Hello my lovely tutu-wearing darlings!
Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history and fashion fun! This month, we're stepping back in time to the 10th October, 1940. Buckle up your ballet shoes and hold on tight to your tutus, because we're going on a whirlwind tour of the ballet world, and trust me, it's a beauty!
Time Travel on a Pink Cloud
As always, I'm off on my adventures aboard my trusty steed, Magic Meg. You know the drill – a majestic Shire horse, dazzling pink mane and tail, hooves like golden coins, all decked out in her pink saddle blanket. She's a sight to behold, just like a ballet dancer herself! We galloped across the fields of Derbyshire, England (my home sweet home!) and popped right into the thick of the wartime atmosphere of 1940. My rucksack is brimming with anticipation, ready to capture the stories and treasures I'll find along this ballet journey.
A World Under the Influence
October 1940, remember? It's the midst of the Blitz, London's being bombed. This time, the air hung thick with tension. Yet, in the midst of all that, there was still room for ballet to shine! Even though war is a dark and sorrowful chapter, it has always served as a stark reminder to us all about the value of art, the need for escapism, and the enduring power of human resilience.
Ballet Shows Amidst the Blitz
My first stop was Covent Garden. The Royal Opera House, always a jewel of London, stood strong despite the grim realities of the world outside. Can you believe it? The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Sadler's Wells Ballet, they were performing for audiences even in these fraught times. Ballet became a symbol of defiance, a testament to the human spirit that could still rise above even the most terrible of events. Imagine that! Watching these resilient souls embrace ballet during the war makes me even prouder to call myself a ballerina. It reinforces my belief that nothing can truly break the beauty and spirit of ballet!
What were people watching?
- The Royal Ballet, under the direction of Ninette de Valois, were putting on a vibrant rendition of "Giselle". The stories of tragic love and sacrifice, which resonate with us through the ages, were beautifully reflected in this production.
- Alongside the Royal Ballet, the Sadler's Wells Ballet, under the guidance of Marie Rambert, was showcasing a dynamic production of "Graduation Ball". This playful and energetic piece provided a much needed lighter touch in a time of immense darkness.
A Fashion Revolution
Just as the wartime era shaped ballet performance, it also influenced ballet fashion. Practicality became paramount, and the war-era "Utility Look" even spilled onto the dance floor. While long tutus might be out of fashion (although not out of style in my book!) due to material restrictions, the elegance and grace of the ballerina weren't going to fade. The ballet dancers of the time had adapted, finding a way to translate their beauty into the realities of wartime life. That's what makes me proud to be part of this community!
Dance Inspiration in Every Era
You know, dear readers, this journey isn't just about history. It's about finding inspiration in the resilience of the dancers of the past and bringing that spirit into the modern world. Ballet is for everyone. It transcends times, cultures, and wars!
Remember this date, dear friends! 10th October 1940! It's a reminder of the enduring power of art and beauty, and that even in the darkest of times, ballet will always find a way to dance on. And who knows? Maybe it's not so far fetched to imagine that even in a world that has moved past pink tutus as an everyday item, someday we'll all embrace the playful whimsy of a pink tutu world! We'll show the world that beauty can still bloom in the toughest of times!
Keep dancing, keep smiling, keep shining in your pink tutus! Until next time, my ballet loving friends!
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out our amazing website www.pink-tutu.com for even more pink-tastic ballet stories, fashion, and, of course, my upcoming travel adventures!
