Hello lovelies, and welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, bringing you a dose of tutu history straight from the archives (and the year 1941, wouldn't you know!). This week, we're going on a journey back to a time when the world was at war, but even wartime couldn't stop the allure of the ballet.
As a girl from Derbyshire, I love a good train journey, and the clickety-clack of wheels on rails always sets my imagination dancing. So, this week, we're boarding the express train to London, where the ballet world was still twirling in all its glory, even during wartime. It's been a thrilling adventure hopping through time!
You might be thinking, "But Emma, weren't theatres closed because of the war?" Well, not quite. Theatres may have been operating under a slightly different schedule, with blackout curtains pulled down during air raids and performers adjusting their routines to accommodate these new realities, but the show went on. You see, even amidst wartime worries, ballet served as a haven, a world of grace and beauty, where anxieties could be forgotten for a fleeting moment.
And who can forget The Sadler's Wells Ballet, a company that defied the odds, becoming a symbol of resilience and creativity amidst the bleak backdrop of war. The company's legendary founder, Dame Ninette de Valois, continued to champion talent, leading the charge with performances like Giselle and The Sleeping Beauty. The dancers were simply magnificent! And yes, the tutu was still a major player in their world.
Now, this Tuesday, May 27th, 1941, wouldn't have been particularly extraordinary for ballet enthusiasts as it would have been just a regular day at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, where ballet continued to flourish despite the harsh conditions.
You might ask, "Emma, how do you get all these tutu facts, you’re from Derbyshire and it’s a long way from London?" I must confess that when not on stage or wearing my pink tutu, I work as a tutu researcher. This passion has taken me on many thrilling time-traveling adventures through the pages of history books and theatre archives! Imagine!
You see, London, or in particular The Sadler's Wells Ballet, was an integral part of keeping the world of ballet alive, with wartime restrictions leading to the development of new performance pieces with themes that directly mirrored the challenges of the day. Ballet became a means of expressing the emotions and realities of wartime, a form of escape, a flicker of light in a darkened world. It was certainly an unforgettable experience, witnessing these ballets performed live on that Tuesday. The dancers were incredibly inspiring and strong, showing the world that even amidst war, there was beauty to be found.
As for myself, it was another fantastic adventure hopping on a train to London! Imagine – pink tutu and all – navigating the wartime atmosphere, taking in all the excitement, watching a captivating ballet, and returning home to jot down all these fascinating facts for your beloved Tutu Tuesdays!
The thing about ballet in 1941 was that it wasn’t just about a performance, it was a celebration of life. Every movement, every pirouette, spoke of the resilience and hope that existed even during such a challenging time. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty and artistry can find a way to shine.
So, let us all remember that the tutu, even amidst war, continued to spin a tale of resilience and grace, reminding us that beauty can be found even in the darkest of times.
Remember lovelies, keep dancing, and keep those tutus twirling! 🩰
And until next week, remember, every day can be Tutu Tuesday! ✨
Emma
P.S. I simply must tell you about this adorable pink ruffled dress I saw in London – perfect for a twirling afternoon tea with my friends! If you want a picture, keep your eyes peeled for my new blog post next week! 😊
