Welcome back to my Pink Tutu Blog, darlings! It's #TutuTuesday, and today, we're waltzing through history, back to the 4th of June, 1940!
Oh, what a year! The war has cast a long shadow, I know, but there's still beauty to be found in the world. And you know what brings sunshine even on the cloudiest of days? A perfectly pink tutu of course!
This week's history adventure is extra special. We're going to talk about ballet and the war. Because even during those difficult times, the art of ballet continued to flourish, proving its power to uplift the spirit, remind us of the good in the world, and offer a much-needed escape.
Imagine yourself, my dears, sitting in a grand theatre, the air thick with anticipation. The lights dim, a hush falls over the audience, and then...the music begins! A spotlight shines down on the stage, revealing a delicate ballerina in a soft tulle tutu, her movements fluid and graceful, like a whisper of hope amidst the chaos.
(Psst, do you know? Today is the opening night of the Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House! I simply must see it – though I fear my travel budget might be a tad tight after this month’s extravagant new tutu purchases!)
A Brief History of Tutu's in Wartime:
You see, ballet, like a beautiful bird soaring high above, never completely ceased to exist, even during World War II.
While the theatres were plunged into darkness in the face of wartime blackouts, they still served as vital havens, offering solace and escape for audiences seeking to forget, even for a moment, the reality of their daily lives. There were, however, changes in ballet’s costume evolution, mirroring the austerity of the times. The grand opulence of the pre-war era gave way to a more simplified aesthetic, with a focus on the movement and beauty of the dance itself, as opposed to excessive decoration. And still, the tulle tutu, our beloved icon, remained! It was and still is, after all, a powerful symbol of artistry, of the yearning for beauty, hope, and joy, a longing we all feel deep within.
London, A City of Dance:
The Covent Garden Opera House continued to produce ballet shows with remarkable resilience, and even wartime restrictions didn’t hold back the artistic spirit of ballet dancers!
*A Tale of Two Shows: *
The Ballet Rambert, founded by Dame Marie Rambert in 1926, even produced a new work in wartime: Don Juan, a vibrant celebration of movement. But you know, the grand old Swan Lake, set to that hauntingly beautiful Tchaikovsky score, has to be my favourite. It never fails to send a shiver of wonder down my spine.
Traveling for Inspiration:
Even in the midst of war, I feel the urge to travel, a sort of deep-rooted pull within me. Travelling to London in 1940 was quite a journey by train. My dear sister Mabel said, “Take the slow train. Don’t even think about booking first class, your pink tutu might get wrinkled!” Such wise words from my Mabel. Thankfully, my favourite pink tutu is so beautifully structured, it survived even the joltiest train ride. The adventure, however, started to truly unfold as I took a turn onto Piccadilly Circus. The hustle and bustle, the sounds of sirens and of voices...the air buzzing with a kind of tense energy that makes London so unique.
And, of course, the fashion, darling! Wartime had brought about a new kind of elegance: dresses made with limited fabrics, yet so chic, and headbands worn to conserve hairstyles. A wave of stylish femininity swept through even the streets of wartime London!
What We’re Wearing This Week
This week’s Tutu Look? Think elegant, think ballerina on the home front, think war-time chic – just like our graceful dancers! A knee-length A-line dress with a fitted waist, perhaps, paired with a delicate silk scarf in a vibrant colour and, of course, a sparkling, pink tutu overlaid over a sleek skirt, like a burst of joy. For a pop of colour, wear a striking red lip and an ornate brooch to highlight the war-time elegance. A touch of whimsy, don't you agree?
Time to Wrap Things Up
I'm signing off now, dears. Until next week, when we dive into yet another slice of ballet history. Let's dance through this year with a sprinkle of pink and a twinkle in our eyes!
Your ever so stylish,
Emma 💖
P.S. Remember to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com to join me each Tuesday for our Tutu Tuesday journey!
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