Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina from the rolling hills of Derbyshire. August 2020 was such a whirl, it's taken me ages to get back to you! Between performing at a charity ball in Vienna, tracking down a lost leotard in Renaissance Florence, and just having the best time exploring 1920s New York - time travel is truly a life-enhancing experience! And trust me, if you haven't experienced it, you're truly missing out.
For today's blog post, I've dusted off my trusty pink tulle tutu, the one that makes me feel like I'm literally a confectionary creation, and gathered my thoughts on this incredible journey. Let me tell you, the fashion scene in 2020 was an explosion of creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional leotard design and making it totally clear why a ballerina needs a little sparkle in her life!
First things first, a trip back to August 2020 is absolutely the perfect time to discuss the rise of athleisure - where comfort meets performance, and I absolutely love that fusion. Ballet has never been about being constrained and while tutus might look impossibly glamorous, the real heart of it lies in graceful movement.
My trip back to 2020 involved a sneak peek into a London fashion week, where some designers were showing truly extraordinary leotard pieces. One designer even used the iconic Ballet Pink and black colour combination, incorporating it in a dramatic way. They paired an elegant leotard in ballet pink, crafted from the softest Lycra, with a flowy, dramatic black tulle skirt. It was almost enough to make my eyes pop out. Just the perfect balance of delicate elegance and breathtaking extravagance. The kind of outfit that could absolutely send a runway into a frenzy, and it did!
Now, let's hop across the pond to New York, shall we? I remember landing there at this little theatre district boutique, a haven of all things dancewear. The excitement there was palpable, as the owners explained they were gearing up for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. But what got me particularly excited, was the amazing vintage leotard display - truly exquisite examples from ballet’s Golden Age.
Of course, I was back in time myself, performing at a 1920s Gatsby-themed soiree in New York! Let’s just say, they have a special knack for flapper-chic. Think fringed and feathered leotards that moved with a delicate shimmer under the soft lighting, paired with loose-fitting sparkly pants. My leotard was an absolute showstopper - deep purple with a generous scattering of crystals, it glittered like a star under the spotlight. Just heavenly, really.
As my August 2020 tour wrapped up, I found myself standing on a rooftop in Vienna. I could see the whole city sprawling beneath me, the magnificent city bathed in the setting sun. You know what struck me? There's just a universal beauty in the simplicity of a ballet leotard. It's the epitome of sleek elegance and elegance and freedom of movement.
And you know, I’ve come to the realization that it doesn’t matter where I am or what century I’m exploring, ballet transcends boundaries. It is about expression and grace.
The whole journey was an experience in pure escapism - that’s what time travel gives you. So my darlings, take it from this tutu-clad adventurer, don't ever be afraid to push boundaries. Life is too short to blend in, wear what makes you feel strong and beautiful - especially that perfect pink tutu. Don't worry if you feel like standing out, it's absolutely worth it! As long as you’re rocking it with your best big smile and radiating self-love, you'll be turning heads in no time.
Stay twirling, my little dancers!
Love always,
Emma xx
My Leotard Closet Finds - August 2020 EditionOh, my darlings, there is such a bounty to share. In the grand tradition of pink-tutu.com, I absolutely had to document my leotard finds. You’re getting a peek into my personal time travel leotard collection! I’ve tried to make each outfit unique and memorable and they were so well received! It was absolutely delightful!
The Austrian Rose (Vienna, 1750) - Oh, darling! My love for all things Victorian comes alive in this delicate leotard! A pastel pink, silk creation. With long, billowing sleeves, its almost as if it was sculpted on a royal ballerina. The details are exquisite – floral motifs stitched meticulously throughout. I added a delicate chain to complete the look, creating a perfect blend of elegance and grace. You could not be mistaken for anyone else in this leotard, let me tell you! It’s an absolute triumph.
*The Midnight Waltz (Vienna, 1880) * - A leotard that took the concept of black swan to a whole other level! With the dramatic silhouette of tulle. And shimmering sequins and a hint of a blush of ballet pink – ahh - utterly luxurious, yet sensual. I loved performing at the waltz in Vienna while wearing this exquisite garment. Imagine, shimmering across a ballroom under the candlelight. Just divine.
*The Empire Line (Florence, 1530) * - I can't describe the feeling of walking through Florence in this time-bending creation! A deep blush silk leotard - the perfect color of twilight, a simple yet iconic design. It evokes the spirit of Renaissance fashion - high-waisted, slim-fitting and just utterly glamorous! This leotard felt more than just a garment; it felt like a piece of history.
*The Glitter Bug (New York, 1920) *- Imagine shimmering in this piece! It truly has the perfect amount of fringe and sparkle, as every sequin on this tutu was handcrafted! It truly felt as though the 20s had just erupted into a celebration! A classic silhouette in the form of a deep purple, sparkly, fringe leotard. The deep-set sparkles were what did it for me - oh my darling - it simply glittered. Absolutely mesmerising!
The Swan Princess (New York, 1980) - A modern ballet classic! A vibrant, coral pink leotard made with ultra-soft Lycra and an understated beauty, making me feel like an Olympian Ballerina ready to take centre stage! With some strategic cuts and detailing, this piece was made to move freely and the modern flair was all I needed. Just amazing!
The Broadway Star (New York, 2020) - Now we're in the thick of modern trends. I'm talking leotards with attitude! The most modern one I wore in my journey - an iconic, striking black piece that almost felt futuristic, incorporating sheer panels that added just the right amount of whimsy. The dramatic cuts, geometric shapes - they made it stand out, creating such a striking effect and proving why a little black leotard is so incredibly modern.
I can't wait to show you what leotards I wear on my next time travel adventure, but that’s all for now, darling! Remember, life is for loving every minute - and don’t be afraid to express yourself through your outfit! Love your style, wear a tutu and let your true beauty shine. See you next month on pink-tutu.com!
