Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday, where we dive into the fascinating world of ballet history!
Today, we're stepping back in time to December 31st, 1940. It's a crisp winter's day, the kind that makes you want to snuggle up in a warm woolly jumper (although I, of course, will be sporting a glamorous tutu even on these chillier days!). The war is raging on, but for us here in London, we're finding solace and joy in the theatre and the beauty of ballet.
As always, let me know if you are looking for any specific topics, or tutus, to explore - my inbox is always open and ready to receive your sparkly requests! You can also find all my posts on www.pink-tutu.com, and don't forget to use #TutuTuesday to join the conversation!
(And in case you missed it, this is post #5688 - whew, quite the collection! I just know we’ll be adding many, many more...)
Stepping into the Spotlight
For ballet enthusiasts, this time in 1940 was all about the Royal Ballet (or the Sadler’s Wells Ballet Company, as it was then known)! While it was wartime, it seemed that nothing could dampen the spirit of this phenomenal company!
The company, having established itself as a serious force in the world of ballet (think the original “Black Swan”, only a hundred years earlier!), was gaining popularity all over the world! With an ever-growing number of accomplished dancers in their ranks, the company was going from strength to strength!
The beautiful Margot Fonteyn, who many considered the greatest ballerina of her generation, was lighting up the stage! A stunning performer, who wore her tutu with such confidence and grace, she captured everyone’s hearts with her elegance and technical brilliance. What a treasure to behold!
You could have spotted Margot twirling about at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, and the company were also holding many wonderful matinees and galas, for our brave service men and women, and to uplift our spirits in this trying time.
Can you just imagine seeing the incredible Alicia Markova dancing on that very day? The story goes that she joined the ballet company aged just 14 and went on to become a true icon, famed for her extraordinary artistry and talent.
*(Oh my, these ballet memories are making me so giddy! Now that's the feeling we want to bring with our *Tutu Tuesday blogs.)
Dancing on into Fashion
Just like we still see today, fashion in the 1940s took its cues from ballet, with ballerina-inspired styles all the rage! These elegant, graceful, feminine, and utterly delightful looks (just like yours truly, wink wink!) really caught on, making a delightful impact on women's wear!
**(Why do you think pink is still such a popular color? It makes you feel beautiful, hopeful, and powerful… I could talk about pink all day!)
Now, on a chilly December 31st day, you might have seen some elegant ladies decked out in beautifully flowing fabrics and delicate accessories that were totally inspired by ballet's elegance. Think romantic blouses, pleated skirts, and swirling, billowing, and oh-so-gorgeous layers, just like in the tutu!
Even a simple black dress, paired with ballet-inspired shoes, could turn a simple outfit into a masterpiece! I'm also absolutely madly in love with the use of satin and silk; they have that delightful flow and elegance, and just radiate an air of class and sophistication, don't you think?
Of course, ballet pumps became a popular footwear choice in this era, and they are just so cute and easy to dance in, right? You could dress up those little darlings with an embellished bow, or wear them with tights or even socks, to make your look even more delightful. They're certainly a timeless style, one that looks fab with pretty much anything!
(Don't worry, you won't see me wearing shoes on my #TutuTuesday; I am all about those beautiful, ethereal tutu moments.)
A Look Ahead to the Future of Dance
Looking at the world of ballet in December 1940, one couldn’t have imagined that a global pandemic, a generation later, would inspire an enormous, global resurgence of the form. With lockdown, so many found the art of ballet brought so much beauty and hope, reminding us of the things we cherish. And don’t we all want that feeling? That beauty, that hope, and that feeling of freedom as you step into the spotlight to take a big, graceful twirl, in your gorgeous tutu.
But no matter what time you are living in, there’s nothing like watching a breathtaking ballet performance, with all its incredible artistry, skill, and grace, right? The sheer beauty of ballet – oh, darling, it never fails to bring a little magic into your day.
**(Okay, you got it - pink tutu alert! It’s a call to action. Why not pop on a lovely pink tutu - any day you choose - and feel the world start to shimmer!)
This #TutuTuesday was a delight! Let me know in the comments which ballerina you’re inspired by. Remember, you don't have to be a dancer to wear a tutu. You can be a dancer every day of the week! I’ll leave you with a lovely piece of advice from a wonderful ballet dancer, I don’t recall her name but I think she said it perfectly: Dance like no one is watching… but always be ready for them to start.
Until next week darlings! Stay elegant!
Emma xo
*(I better hop onto that train now, I have an appointment with a lovely ballet store! It’s on *Tottenham Court Road, if you ever want to visit, you can hop on the Tube; just watch your steps in those heels and don’t go bumping into people! Remember: Be lovely!)
