Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back for another whirlwind adventure through time! This week we’re waltzing back to February 4th, 1941, a date that holds some rather fascinating history for our favourite form of dance!
So, imagine the scene. It’s a crisp London morning, with a hint of spring in the air. The city is still recovering from the Blitz, but spirits are high! There’s a sense of wartime resilience, a togetherness, a longing for a return to normalcy - and ballet plays a rather lovely part in that, you see!
Remember how I mentioned that I fund my time-traveling antics with ballet performances? Well, let me tell you, wartime ballet was an absolute treat! There were still lots of ballets running, with packed audiences eager for a touch of escapism and beauty. It wasn't all tutus and twirls, mind you, because war had a way of infiltrating everything, even the ballet! There was this fabulous piece, "The Happy Journey," that was a real morale booster! This beautiful ballet was based on a heartwarming story about a family on holiday, showcasing their bravery and resilience through the tough times. It was a real reminder that, even during hardship, we can find moments of joy and beauty, which, I feel, is such a strong message to impart.
But before we get too carried away with the performance, let's chat about the tutus! Ah, those glorious, graceful creations. Of course, the tutus of this era had a more relaxed look. They were shorter and more practical - less dramatic and flamboyant than their 20th century counterparts, allowing for more movement, which I absolutely love! A little practical, with an extra layer of flow. Just wonderful!
I've been making my way through London's incredible theatre district this week, and there is a treasure trove of shops catering to every dancer’s need! They are all just bursting with glorious fabric, a symphony of color, and I am loving these rich, luxurious fabrics. A hint of extravagance, even in a time of austerity - absolutely fabulous! They remind me of my favorite vintage shops in Derbyshire - all that beautiful lace and satin. It’s enough to make me want to swirl with delight!
But while we’re indulging in all that loveliness, don’t forget the war. There were a lot of changes to life on the home front. The women were working hard, and the wartime ration books impacted dance costumes too. Fabric and materials were rationed, meaning those gorgeous tulle and satin tutus had to be made more conservatively. Some of them had to be crafted from less opulent materials – even hessian and parachute silk found their way onto the dance stage, adding a new level of practicality, as I always say. They still twirled beautifully!
In fact, during this time, there was a wonderful, almost defiant sense of fashion! While it was more pared back and functional, the look was so stylish! Think a dash of practicality mixed with an eye for exquisite detailing. There were still some fabulous dance outfits being made, and a real appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. I found an exquisite pair of satin slippers, and oh, the detailing! Just heavenly!
But remember, back then, the women still embraced the glamour and elegance that was at the core of the art of ballet. Even with restrictions, a lot of emphasis was placed on the femininity and the grace. Even with the wartime austerity, there was still an essence of charm and beauty. I think this truly underlines the power of a good twirl - you don’t need the most lavish gown or an enormous skirt to bring magic to a performance. What really shines is that radiant spark, the beauty and artistry in movement.
And speaking of the artistry, have you seen those ballerina costumes from the war years? They are positively divine! Such lovely colours. There were some incredible, deep crimson shades and, of course, lots of pink. Honestly, there was always pink, but oh darling, those pink hues, they just added that extra something special! I just adore how the fabric seemed to sing. It was all so feminine and yet strong, elegant and graceful, just like a real ballerina!
For my lovely readers, don’t be afraid to embrace those beautiful feminine hues in your own wardrobe!
I even snagged a truly divine, cherry red wartime dress with a sweet, flowing skirt. Perfect for waltzing, I assure you! Don't get me wrong - practicality is great, but we mustn't forget about a dash of whimsical beauty! The beauty of wartime fashion lay in that effortless charm, mixed with a spirit of practicality. The ability to make the best out of what we had, that’s the beauty of life, don't you think?
The spirit of the wartime dancers reminds me so much of our world today - finding joy and inspiration even in difficult circumstances! Just imagine that, a dance, even a twirl, reminding everyone of a glimmer of light!
Let's keep dancing, shall we? This time-travelling blogger has to pack her bags and make her way back to Derbyshire, so until next Tuesday, don't forget to add a bit of twirl to your day!
Stay twirly, darlings! Emma x
