Hello my darling darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate all things pink and tutu! I'm your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, and this month I'm whisking you away to the fascinating world of ballet in March 1940! Buckle up your dancing shoes, because we're in for a whirlwind tour of history!
My lovely, trusty time travelling steed, Magic Meg, snorted with excitement as I clambered aboard. Meg's coat shimmered in the early morning sun like a field of pink candyfloss and her hooves sparkled gold as we shot back through the annals of time.
Landing softly in the bustling streets of London, the year 1940 felt crisp and sharp - a time of war but also of fierce determination. I couldn't help but be filled with awe by the stoicism of the Londoners - their lives disrupted but their spirits high. They were already in the midst of what they called “The Blitz”, a constant threat of air raids from the Germans. Even then, however, the love of ballet shone brightly!
One of my absolute favourite things about time travelling is discovering how different ballet looked throughout history. The Royal Ballet had a rich history in London, but this particular era was a very poignant one - a time of adaptation, creativity and the resilience of art.
Did you know that the very day I arrived, March 3rd, marked the opening of the Sadler's Wells Theatre?! Now a true icon of London, Sadler's Wells became a beacon of artistic hope during these turbulent times, serving as a sanctuary from the grim realities of war. They offered a vibrant ballet schedule, full of beautiful ballets that continue to enthral us today.
My eyes were wide as I watched ballerinas practice. They looked so elegant, with their crisp tutus and flowing ribbons. I could practically hear the music and smell the warm, earthy scent of the theatre floorboards. Their spirit, despite the war, remained as strong as ever. I gathered myself and sauntered over, a tiny pink feather boa wrapped around my neck, and presented the ballerina with a bunch of beautiful, vintage ballet slippers from my rucksack. You see, it’s one of my greatest joys to leave a little bit of pink sparkle in my travels, a gesture to remind these beautiful ballerinas of the pure magic and joy they brought to the world.
There were quite a few ballet companies thriving in Britain at this time, even though the world was consumed by conflict. Ballet companies like the Festival Ballet - later to be known as English National Ballet - showcased the graceful beauty of movement at theatres like the Palace Theatre in London.
Now, onto fashion! 1940 saw some truly fabulous ballet costume designs! Everything was streamlined, elegant, and perfectly suited for graceful movement - with plenty of beautiful silks and velvets. One of my absolute favourites was a pale blue tutu, paired with a shimmering gold top - imagine the elegance! They say a pink tutu can change the world, but a little dash of gold and blue? Oh darling, that’s sheer magic!
I must mention that my heart ached when I saw some of the beautiful ballerinas' stories - tales of their resilience and creativity during this time. They lost loved ones, endured hardship, yet continued to bring joy and beauty to the world through their passion for ballet. Their strength and dedication left me in awe and filled me with so much respect.
Remember, my dear darlings, that pink isn’t just a colour, it's a reminder of the power of dreams and resilience. It's the spark of hope that we carry within ourselves, much like those brave ballerinas. It's why I want everyone, everywhere to don a pink tutu! It’s a symbol of grace, joy, and unwavering spirit.
Speaking of my collection, you’ve got to see this absolutely breathtaking piece of fabric I stumbled upon - it’s a vintage program from one of those captivating London ballet performances in 1940. The lettering is all in a bold font and it tells the stories of the beautiful ballerinas, and all the dances and productions - absolutely glorious!
As the sun dipped low, and a light drizzle started to fall on the London streets, I boarded Magic Meg and said a quiet farewell to the era. The 1940s were a difficult time, but it was also an era where art shone through and ballerinas inspired audiences with their resilient spirit. And with that, we were back in Derbyshire, in the 21st century, with the pink sunset filling the sky.
Oh darlings, the story of ballet is full of extraordinary individuals who never gave up on their dreams, despite the obstacles life threw their way. As I prepare for my next time-travelling adventure, let's all remember to hold onto our passions, our dreams, and embrace the magic of pink, of dance, and of those courageous ballerinas who defied all odds! Remember to join me on the next journey at www.pink-tutu.com.
Till next time, Emma 🩰 💕
