Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, and welcome back to another week of Tutu Tuesday! This week, we're taking a trip back to the glamorous 1941. Buckle your seatbelts, ladies, because we're heading for a truly fabulous journey through fashion and history!
This week's trip was particularly special because, not only was I transported back in time, I was also taken across the Atlantic!
Now, when I picture the early 1940s, I see the stylish and strong women in America battling through war time with their iconic Victory Rolls, classic dresses and their undeniable sense of spirit. And wouldn't you know it, I found myself right in the heart of this vibrant scene, right on 8th July 1941.
The day started bright and early as usual with a grand old American breakfast, (what's more American than a juicy steak, waffles and plenty of pancake syrup?!), but it wasn't long before I had traded in the pancake syrup for a visit to the local haberdashery. What I found here absolutely astounded me! Just imagine – a whole room filled to the brim with colourful silk fabrics and trims for creating your own fabulous tutus! Now that's what I call a dream! The local women, so graceful and full of energy, told me all about how the dance craze was sweeping the nation. You could hear the tunes everywhere! Imagine, the entire nation was tapping their toes and learning the new steps! What fun! I grabbed myself some delightful shades of lilac and sunshine yellow to add to my collection and quickly set about planning some grand outfits to celebrate this amazing era.
But the fun wasn’t over yet! A quick ride in a shiny convertible brought me to a breathtaking theatre where, just my luck, a stunning ballet production was about to start! It was a classic performance, a whimsical journey through a romantic fairytale filled with elaborate costumes, powerful choreography, and beautiful music. As a seasoned ballerina (and yes, of course I found a little corner backstage to show off some of my own moves), I found myself completely enthralled with the incredible artistry and graceful storytelling of ballet at this time. It reminded me so much of the incredible legacy of ballet, and how this beloved art form had the power to transport everyone to different times and places with every performance.
My dear Tutu-lovers, you just had to be there to feel the incredible energy buzzing throughout the auditorium as we watched the final curtain descend! You’ll be pleased to know the vibrant and charming American girls, decked out in their smart shoes and adorable hats, enjoyed a delightful selection of sparkling drinks (they were even kind enough to offer me a cocktail) before dancing the night away. And it was, truly, dancing the night away! The mood was upbeat and positively effervescent – everyone was filled with joy! This experience cemented the fact that these beautiful people really knew how to party, and we danced on, celebrating until dawn! It reminded me that joy, creativity and a dash of magic truly have the ability to flourish even during the toughest of times.
This entire trip reminded me just how exciting life could be back in 1941! This vibrant culture was filled with a joie de vivre that inspired my entire trip! Even without access to today’s dazzling fabrics, (we must admit that synthetics make our tutu designs much more free-flowing, less heavy, and easier to clean!) they still knew how to enjoy every single minute with panache!
I really encourage you to learn more about this iconic era, it’s filled with so much wonder and beauty, and we can still be inspired by the incredible resilience of the women of 1941 today!
Of course, all that time travelling is thirsty work. I'll be back next Tuesday for another week of historical adventures in the wonderful world of ballet and all things tutu! Remember, don't be shy about joining in on the fun, ladies! Put on your prettiest tutu and let's dance! See you then!
Until next week,
Emma x
