Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina blogger, back with another trip down the most fabulous fashion lane imaginable – the history of the tutu! Today, I'm whisking you back to 23rd September 1941, a date that might not seem particularly momentous in the grand scheme of tutu history, but trust me, darling, every date is an adventure when you're a tutu aficionado.
This week, I landed myself in London, right smack-bang in the heart of World War II. Now, you wouldn't think that wartime would be particularly conducive to glamorous dance, but I'm telling you, darling, the spirit of ballet and all things fabulous simply cannot be dampened, not even by bombs. The wartime spirit was strong, the morale needed a lift, and you know what, the people of London turned to ballet. It was an escape, a moment of joy, a flicker of the beautiful amidst the gloom.
Honestly, even in this challenging time, tutus were still being designed and worn. Imagine the thrill! It was such a contrast to the day to day - with blackout curtains, rationing and the threat of air raids. Seeing the light in a ballet theatre, with its beautifully dressed ballerinas, was quite the escape for those Londoners who could still make it to the theatre! There were lots of wartime fundraising and morale-boosting ballet productions happening around London too.
For example, I had the pleasure of attending a special matinee performance at Sadler's Wells theatre, hosted by the Women's Voluntary Service (the WVS!). The program included a selection of classic pieces, with ballerinas swirling gracefully in their traditional tutus, each spin and leap offering a beacon of hope to the audience. The audience themselves were a testament to the British spirit. Dressed in their wartime garb, you could see a resilience, determination, and above all, a refusal to surrender their love of the arts, not even amidst the wartime blues!
Of course, rationing wasn't just about food! Some of the most glamorous shops in London were making a real effort to keep Londoners looking chic with clever use of their existing clothing or using the few allowed materials to give them the latest look, Imagine the beautiful ballerina fashions they were dreaming up and making in a resourceful manner, my darlings. There were clothes swapping and mending clubs - and just the sheer creativity involved in surviving those shortages - the fabric innovations they dreamed up to make every new design something special. And the shoes!
Oh, and remember what happened just last week - on the 16th September we were treated to the glorious premiere of a new work by Ninette de Valois! Imagine that! A new ballet during the war! You really had to be there, my darling, for all the anticipation and the sheer joy when it ended! It made me truly believe in the resilience of beauty and the spirit of London! Of course, now that you know the inside scoop, you can time travel to see the piece yourself...
As I continue my explorations into this tumultuous time, I'll be sure to keep you posted on any other fashion finds and historical tidbits. Remember, even in the most challenging of times, tutus provide an element of pure joy and feminine power. It's a reminder that there is always something beautiful and magical waiting to be discovered, no matter the circumstances.
Till next Tuesday, my darlings! Don’t forget to post your favourite ballerina picture and a #TutuTuesday. Let me know how you’ve made your own life more glamorous by sporting a tutu – whatever your style.
See you next week, darling!
Yours in tulle, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
