Hello, my dearest fashionistas! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, back with another blast from the past – this time we’re twirling back to February 2013! It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? * * *
This month, my magical pink sparkling leotard whisked me off to the most vibrant ballet scene, showcasing the amazing leotards of 2013! Oh, how those vibrant colours, darling! It's amazing how trends in dance wear mirror the wider fashion scene – and the early 2010s were all about bright hues, sleek lines, and a touch of sparkle.
A Little About My Journey Back To The Past...
Before I tell you about the fabulous leotard trends from 2013, let's indulge in a quick anecdote about my arrival there. As I twirled through time in my shimmering pink leotard, I found myself landing right in the middle of a busy city square – Piccadilly Circus, to be exact! The buzz was electric, full of excitement and energy. Now, as you all know, I love a good impromptu street ballet performance to earn some travel funds. So, naturally, I whipped up a little number, channeling the glamour of a 2013 dance floor, to a roaring applause. (Do let me know if you fancy some of my street choreography – you’d be surprised at how a tutu and a pink leotard can turn a street corner into a dazzling performance space! And it definitely pays for the most amazing, dazzling vintage leotards!)
So, What Did The 2013 Leotards Look Like?
The leotards I saw in 2013 had this fabulous combination of classic and contemporary designs. Think sleek, modern lines, but with a playful twist. Bold colours, pops of metallic, and some really statement detailing – like dramatic back designs or daring cut-outs. I was quite taken by a beautifully draped one-shouldered leotard, almost Grecian in its inspiration, which was worn by a troupe of ballerinas in a stunning performance of Swan Lake. It reminded me of the beautiful drape and movement in fashion wear around this period – remember the gorgeous gowns of the time?
There were also a lot of leotards incorporating mesh and sheer fabric – so feminine and flattering! I particularly adored one vibrant leotard – a shocking pink, almost neon colour - with delicate mesh panels along the sides and a peek-a-boo back, topped off with a bright turquoise skirt. It just screams bold and chic! The vibrant tones reminded me of all those fabulous colour combinations trending in clothes around 2013, from turquoise and pink to tangerine and lilac! The ballet world was absolutely soaking up the fun of the early 2010s colour palettes!
Beyond The Leotard...
But it wasn't just the leotards, oh no, the entire ballet fashion scene in 2013 was an absolute joy to witness!
- Tutus: These were getting a fabulous update! A move towards fuller, more voluminous shapes, particularly those designed for classical performances. And there was so much movement, with swirling layers and flowing, pleated fabrics that were just a dream to see on stage! It made me feel like I could twirl all day and never stop!
- Shoes: Let’s talk pointe shoes. Now, these were a real standout – I’d never seen so many beautiful variations! Satin finishes, delicate ribbon ties, and beautiful pointed toes – a true ballet icon of 2013. The shoes also reflected a real push toward elegance and craftsmanship, using premium materials and finishes.
- Hair: All things up-dos and neat buns, and sleek ballet-inspired buns were in vogue, giving a clean, classic look. Think soft ballerina chignons adorned with graceful bows, delicate headbands or sparkly clips – simple yet elegant, allowing the focus to remain on the leotard.
Shows I Went To!
There was so much to see and so many fabulous shows on at this time. In London, I saw a mind-blowing production of ‘La Sylphide’, which had me practically leaping from my seat, and I managed to catch an exciting contemporary ballet performance by Rambert Dance Company which absolutely stole the show with its stunning costumes – particularly their gorgeous bright red leotards and tulle tutus. And my time in New York – ah! What can I say – it was a leotard lover’s paradise! Seeing ‘The Nutcracker’ in this fabulous setting was just as enchanting as I'd always imagined – and the New York City Ballet were magnificent!
I have to admit – February 2013 definitely left me with a real love for that early 2010s aesthetic. There was so much to celebrate about the time. The creativity and vibrancy of those leotards really captured the zeitgeist of the time, making the world of ballet just that little bit more stylish and magical.
*It’s time for me to say goodbye and twirl off on another time travelling adventure - and don’t forget! You can join me on these fantastic trips! Grab your tutus and head on over to our pink-tutu.com to browse my collection of hand-picked vintage leotards, each with a special history behind them. Plus, sign up for my monthly newsletter for all the latest updates on our pink tutu journey - there’s so much in store! See you all next time, for a fabulous journey to... who knows where! *
