#BalletHistory during 1940 11 November

Hello my darlings,

Welcome back to another Pink Tutu Time Travel blog! It's November 11th, and this month we're travelling back to 1940, a year etched in history for both tragedy and triumph. Today, we're remembering the armistice that ended the First World War and the bravery of those who served, but also diving into a fascinating snapshot of the world of ballet. As always, Magic Meg, my darling pink shire horse with those divine golden hooves, is patiently waiting for us outside with her magical harness, ready to take us back to another captivating period in our beloved dance history. Let's go, my dears!

Our arrival in London in 1940 was quite the experience. Imagine: wartime London, a symphony of bomb sirens and a constant, unnerving reminder of the ongoing conflict. Despite this backdrop, life went on, with theatre lights continuing to shine on stage even in the face of so much hardship. As I navigated the dark London streets towards the theatres, I felt a distinct flutter of excitement in my heart. It was remarkable, my darlings, to witness how these London stages held tight to a vibrant cultural scene despite the turmoil.

You may think that during a world war, ballet would take a backseat, but, darling, nothing could be further from the truth! During these trying times, ballet provided much-needed solace, escape, and beauty. It gave audiences a brief respite from reality, reminding them of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

On this November 11th in 1940, London's iconic Sadler's Wells Theatre was showcasing the work of a truly incredible artist - the ballerina, Dame Ninette de Valois. Oh my dears, this talented lady, who founded The Royal Ballet, was truly a pioneer for the art form, and a great influence on the young, blossoming dancers in wartime England.

Even amidst the gloom, these theatre lights gave audiences a taste of the glamorous world of the Ballet Rambert. Now this troupe, my loves, brought so much colour and creativity to the stage, reminding audiences of the sheer joy and elegance of classical ballet. They showcased innovative choreography with breathtaking movement and incredible musicality.

And as I stood there, surrounded by the ghosts of these brilliant dancers and captivated audiences, I paused, a moment of deep reflection washed over me. The sound of air-raid sirens, a reminder of the conflict that was always a threat, made me think about how even in times of great adversity, humanity's thirst for art, music and grace was insatiable. The dancers, and the audiences, in their beautiful, simple dresses and perfectly tailored suits, held on to the magic of ballets, finding a semblance of peace and beauty in a war-torn world.

For the Londoners, ballet in 1940 was more than just entertainment. It represented a way of holding onto the dreams and beauty that life had to offer even as they fought for their very survival. This feeling resonated with me, darling, right to my core, reminding me of the powerful impact ballet has on our lives, even in our day-and-age, just as much as it had on the Londoners all those years ago.

I have some wonderful news, darling, for all you ballet lovers with a passion for fabulous fashion!

After my London escapade, I took a magical ride on Magic Meg, who spirited us through time, whisking us away to a very important historical milestone, 11th November 1940: the night New York City Ballet held their grand opening gala! This milestone marked a significant step forward for the ballet scene in the U.S., and darling, what an exciting time this was for dance in the states.

Now, remember how I always love to follow the trends in ballet fashion? This historic evening held some incredible fashion moments for ballet lovers! The designs of costumes were nothing short of breathtaking. A beautiful medley of classic and modern styles that graced the stage. From elegant, swirling tutus made of exquisite silks, to stunning modern garments that embodied the strength and power of movement, there was truly something for everyone. Even with limited resources and the impact of rationing due to the war, the creative minds of these talented designers pushed the boundaries of ballet fashion, bringing a sense of elegance and extravagance to their performances, showcasing the importance of art as an expression of hope, strength and even, dare I say it, a dash of defiance in wartime.

And for all you fashion-loving ladies, my dear, just picture a ballerina gliding across the stage in a beautifully hand-crafted, pink silk tutu, an iconic vision of delicate grace against the dark backdrop of the theatre, truly enchanting! I couldn't resist snagging a little snippet of silk and tucking it safely away in my leather rucksack to bring a piece of the 1940s ballet glamour home with me!

My dear readers, now it's back to my beloved Derbyshire, where I'll spend the rest of November surrounded by my ballet books, tutus, and dreaming of my next time travel adventure. As you know, my darlings, it's so important to share our love of ballet. Whether it’s joining a ballet class, or watching a ballet performance at the local theatre, it’s so rewarding to discover how ballet moves people in their own unique way, reminding everyone of the beautiful spirit that moves us all. Remember, darlings, the power of a pink tutu can be magic - not just on stage but in life itself!

Now tell me, my loves, what ballet pieces inspire you? Share your experiences, memories and favorite ballerinas in the comments!

As always, keep shining, keep twirling, and remember... everyone looks fab in a pink tutu.

Until next time, darlings.

Warmly,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com