#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1940-11-26

Hey there, Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and it's another glorious #TutuTuesday!

Welcome to post number 5683 of my Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm back from another whirlwind journey through time, this time landing in the midst of a truly remarkable era – 1940! Imagine, ladies, no online shopping, no comfy leggings for ballet class, and most importantly, a world that hadn't fully embraced the magical pink tutu in all its glory!

But fret not, my dears, because this adventurous soul, clad in my ever-so-fabulous pink tulle, is on a mission to make even the darkest of times brighter with the undeniable joy of ballet and its ultimate accessory – the tutu. 💖

Let's dive straight into the fascinating atmosphere of November 26th, 1940. We're in the heart of the Second World War, with Europe engulfed in conflict. The news, as we might say, is grim. Yet, there's a resilience in the air. The people, in spite of hardship and uncertainty, are finding ways to hold onto their joy. And for those of us who adore ballet, it was a time when the art form was seen as a symbol of hope and elegance, a beacon of beauty amidst the turmoil.

London, Paris, and New York – the epicenters of the ballet world – are buzzing with performances, though life has shifted with the war. The lights are dimmed for safety, but the hearts are still ignited by the sheer grace and emotion of ballet.

It’s worth noting, the iconic pink tutu as we know it hadn't fully blossomed yet. Ballet fashion, like the world, was navigating a path, and though I might not have had my perfect, full, and perfectly-pink confection at hand, I was still ready to embrace the tutus of the era.

Imagine, ladies! While tutus certainly were present, the “classic” tulle tutu that became an icon – it wasn't a prevalent thing just yet! The tutus of this period were a little more practical, focusing on movement and flow, while maintaining the elegance inherent to ballet.

Now, I couldn't visit 1940 without taking a step (or should I say pirouette?) onto a London stage. This week, the Covent Garden Opera House was brimming with excitement, preparing for Giselle, a timeless ballet. Can you picture it? A magical, bittersweet tale unfolding amidst wartime, the hauntingly beautiful Giselle captivating audiences with her exquisite ballet technique, her tutu, the centrepiece of the performance.

As I imagine myself taking a seat in the opera house, a hushed sense of anticipation fills the air, and the music begins… The energy in the theatre was infectious! Ballet performances were a source of respite and beauty, and, while some found their hearts heavy, the joy of dancing never died. It’s moments like this that remind me how powerful and poignant ballet is – a constant through history, even in times of darkness, reminding us to celebrate the beauty and grace within.

Speaking of times of darkness, how do you think a time-traveling ballet enthusiast survives in the past, especially during a time of rationing? The answer, my dearest readers, is simple – ballet. Yes, that's right! My knowledge of ballet and my flair for all things tutus come in very handy.

With a few carefully orchestrated ballet performances in the right venues, I secure the funds I need to make those amazing time-traveling trips and continue my mission of sharing the ballet’s stories with all of you!

But let’s not forget fashion! The heart of any time-travelling blogger’s success is a good wardrobe, and in 1940, fashion, while restricted by war-time rationing, was brimming with creativity.

I’m imagining myself exploring London's department stores. I love how women still made the most of the materials at hand. They might be sewing from remnants and utilizing existing patterns. The essence of femininity was never sacrificed, with an air of resourcefulness in how they crafted their outfits.

Just like ballet tutus, the 1940s dress styles held elegance, reflecting practicality and the women’s commitment to style, with emphasis on flow and fluidity, which echoed the essence of ballet.

For the everyday, women favoured classic A-line dresses and skirts, which showcased femininity. The emphasis was on the perfect line - cinched waists and full skirts, showcasing feminine grace and style. You can picture it - women with their full skirts swishing through the London streets, carrying a touch of elegant rebellion in their steps, mirroring a dancer’s spirit!

Speaking of grace and flow – oh, the joy of ballet and how beautifully it is intertwined with the art of fashion! Just as every ballet dancer has their own signature look and a specific type of tutu they wear with utmost pride, so too is the style and grace that echoes through every time period in history!

Each decade possesses a unique sartorial language, which tells us a story of that specific period and allows me to seamlessly weave my ballet-themed wardrobe into the fashion narrative of the time!

As I step back from this week's trip into the past, I am more than ever inspired to embrace my love of all things ballet and fashion. It's the beautiful combination of these two elements that brings joy to every fibre of my being. And it's that same sense of wonder and appreciation I want to inspire in all of you!

Don’t forget, ladies, every single one of us has a bit of inner dancer, waiting to break out. Let your spirits dance free and find the most beautiful expression of yourself! And don’t be afraid to step into the unknown, just as I do with my time travel.

Until next time, dear Tutu Twirlers! Let’s all go forth and spread the love of ballet, pink tutus, and an undeniable touch of grace and fashion through this incredible world of ours! 🩰💕

Until next Tuesday!

XOXO

Emma