Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels. It’s September 2026 and the leaves are just starting to turn a glorious auburn and ochre. What a perfect time to slip on a comfy pink leotard and explore the world of leotard history. This month, we’re jetting off to… Germany! And not just any part of Germany, but to the birthplace of Bauhaus. Yes, we’re travelling to 1919 Weimar, where a bunch of innovative creatives decided to shake things up in the world of art and design. Get ready for bold geometric shapes, a symphony of primary colours and oh-so-stylish minimalist design, because, as always, a pink tutu brings out the beauty of every era.
A Leotard in Time: Finding Bauhaus BalletOf course, I couldn’t just travel to this era without donning the perfect leotard for the occasion. Let me tell you, it took me a whole afternoon to decide. You see, Bauhaus, while sleek and cool, was about stripping back, simplifying, focusing on function. That meant a sleek, simple leotard in a rich bold colour – and the perfect fabric had to be velvet! Imagine, if you will, a deep cherry red leotard crafted from the softest velvet, accented with geometric lines and patterns in black and cream. A truly show-stopping look!
Oh, and speaking of bold geometric shapes and minimalism, have you heard of the legendary German ballerina, Gret Palucca? Known for her revolutionary style of dance, Palucca is often called the “female Nijinsky” (she and Nijinsky actually danced together, imagine!).
As I floated through the bustling streets of Weimar, I couldn't help but marvel at the clean lines and practicality of the Bauhaus designs. There's a raw beauty in the pared-back aesthetic of Bauhaus, just as there is in the graceful elegance of a minimalist leotard.
So, while the Bauhaus era may have started just as WWI was ending, its ideas were still revolutionary, bringing bold colour and playful geometric shapes to everyday life. For a dancer, it offered the ultimate in functional dancewear: freedom of movement, freedom of expression.
Leotard Inspiration
The Bauhaus influence has been present in dancewear and fashion in many ways. Think about those clean, sharp lines, the simple shapes that leave room for movement, and the playful, geometric accents, you can even find some fabulous Bauhaus-inspired tutus with clean, graphic designs - all these were key components in the Bauhaus movement.
My personal take-away: You can get a truly spectacular look even with a minimal design - just pair it with the right accent colour or bold prints. Oh, and don’t forget the geometric necklines – my favourite. A playful splash of pink lipstick, and BAM - you have your very own Bauhaus-inspired dance outfit!
2026 - Back to the Future, Or Rather…The Now!While we’re on the topic of modern dance, this September 2026 saw a stellar opening for a revolutionary new ballet, "Beyond the Line," a powerful work by renowned choreographer, Amelia Parker, which showcased the power and artistry of contemporary dance with leotards designed by a rising young talent, Jasper Finn.
Jasper's designs, a symphony of metallic hues, are a perfect illustration of how contemporary fashion merges the clean lines of the Bauhaus with the bold vibrancy of street wear and modern dance.
The use of iridescent fabrics, a bit of sheer silk and shimmering lace creates an incredible, futuristic feel, something quite fitting given the theme of the dance, exploring humanity’s desire for transcendence, for pushing boundaries.
Of course, with the magic of my pink leotard, I couldn’t just witness this on a stage – oh no, I saw it all backstage. It was fascinating! You have to be there, behind the scenes to see the sweat, the struggle, and the pure joy of creation, of the artistry of dance – from the intricate dance routines to the vibrant, shimmering leotard creations that came to life on the dancers.
Leotard Fashion Spotlight:
* Metallic leotards:* With metallic fabrics still trending, metallic leotards add a touch of futuristic glamour, a hint of celestial, cosmic dancewear.
Shimmering tulle: This soft, iridescent fabric has long been popular for dancers. A gorgeous addition to your wardrobe this September - adding that hint of magic to leotards and tutus.
Leotards and fashion – The crossover between leotard and street style continues. Think of modern athletic leotards, styled for day wear with chunky knit cardigans, trendy bomber jackets or statement boots, and you are ready to move from class to street, no matter the weather!
Sharing the Magic of Leotard Fashion:
If there is one thing I have learnt over the years, it's that every single era has unique fashion influences. My mission with Pink Tutu Travels is to encourage all my darlings to embrace the joy of leotards and tutus in their everyday lives – to bring colour, playfulness and a touch of ballet-inspired chic to whatever we're doing, wherever we go.
Don't be shy to let your inner ballerina shine!
Until next time, lovelies,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com Post Number 2013
