Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind time travel adventure, and I'm just brimming with excitement to share all about my latest discovery - the world of ballet tutus in 1939!
Now, as a true Derbyshire girl at heart, I love nothing more than a good train journey. So, imagine my delight as I hopped aboard a magnificent steam engine and travelled back to the bustling streets of London. This was no ordinary trip, though. I was on a mission to discover how ballerinas danced in a time when the world was on the brink of war.
But before we get into the details, let's talk about what a fantastic day March 7th, 1939, was! I stepped out into a crisp, spring morning and, oh, the fashion! The women were absolutely fabulous in their stylish coats, chic hats, and sleek dresses. Imagine, dear readers, how delightful it was to be amongst such refined and fashionable people!
The first thing I had to do was find a suitable outfit for this era. Now, I'm all about a good pink tutu, of course, but in 1939, a little discretion was necessary. After a delightful shopping spree at Harrods, I had a lovely cream silk dress that skimmed the knees, accessorised with a fluffy white bolero. A pair of sensible shoes with a tiny heel finished off the look perfectly, and let me tell you, darling, I looked absolutely smashing!
Of course, my mission wasn't about fashion alone, but to witness the incredible evolution of the tutu. In the grand old theatres, I watched ballerinas in their classic, romantic tutus – a far cry from the daring and playful designs of today. The skirts were made from layers of soft tulle, billowing and swirling with every elegant move. Each ballerina was like a delicate, ethereal flower dancing under the spotlights, reminding me of the beautiful artistry and grace that has made ballet the cherished art form it is today.
And while I enjoyed the elegance of the classic tutu, the designs back then did raise a few eyebrows for a modern ballerina like myself. You see, the 1930s saw a significant evolution of the tutu. No longer was it merely a single layer of tulle - multiple layers gave the tutu its distinctive fluffy and rounded look. While they looked wonderful on stage, dear readers, imagine the weight of all those layers! But the ballerinas carried themselves with such poise and precision, and their incredible skill inspired awe in every audience member.
Beyond the stage, I found that even on the streets, ballet had a special charm in this era. There were elegant shops selling dancing shoes and even ballet classes where young ladies learned to twirl and pirouette. It truly felt like an era where everyone appreciated the art of movement.
During my time there, I even got to catch a delightful performance of the ballet Swan Lake. It was a simply spectacular experience! The theatre was a magical place filled with whispers and hushed excitement. The dancers moved with such fluidity and passion, truly telling the story of love, sacrifice, and transformation.
Of course, no trip back in time is complete without a delicious afternoon tea. The aroma of warm scones and freshly brewed tea filled the air, accompanied by the delightful chatter of London society. As I sipped my Earl Grey, I couldn't help but ponder how this world of elegance and artistry was soon to be impacted by the devastating events to come.
I had to admit, there was a certain wistfulness in the air, a feeling that something momentous was about to change. Yet, through it all, the spirit of the people remained unyielding, just like the resilience of the ballet dancers who continued to create beauty in the face of uncertainty.
Returning to the present day, I feel inspired by the strength and beauty of the women of 1939. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of ballet, a reminder that it transcends time and remains a timeless symbol of artistry, grace, and human resilience.
Until next Tuesday, my tutu-loving friends, may you dance your way through life with grace and confidence, and remember, every day is an opportunity to wear your own unique brand of tutu-tastic spirit.
