Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma, your pink-loving, tutu-adoring blogger from Derbyshire, back with another thrilling instalment of #LeotardHistory! As you know, I’ve dedicated this blog to exploring the fascinating evolution of the leotard and all things ballet fashion. And as the universe likes to remind me, the best way to do that is through… time travel! This month, in my fabulous pink, sparkly, magical leotard, I’m zipping back to the beginning of March 2017, a time of breathtaking artistic feats and thrilling leotard trends!
Time travel isn't a cakewalk, darling, you know? Keeping this time-travelling life running smooth requires a whole lot of juggling: the magical time-traveling leotard requires a fair bit of upkeep – and you know I always get the best leotards in the world! – the street performances fund this delightful life – a touch of Derbyshire glamour never hurt, love – and then there's the research for the blog, which frankly, is just as important as finding a great vintage pink tutu!
Speaking of research, 2017 was already brewing up to be an exciting year for leotards and, luckily, my #LeotardHistory archive caught all of it. Here's a peek into March, where the world of ballet was in a tizz:
Paris, March 1st, 2017 – a Parisian dream: My magical leotard whizzed me straight into the Palais Garnier for the Paris Opera Ballet's "Giselle." I found myself captivated by the intricate detail in their costumes, particularly those romantic tulle tutus in that elegant, quintessential shade of pale, dusty rose! The sheer grace and delicate embroidery just felt utterly magical, and that, darling, is precisely why we love the magic of dance!
London, March 10th, 2017 – the dazzling Covent Garden: In London, Covent Garden was hosting “The Nutcracker”, the ultimate fairytale ballet, and trust me, darling, every little detail counts! The costumes are a feast for the eyes. I saw the Sugar Plum Fairy’s pink, sugar-spun, glittery leotard, an iconic look that could only be made more perfect with a big pink tutu.
The New York City Ballet – an explosion of colour! March was packed with wonderful ballet happenings! At New York’s Lincoln Center, I watched the New York City Ballet showcase a fantastic production of “Romeo and Juliet” in breathtaking fashion. My inner sartorialist was giddy over the delicate, yet sophisticated, palette of rich plum and ruby red in the female costumes. It made me wonder why so many fashion trends just copy the classic world of dance!
But the biggest thrill for this particular leotard-loving blogger was the amazing resurgence of 1950s style, especially in the fashion world. Those classic retro dance leotards – all graceful lines, gorgeous colors and a dash of vintage elegance – were all over the shops.
Even the ballet scene itself had its fair share of retro styles: bold geometric patterns, playful splashes of colour, and, of course, that adorable, vintage pink leotard you see so often, so often in these old photos. It's no surprise why so many girls – and boys, you know, you never know! – are back in love with the elegance and nostalgia of vintage leotard fashion!
Speaking of loving life, and that lovely leotard magic, this trip to the 2017 timeline was just so exciting and it all got me thinking. What exactly is it that makes the leotard, and especially the ballet leotard, so alluring?
Well, maybe it's that feeling of freedom, darling. Maybe it's the graceful way it lets us move. Maybe it’s that delightful burst of color and that perfect, little touch of nostalgia, or the little touch of cheeky charm. Maybe it’s simply that perfect moment of sartorial magic when you slip it on, ready to feel the dance of life! It’s almost as if, with the right leotard and tutu, anything is possible. Just as my magical pink time traveling leotard is proving to me every month.
Until next time, darling, and please, remember - keep wearing your pink tutu!
Love,
Emma
PinkTutu #LeotardHistory #TimeTravelBlog Post No. 1899
