#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1940-09-24

Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina blogger! And guess what?! Today's date is September 24th, 1940, and I'm positively sparkling with excitement to bring you all a fabulous tutu-ful history post! 🩰

For all of you beautiful, pink-loving, ballet-mad darlings who can’t get enough of tutu tales, today we're whisked back to a time when the war was raging in Europe and people desperately craved something a little lighthearted and pretty! You know me - a true believer that every single day should be full of glitter and joy, and a little bit of tutu sprinkled on top just never hurt anyone! ✨

Now, let me set the scene for you. Picture this – London's West End, the heart of the theater scene. Imagine, instead of the constant hum of bomb sirens, you hear the sweeping sounds of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and instead of grey skies and grit, there's an elegant shimmer of feathers and sequins under the glow of the theatre spotlights. Yes, my dears, ballet, the graceful world of pirouettes and pointe shoes, is providing solace and escape for many people during this very difficult time. And guess what's the biggest highlight of it all? The magnificent tutus, of course! 🌸

It might surprise you to know that this year, 1940, marks the 50th anniversary of the famous ballet Swan Lake. Can you believe it's been 50 years since this timeless story of love and sacrifice captivated audiences around the world?! And, you're right, it's hard to imagine a better celebration for this iconic ballet than an exquisite swan tutu, shimmering and elegant like a beautiful swan in flight! 🦢

And we’re not just talking about swan tutus here. The 1940s were a decade that brought with them some absolutely stunning innovations in ballet costumes, which naturally include the iconic tutus! This is where things really get interesting…

Think back to 1939 when the war started. The fashion world went through a radical shift! There was an enormous effort towards conserving fabric and utilizing materials for military uniforms, leaving very little for frivolous things like tutus. Oh, what a time for the clever and resourceful fashion designers of London's theatre world! You can just imagine them - hunched over sewing machines, using ingenuity and imagination to create absolute wonders out of a limited amount of materials! It truly highlights the talent, skill, and determination of designers and seamstresses during those tough times. 👏

Now, let me tell you about one of my favourite pink tutu-themed shows - it was a wartime success! The show was “Ballet Rambert” which toured throughout England and Scotland to help boost morale! Now, who doesn’t love a show that brings a dose of positivity to those who are going through a tough time? Imagine those stunning tutus, filled with hope and dreams, inspiring audiences amidst the uncertainty. What a wonderful message! 💗

You know I'm obsessed with all shades of pink and I truly believe it's the most optimistic and feminine colour! But can you imagine wearing pink during wartime? Now, that's a bold choice, even for the most fashionable! 😉

You see, my lovelies, tutu history is as inspiring as it is stylish. These elegant creations of fabric, lace, and tulle - they represent the perseverance of the human spirit even in the most trying times! They offer solace, beauty, and a chance to escape reality, and that is something absolutely wonderful. 🌟

And, for all you ballet lovers out there - how could I let you go without sharing a fun fact? Did you know that, this week, on Thursday the 26th of September, the London Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Beethoven's famous Symphony No.5! *

That's all from your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger! 🎀

See you all next week, my darling tutu-obsessed readers, with another magical #TutuTuesday post from your Emma! 🌸

See you at www.pink-tutu.com next week! 💖

PS: As usual, my trip across time this week has cost me a little fortune! But no worries! I’m currently at the Coliseum Theatre to see “Cinderella”, and tonight is the final performance for my fantastic and totally dreamy swan tutu! And I’m pretty certain it's about to be snapped up by a collector! That's what happens when a vintage swan tutu gets spotted in all its glory by a collector in the audience – what a lovely little bit of financial assistance, wouldn’t you agree? 🩰

### What a Tutu-tastic Tuesday! 🎀