The classic 80s flick flashdance is being reinvented on US Broadway next year and to mark the occasion a group of dedicated knitters will be giving it a woolly welcome.
In Pittsburgh the world premiere of Flashdance the Musical, ahead of its pre-Broadway national, is set to take place in the new year, featuring some of the city’s finest musical theatre talent.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that in order to celebrate the arrival of local stars Matthew Hydzik and Emily Padgett residents have been hard at work knitting legwarmers to greet them.
Legwarmers and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts in a series of bright neon colours are synonymous with both the film and the era and will be the focus of a new yarnbombing display.
Project: Leg Warmer is made up of participants from the East Liberty store Natural stitches, who have been covering Pittsburgh’s famous dinosaur statues with their own brightly coloured leg warmers.
Using yarn donated by local businesses, knitters and crocheters have decorated lampposts at Heinz Hall and outfitting dinosaurs at PPG Place and the Art Institute.
Each of the legwarmers acts as a reminder to the city’s historical link to Flashdance, after the popular 1980s film version was filmed there three decades ago.
Anyone can join in by knitting their very own legwarmers to help brighten up Pittsburgh and signal the arrival of Flashdance.
Leg warmer patterns can be incredibly easy to follow and needn’t involve circular needles, as they can easily be stitched up at each end.
Bright coloured yarns are always best, especially bold pink, yellow, orange, blue and purple shades, as these were used extensively in the movie.
Fans of Flashdance can see the premiere of the new musical theatre version at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall from January 1st to 6th, meaning there are still a few days to knit or crochet a couple of legwarmers for the campaign.
