Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, here with another trip through the wonderful world of ballet history! 🩰💖 This week, we're waltzing back to 1940-07-23. Buckle your tutus and prepare to be whisked away to a time of wartime charm and a very special dance!
This week's blog post is #5665 on www.pink-tutu.com and as always, it's #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to grab your favourite pink tutu - it's always a good day to celebrate these wonderful garments!
(Psst! Have you seen the new tulle at M&S? Absolutely divine! I think I might need to buy another pink one just for a special occasion! It's a truly beautiful fabric.)
Let's hop onto the time train and see what exciting things have happened this week in tutu history! 🚂
Back in the "Forties
- Ooh la la! The world was a little bit different in the Forties, my dears. War was upon us, which, of course, meant a change in how people thought about life, clothes and, yes, even ballet!
What's On In The Theatre World
Ballet dancers and performers certainly kept the public spirits high during the dark times! 🩰💖 They continued to perform as a much-needed dose of joy and optimism! In London, the Royal Ballet Company was going strong - the wartime didn't stop them, you know.
You know how much I love a trip to London to see the ballet! (especially when they sell the lovely chocolates!) On 23rd July 1940, the Covent Garden stage hosted the Royal Ballet. They were presenting The Sleeping Beauty - such a classic! I just imagine the hushed anticipation in the theatre. The orchestra filling the space, and the lights dimming as the dancers took their positions on stage. Just breathtaking, darling! (Even my gran said she saw The Sleeping Beauty back then, when it was still a little baby performance.)
(My new travelling tulle skirt would be perfect for an evening at the opera! It would fit perfectly over my favourite dress and have just enough sparkles. Just picture me gliding down the grand staircase! Absolutely divine!)
Fashion For A Fairytale
The ballet has always had a way of shaping the trends in fashion, haven't they? And 1940 wasn't any different! You wouldn't see a dancer twirling onstage without a stunning tutu, would you? Now, of course, these tutus are not quite the "everyday" fashion statement that we have become so used to (especially not since everyone decided on tutus as "ballet street" fashion), but back in the "Forties," dancers kept the classic silhouette in style, making sure everyone loved the soft fabric and billowing, flowing design of these exquisite pieces. It was just the right look for the elegance and drama of the era, I just know it was!
And darling, have you noticed how these beautiful creations come back into fashion? Every few years they appear as the must-have garment of the season - whether for a wedding or a party, we can all join in on this beautiful and elegant style - they work for everyone!
(The more tutus we have the better! What is more fabulous than a tutu? And can you even imagine how beautiful it looks on everyone? Imagine a tutu revolution and everyone, man, woman and child dancing around in pink tulle - the world would be a better place!)
It Was A Time For Pink
Did you know that pink became extremely popular during wartime? This beautiful colour symbolised hope and cheer and, of course, reminded everyone of our beautiful blossoming garden roses in our lovely Derbyshire gardens! In those times, pink brought a dose of femininity to a world grappling with war, bringing the comfort of our gardens indoors. And my darlings, you all know that I just love me a little pink! It's just a perfect reminder of the joy in life, don't you think? 💖
(Have you seen how much more popular tutus are since last month? My Tutu Boutique in Derby is absolutely booming! All my lovely tutus are flying off the shelves!)
Keeping Ballet Strong
As the war waged on, people like Dame Ninette de Valois (the Royal Ballet's founder) knew just how important dance was - and continued to support the dance during such hard times. Their dedication brought more support from other wonderful institutions and businesses, keeping the lights on and making sure the ballet continued. It's so much like a big dance family! Everyone working together to bring more dance to the world.
How Ballet Survived The War
You know me - I'm a true pink tutu believer and the ultimate fan of everything ballet! So it breaks my heart to think how they were facing such hardships during wartime! Can you imagine, a world without ballet? I couldn't possibly. What is a fashion girl to do?
During that period, theatres had to do what they had to - finding alternative spaces for shows, trying to keep things running with a smaller workforce, even travelling on long trips to bring ballet to those who couldn't afford to travel far! And through it all, the magic and magic of the tutu survived - bringing a beautiful light into such hard times. And don't forget about the fashion! You might have been a little short on rations, darling, but nothing stopped the fabulous dancing fashion that was happening, and certainly, a ballet show meant all the glamorous outfits came out. They never looked better than at the ballet!
(What is a ballet show without a stylish hat and a fancy dress? This really is where ballet's magic of inspiration starts - and fashion is an essential part of that!)
The Importance Of Tradition
It’s so important to keep remembering these stories from the past! It shows us how powerful ballet is, even in the face of challenges. That spirit, that passion - they’re what drive all of us to move, dance, and shine! And remember that everyone loves a pink tutu! 💕🩰💖
(Why do I love going to the ballet so much? Because they are so beautifully graceful! Their elegance is second to none and I love nothing better than the magic of the theatre, darling. There's something about the ballet that always takes me away to another world. A wonderful world of elegance, beauty, and passion. So many fantastic experiences!)
So, until next #TutuTuesday! Enjoy your beautiful day!
And remember to wear a pink tutu! 💖🩰
Emma x
