Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, and I'm so thrilled to be back with another #TutuTuesday post! This week, I'm whisking us back to the summer of 1940, a time when the world was in a state of change, but the magic of ballet continued to enchant.
Now, you might think the Second World War wouldn't be the most obvious setting for a tutu blog, but you'd be surprised! The power of ballet to uplift and inspire was just as strong then as it is today. Even amidst the hardships, there were moments of pure grace and beauty. Imagine a packed theatre, the air thick with the anticipation of the curtain rise, and the flicker of candlelight painting the scene as dancers pirouette and leap, their tutus a flurry of white and pink, reminding everyone of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
I boarded a vintage train, a glorious, streamlined beauty of a steam engine with carriages reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel. The carriages were crammed with ladies in impeccably styled dresses, their outfits punctuated by stylish hats and gloves, their faces filled with the excitement of an upcoming theatrical treat.
On 18th June 1940, the world was still reeling from the war's impact, but amidst it all, the Royal Ballet (then the Vic-Wells Ballet) performed a triumphant program of “Giselle,” "The Sleeping Beauty," and "Graduation Ball". Can you imagine, dancing so effortlessly even as the world around them felt anything but!
These dances were known for their exquisite detail, a ballet technique developed by a truly extraordinary woman, Dame Ninette de Valois. Imagine delicate tutus twirling in front of you, perfectly choreographed steps depicting love, beauty and even moments of drama, creating a tapestry of emotions on stage.
Tutus: The Heartbeat of the Ballet
What I loved most about this trip, and what makes my time travel adventures worthwhile, were the tutus! 1940 was a turning point for ballet tutus, a year where practicality and artistry were intricately intertwined. Tutus were starting to shift away from the voluminous, floor-length skirts of earlier eras. Think layers of airy tulle with delicate hand-stitching – every detail mattered in that era. The silhouette was streamlined, shorter, making the dancers more agile, yet retaining the magic and movement that defines ballet. It was all about elegant precision, a focus on every turn, every leap.
This practicality wasn't a compromise – it amplified the dancer's movement and highlighted the sheer athleticism involved. Just imagine the dedication it took, every stitch of those tutus a testament to the love and skill behind ballet's enchantment.
Fashion Finds: 1940 Style & Grace
Oh, the fashion of that era! So elegant! Dresses flowed with soft lines, reflecting the femininity of the era, often cinched in at the waist and finished with beautiful details like bows, frills, and ruffles. Fabrics were soft and luxurious – think velvet, satin, and silk. A touch of femininity added by hats and gloves completed the picture, creating a vision of sophistication and grace. And the colours! It wasn’t all just wartime browns and greens! Beautiful shades of turquoise, lavender, and of course, pink, could be spotted on women walking the streets of London. A hint of a floral pattern, a touch of polka dots, they were like a breath of fresh air, especially when contrasted with the sometimes dreary surroundings.
Imagine yourself in a classic 1940s silhouette dress, dancing along a sun-drenched street, a light floral scent drifting on the air, the scent of freedom and possibility!
Lessons Learned from 1940
My time in 1940 showed me something crucial - even amidst difficulties, art flourishes. Just like the dancers on stage, ballet found a way to uplift hearts and souls. There was something undeniably powerful about witnessing such beauty and grace against the backdrop of such a challenging time. It was a reminder that even when times are tough, it's always worth holding onto those moments of beauty and light. It makes all the difference in the world.
What I’m loving this #TutuTuesday:
This week, I'm absolutely swooning over "Giselle"! The sheer beauty of its storytelling, the heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, the intricate choreography, the delicate tutus, and the expressive beauty of every move… It’s a dance that always captures my heart. I recommend you check it out whenever you can, my darlings! It’s just magic!
And for you, my gorgeous #TutuTuesday family, remember this: the world needs more pink tutus, more sparkle, and more joyful movement. Let's spread that ballet magic, and inspire a love for the art of dance everywhere we go! Remember to post a picture of your pink tutu adventures and use the #PinkTutu hashtag. It makes me so happy to see you all embrace your inner ballerina, no matter what!
See you all next week for another time-traveling ballet adventure! Until then, stay sparkly!
With love, Emma, Your #TutuTuesday Time Traveler
www.pink-tutu.com
