Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! Emma here, back from another incredible journey through time. This month, I've found myself right in the middle of history, whisking you back to the 6th of June 1944! That's right, we're stepping into the midst of the momentous D-Day landings, but worry not, darling dears, Magic Meg (my ever-so-pink-and-sparkling steed) and I are safe as can be. We are in a charming town on the outskirts of the mayhem, all dressed in our fabulous pink and sparkly finest!
As I hopped off Meg's back (after her rather adventurous flight through the night skies - Magic Meg has an exceptional flair for the dramatic, I'll admit!), I couldn't help but feel a sense of historical awe. Despite the world being a tad on edge, there was something undeniably enchanting about this particular era.
As it is the 6th of June 1944, you will have heard of the massive D-Day invasion going on in France. I have a particular affection for 1944 - as the whole year seems steeped in ballet, but today I am more interested in the stories of the ballerinas who bravely continue to perform, regardless of the turbulent times!
And who could resist a little sartorial journey, darlings? Today's fashion was all about practicality. The wartime spirit, I learned, favoured sturdy footwear, practical skirts, and vibrant colours for a touch of optimism. But oh, the excitement of stumbling upon a small shop brimming with exquisite fabrics – luxurious silks and shimmering satins! I’ve always got a spare pouch on me (on my rucksack - just a little pouch specifically for 'tots’ - ballet fashion, that is).
And let me tell you, it was such an adventure! Now, we all know how much I love to twirl around ballet studios, so I headed over to the local theatre and, oh my goodness! They had a ballet rehearsal happening, right there, amidst all the news of the invasion! The dancers were practicing an incredible production - 'Cinderella' - they explained, which opened at the Royal Opera House just a week later.
It was simply magical. These dancers, in their carefully chosen dance wear, they embodied an exquisite blend of grace, strength, and resilience, the same attributes that everyone seems to be drawn to now with the brave young men in uniform doing such extraordinary things - but these girls are so bold and elegant too.
Their rehearsal was for an afternoon matinee performance - but one had to make way for news on the war. It seems even ballet has to take a backseat. Although it gives an important moment to think, they told me, of other things. And you know how I love my history - a lot! There is an amazing thing to tell you, my darlings. There are amazing female performers during this time - I really wanted to grab the attention of these fantastic young ladies as they performed for their lunchtime matinee of Cinderella and then go shopping for all new pink and black costumes.
During wartime, a ballet performance was seen as a necessary distraction from the chaos, a beautiful escape from the grim realities of the war. I thought it was a really moving and lovely piece - the girls who were so well trained. All of them wearing an amazingly beautiful array of grey or black leotards with their white tutus and a matching little beret. They danced beautifully - and not a pink tutu in sight (I know - a girl’s got to have some kind of purpose in life) - a bit of a disappointment there I must admit - although in a grey-tinged tutu you might think I was a bit more on-point. I could just imagine all those wonderful colours popping up during an era where colour seemed somewhat muted and restricted to a few very specific, safe hues. There were lots of ‘greys’, ‘blues’ and ‘blacks’ around – I’ll be writing up a full, definitive history of dance costumes - all in pink in the time of WW2 for my blog very soon -
That night, my lovely Meg and I galloped through the starlit skies, leaving the warmth and wonder of 1944 behind. I was left thinking how dance was able to transcend any obstacles and bring solace during a difficult time.
As for the dance costumes in 1944, you’ll be very excited to hear all the things that have caught my eye and that I shall be documenting (it will have to wait for my next blog, as I have got such an exciting surprise - I can’t share any more - but just wait, my dears).
And that brings me to my favourite bit – I always include my time travel ‘finds’. You all know how I love all things ballet related – but I also love history (that’s what makes the whole thing such an exciting adventure!), and a beautiful thing that caught my eye this month was a wonderful ‘Cinderella’ program - for tonight's Royal Opera House performance. Oh, my darlings, what treasures these ‘finds’ become and my readers do enjoy a little behind-the-scenes peek - and my lovely readers, let’s get those tutus ready! Let's make this a month of ballet, fashion, and the unwavering spirit of the human heart.
Now go on then, get those tutus out, put on your prettiest smiles, and twirl the day away!
Emma xx
Don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com ! Don’t forget to leave your lovely ballet related comments – it makes the time traveling so worth it, for all the good things you have to share!
(Don't forget to include all the elements of the blog style – such as font type and other fun formatting – in the spirit of the ballerina Emma!)
