Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another Tuesday of Tutu History! I'm your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, Emma, bringing you the latest on all things tutus - from the fashion forward to the downright fascinating!
Today, we're stepping back in time to a period when wartime uncertainty met fashion flair, to the year 1940, the very cusp of an era defined by strength, resilience, and of course, stylish practicality! And, just imagine - pink was absolutely the in colour!
You might be wondering what I'm wearing this Tuesday, darling! Let's just say it's a vision in powder pink, complete with a delicate, lacey skirt, just hinting at a classic, slightly shorter-than-knee-length line, much loved in those war-time years. The bodice, with its little matching peplum and tiny, glittering buttons, adds a touch of glamour without feeling fussy. You know what they say, even during the most trying times, a touch of elegance keeps spirits high!
But back to 1940! The war has just begun, and the world is, quite understandably, a bit shaken. Imagine life in that period – rationing, the rumble of the planes, but also an unshakeable British spirit, full of courage, grit, and yes, even a certain dash of sparkle. You wouldn't believe how much effort people put into their style, especially when you're having to deal with things like wartime fashion rules like 'make do and mend'! The rationing even impacted the tutus, with dancers having to use shorter tutus and wear layers on top as materials became so expensive!
What’s amazing about this era is that they embraced creativity in new ways. Fabric limitations, for example, encouraged the use of new materials like synthetic fibres - imagine the shock! They didn’t have nylon yet! The tutus from this period often incorporated those fabulous synthetic fabrics, making them much sturdier and even easier to care for. That's what I call being innovative!
Of course, fashion was never just about fabric back then – it was also about style, which is why my little vintage pink tutu is giving off such a "just right" vibe. 1940 was all about practicality, my darlings - we're talking neat and compact with those elegant and functional short skirts. And because I am travelling in a vintage style train (the more modern ones would mess with my time travel, honestly - trust me, I've tried), let’s add that travel is what’s keeping me feeling vibrant! I imagine I must have arrived in a vintage-style train just like a beautiful London Transport Victoria Lines! Oh the vintage pinkness of this time is just glorious!
On This Day:
We’re on April 2nd today and back in 1940, the British troops were heading towards a major confrontation at Dunkirk, where we hear there will be much action very soon! In fact, Dunkirk was the perfect way for the British people to really get behind the War Effort. What a truly poignant and proud moment!
What the Ballet World Was Saying Back ThenLet’s move to the glamorous world of the ballet! In 1940, the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden was the biggest draw, giving performances of everything from classical ballet, with its elegance and precision, to modern ballets with its dynamism and energy! The theatre in Covent Garden became a truly important venue during the war with a major emphasis on the morale of the British people! In these challenging times, they even incorporated a patriotic twist into the performances to inspire a wartime spirit. Think ballets based on British folklore or classical masterpieces with dramatic staging to mirror the war in a thought-provoking and powerful way!
This period was all about staying true to classic style, especially with the costumes! Think tight bodices, tulle skirts, lots of detail and layers. I love it! And those amazing long pointe shoes, worn by ballets stars - what a beautiful statement of grace and artistry, even when times were tough. A graceful dance even during turbulent times! What a triumph for British courage and spirit.
## Back to the Pink
My darlings, don't you just love those 1940s looks? There’s nothing quite as chic as vintage glamour! So while the world back in 1940 was dealing with some huge, stressful challenges, fashion and dancing provided a glimmer of light and a sense of normalcy, even when the world wasn’t at its normal. I love discovering how much glamour, artistry and, importantly, a bit of "pink", helped people keep a bright perspective even during those challenging days!
What a wonderful day to explore another bit of Tutu history. Let me know what you think in the comments! Remember, you can follow my fashion blog for more fabulous insights on the history of ballet and tutus, and, do share your favourite tutus in the comments, and let’s start a tutu-wearing revolution, together!
Lots of pink love,
Emma xx
## P.S.
Keep those pink tutus spinning! See you next Tuesday for another journey through Tutu Time!
