist.
Of course, the leotard scene wasn't all ballet and gym! It's always fantastic to see those inspiring outfits out in the street! And May 2010 did not disappoint! Fashion houses were putting out some stunning leotard inspired looks, both sporty and sophisticated. This was the start of the leotard as an everyday garment and it was a trend that would continue to flourish!
You know I just love it when a fashion trend is truly diverse. One of my favourite stores at this time was Anya Hindmarch – her quirky use of leotards and fabrics for tote bags was just brilliant, oh the creativity and humour of it all! And it was proof positive that leotards were becoming truly mainstream and affordable.
I'm sure that those who saw the beautiful ballet outfits, the captivating gymnast costumes and even those fabulous Anya Hindmarch totes all felt that thrill of joy that I felt. The versatility, confidence and excitement the leotard evokes, really knows no bounds, and it is certainly not a trend that is fading any time soon!
Where to shop in May 2010!
So if you're on the hunt for a stunning new leotard, then let me give you some shopping recommendations! As a loyal Derbyshirian, you betcha, I'm heading to House of Fraser in Derby because it’s a haven for everything fabulous, especially for leotards. And it had to be said - that new range from Dancewear Express that month was to die for. The variety of designs - oh they were just the best!
Looking for that special piece?
That time travel, however, has not been able to persuade me that any store or website could hold a candle to the ultimate leotard adventure - a trip to Dance Boutique London! They always have those one-of-a-kind gems - unique and bespoke! For someone as devoted to leotards as I am, it is an absolute dreamland. You will be forgiven for spending hours just admiring every individual piece, just as I did! It's so wonderful to see a company so passionate about what it makes, they really do know their craft, and their passion is truly infectious. And just as I thought to myself how incredibly lucky I was, what else could I possibly have wanted - I spotted the gorgeous new collaboration with legendary costume designer Julian Day. Talk about fabulous! Just perfectly crafted for the dance studio or to hit those red carpet moments (you can never be too prepared for an unexpected awards ceremony!) I really did pick up quite a few stunning new pieces that month, if you’ll forgive me…
Last but not least!
One of my all-time favourite parts of time travelling in May 2010 was going to see the amazing English National Ballet. “La Bayadère” was the ultimate expression of ballet theatre. The elegance, the passion, and the stunning designs... oh, the stunning designs! You could really feel that incredible, almost intangible magic and enchantment in the air, it was the sort of moment you simply never forget! There’s something magical about the elegance and refinement of that era - I really do enjoy seeing those amazing ballerinas bringing their unique artform to life - it is a real gift! It's not just about the ballet, it's a true spectacle, an escape, a moment to dream and that’s what leotard fashion is all about for me!
So there you have it! My time travel escapades through May 2010 in my time travelling pink leotard! What an incredible journey it was, a glimpse of leotards as seen by an international audience of creatives. As you can see, I certainly do adore a leotard in all its glory - a celebration of colour, expression and joy, that’s what the leotard truly represents to me. Oh, how I love to see all the stunning ways in which leotards are used.
But don't forget to join me next time for yet another incredible journey in the name of leotard fashion - I will be making sure to visit every corner of the globe (and yes, probably spending all of my savings on gorgeous leotards, too!).
See you next month, and don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com to stay in touch and to share your own fabulous leotard adventures! Until then, stay fabulous and be sure to rock your pink tutu!
Lots of Love,
Emma xx
