Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu. Today, we're taking a trip back in time to July 1st, 1941 - just a little over eighty years ago! It’s Tutu Tuesday again and this week, my travelling tutu and I are making a beeline to the grand stage of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, my absolute favourite theatre in the world.
Oh, you want to know why I love travelling by train? It’s such a stylish way to get around! Especially in a full tutu, you just can't help but feel like you're a star on stage. 🩰
Now, about July 1st, 1941. We’re firmly in the middle of World War II. The Blitz is raging, London is grappling with daily air raids, and everyone’s lives are touched by war. Despite the chaos, the human spirit is resilient, and the arts, including ballet, offer solace and beauty in trying times.
A Time for Ballet?
You might be wondering if anyone is still thinking about tutu-ing up amidst the war. And the answer is a resounding yes! In fact, this is a period of fascinating contrast for ballet in Britain. While on the one hand, there is uncertainty and disruption – many dancers have joined the war effort, ballet companies are struggling to find space to rehearse, and some dancers are being evacuated – there's a resurgence in interest in the art form. Ballet is seen as a source of escapism, of joy, and even a way to boost morale!
Enter the Ballet Russes
Let me whisk you away to 1941's Royal Opera House. A truly special moment – the Ballet Russes is performing! This is a legendary troupe of Russian dancers who, after fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution in the early 1900s, made their way to Europe and brought their breathtaking ballet performances to the world, including the UK! This was the troupe of legends like Nijinsky and Diaghilev – a true revolution in ballet. It’s a golden age of the art form!
So What About The Tutus?
Okay, now let's talk tutus! Picture it: swirling tulle, layers upon layers of light, ethereal fabrics. Ballet tutus at this time are all about those delicate, wispy, fairytale looks. 💫 They were often made with layers of netting – very fine and very delicate. A bit different from the grand, more dramatic tutus of today, don’t you think?
Fashion Inspiration!
Believe it or not, the impact of the Ballet Russes and these whimsical, lightweight tutus goes way beyond the stage. Think fashion! This era sees a blossoming of soft, flowing silhouettes in fashion, a romantic mood that is deeply connected to the ballerina’s tutus.
Back To The Stage!
Speaking of the stage, we mustn’t forget the performance itself. Ballet companies are facing immense challenges in finding spaces and adapting to new wartime conditions, yet they are making their mark!
A Reminder: Tutues Unite!
My lovely readers, as always, let's not forget the beauty of a tutu! Whether it’s a vintage, delicate creation from 1941 or a sparkly, modern tutu from today, the joy and magic of this ballet-worthy item is eternal.
I can’t wait to take you to more historical dance stops in my next Tutu Tuesday post. Remember, I’m always searching for the most dazzling, colourful, and tutu-licious places, from the royal court to the cobbled streets of London and everywhere in-between.
See you next week, darlings! Remember: Keep twirling! And don’t forget to put on your favourite pink tutu! 💕💖
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
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