#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1940-05-28

Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday journey through time! Can you believe it's post number 5657 already? Goodness me, you'd think I'd have explored every single tutu moment by now, but oh, the wonders of fashion and ballet are endless! Today, we're hopping on the time-travelling express to May 28th, 1940, right in the midst of the Second World War.

I must confess, I felt a little nervous stepping off the train today. The atmosphere was… well, tense, shall we say. But fear not! This little ballerina's got more moxie than a full box of champagne corks! And you know what they say, even in the darkest times, a sprinkle of pink can always brighten things up.

So, we're here, May 28th, 1940, and oh my, what a day! Despite the grim reality of war looming over the world, there was a special kind of resilience in the air. The Londoners, they were an incredible bunch, pulling together to make do and finding joy where they could. It was this spirit, this 'never give up' attitude, that made me realise why tutus were so cherished even during these times.

You see, dancing, and even more so, ballet, was seen as a ray of hope, a way to escape the harsh reality of war. A chance for a little lightheartedness, a bit of beauty and elegance. So, if you happened to find yourself in a London theatre that evening, you wouldn't just be escaping the worries of the world, you’d be escaping into the beauty of a ballet production - maybe "Swan Lake," or "Giselle." Or perhaps something altogether more modern. Whatever the production, I can just imagine the shimmering costumes, the delicate pirouettes, the enchanting storytelling... all reminding us that even in the midst of war, beauty still bloomed.

Speaking of costumes, a bit of a side-step to fashion history for you! Back in 1940, the tutu as we know it had undergone some interesting transformations. In the days before wartime, long, romantic tutus, all billowing layers of tulle and netting, were the norm. But times change, my darlings! The fabric rationing brought about a need for something a bit more practical. Think streamlined designs, shorter lengths, a more efficient use of material. It might have meant fewer tiers and less tulle, but that didn’t make the designs any less graceful, trust me.

Now, you might be thinking, “Emma, didn't they worry about looking fashionable with a war on?” And you're right, practicalities took priority. But even wartime had its own glamour. London was brimming with inventive fashionistas, crafting ingenious creations out of recycled materials, repurposing old dresses, adding embellishments like buttons, ribbons, and whatever else they could get their hands on. A real mix-and-match situation!

Speaking of mix-and-match, that’s exactly how I spent the day myself! I visited a vintage shop full of salvaged fabrics and buttons, and I couldn’t resist whipping up a little pink number for myself. Think: a classic tutu skirt made with an interesting mix of patterned silk, repurposed sequins and ribbons. It wouldn’t have looked out of place at a posh soirée, but it felt so good to add my own spin to things. It felt empowered, even rebellious, to be making something beautiful and uplifting amidst all the chaos.

Then, as evening fell, I made my way to Covent Garden. Now, I'll be honest, there were blackout curtains over the windows, but it didn’t dim the anticipation for the show! As I stepped into the theatre, a wave of warmth washed over me. I was surrounded by people who, just like me, were looking for escape, for beauty, for hope. The ballet that evening was nothing short of captivating - graceful dancers, sweeping music, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there’s always a place for art, for imagination, for magic.

It’s funny how often we hear the phrase "fashion reflects the times," isn't it? In 1940, those vibrant, sometimes slightly worn, tutus were a beacon of hope, a reminder of grace and beauty in the face of wartime struggle. It's not always about the frills, you see - sometimes, it's about finding joy and resilience within the most unexpected circumstances.

So, to end on a high note, let me remind you my darlings: always, ALWAYS wear a pink tutu when the world needs it most. You’ll be surprised how much magic it can bring into even the darkest of days.

See you next week with a whole new TutuTuesday adventure!

Keep on twirling,

Emma xx