It seemed legwarmers were everywhere in 1983; popularised first by a series of keep-fit videotapes released by actress Jane Fonda, in which she demonstrated aerobic exercises, then with the release of the film 'Flashdance'. The film told the story of a young woman (played by Jennifer Beals) who dreamed of becoming a dancer, and the success of the movie helped spark the legwarmer craze.
Legwarmers were only created a few years earlier, they were intended to be worn only during a dancer's warm-up routine. The 'Jane Fonda's Workout' series of videotapes also did much to bring the legwarmer into public consciousness; the actress herself took up aerobics as a way to stay in shape (she was in her early forties at the time) after fracturing her foot during filming of 'The China Syndrome'. She had previously been a ballet enthusiast, but after the injury had to change to an alternative way to maintain her fitness. Her series of aerobics videos took off, helped by the still recent boom in home video and gave her career an unexpected boost, as well as helping to inspire many people to take up the activity.
The series influenced much TV programming in the 1980s, even in Britain where the BBC's then-new breakfast TV show included an aerobics feature. Hosted by Diana Moran, she was known as 'The Green Goddess' for her tendency to wear green leotards (and legwarmers!)
Even for those who were not as keen on aerobics however, the legwarmer became a must-have item for young women in 1983. The trend lasted until around the middle of the 80s, before coming back into style around 20 years later.
Here is a segment from one of Jane Fonda's Workout videos, a runaway hit in 1983. (Joining in is optional!)
(2023 update: video links replaced)
Also here is the song from that hit film 'Flashdance': 'Flashdance...What A Feeling':
*2023 Update: Sadly singer Irene Cara (who performed the title song 'Flashdance...What A Feeling') passed away aged 63 in November 2022. *
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