Hello darlings, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday! Today marks post number 5659 in my Ballet Tutu History series, so thank you for being here with me on this grand adventure. It feels like we've danced across centuries together! And today, my dears, we're heading back to the 11th of June, 1940. It's a time when the world was changing, but ballet remained, as always, a place of elegance and escape.
Now, you might be thinking, "1940, Emma? Isn't that a bit, well, serious? The war, rationing..." Yes, my lovelies, it was. But just like now, we need some sparkle, some joy, in our lives, don't we? And that's where tutus, of course, come in!
I'm imagining myself travelling to Paris this Tuesday, stepping off the train, perhaps, and heading straight to the Palais Garnier Opera House in my most flamboyant pink tutu. 👠 Why? Well, dear readers, this Tuesday, the Opéra National de Paris was hosting a performance of " La Source, by Léo Delibes! Oh, the swirling patterns, the dazzling costumes... it would have been divine, and my fellow ballet aficionados would have been completely mesmerised!
Remember, back in 1940, the ballet was a beacon of hope, especially with so much happening in the world. Imagine the glorious costumes, the beautiful dance, and the music filling the air. It's not just a show, it's an escape. An escape from everyday reality. Now, imagine the excitement of being a ballet dancer during this time. The adrenaline! The dedication to your art! Just wow! 🩰
Of course, I’d have popped into some chic boutiques afterwards, admiring the elegant lines of the latest dresses (it’s the 40s, so think beautiful, simple silhouettes, maybe some gorgeous velvet). A Parisian fashion adventure! 🇫🇷💖
Think of it this way, darlings: ballet back then was a different kind of affair. Even if things were different outside the theater, within its walls, the magic of dance prevailed. The tutu twirled and shimmered just as beautifully, wouldn't you say?
But there's more to the 11th June 1940, my darlings, beyond Paris and ballet!
On this date in history, a significant event unfolded – a momentous victory for our American allies in the Second World War. The US Navy destroyer, the USS Ward, engaged in a heroic battle off the coast of Cape Elizabeth, New Jersey, with the German U-Boat, the U-65 – America's first defensive action against Nazi aggression! This clash serves as a vital moment in understanding the complexities of that tumultuous era. History isn't just pretty tutus and Parisian shopping, although it's my favourite! It's a tapestry of interwoven events, some grand, some humble, all important.
Speaking of history, I always wonder how the tutus and ballet in Paris had evolved since its roots. What dances, and what tutus, did the stars wear back in the 1940s? Now, that's a question for a future #TutuTuesday! We'll explore it together, I promise.
As always, my dears, until next Tuesday, keep your spirits bright, your steps light, and your love for the tutu strong. And remember, the tutu is not just a piece of clothing. It's a symbol of hope, of dreams, of pure joy. Just like ballet itself. So, what are you waiting for, darlings? Put on your most gorgeous pink tutu, grab your favourite ballet shoes and let's twirl into the week!
Until next time,
Emma 🌸🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
