#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1941-10-28

Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous trip through time! Today, I'm whisking you all the way back to the 28th of October, 1941. I’m not gonna lie, my trip here wasn't easy – wartime rations mean finding a decent cuppa is a real struggle, and let’s just say the fashion choices are a little… well, let's just say I haven’t spotted a pink tutu on the street yet.

But don't you worry, I'm making the most of it! Even though there's war going on, the spirit of ballet is still alive and kicking in London, where I am right now. The Royal Opera House has had a tough year, facing air raid sirens and needing to reschedule performances, but the spirit of dance has remained. The dancers are true heroes!

The news this week has been quite somber. We’ve all been listening to the BBC with a bit of trepidation - that awful rumble of warplanes in the air again. It’s times like these we appreciate our freedom, and especially the privilege to see a ballet. Today, my dearest, we’re going to talk about that – the extraordinary tenacity of the human spirit through times of adversity, displayed by dancers!

Today’s ballet show was a production of “Coppelia”, that utterly delightful, enchanting tale of a doll that comes to life. It is truly delightful to see the dancers still keeping this magical story alive through dark times. It gave a good old-fashioned heartwarming joy!

It might not be easy with bombs dropping all around London, but London is not giving in, even though its residents must often evacuate and sleep in bomb shelters. It’s incredible that in spite of it all, a ballet could go on! And I saw the biggest smile on a young ballerina’s face at the end – like she’d made someone’s entire week! There is definitely still hope and magic to be found, my darlings!

Of course, there have been significant changes in ballet as the war progressed. More women have stepped up into the spotlight. In 1939, a lovely little piece called “Graduation Ball”, a joyous celebration of student life (without all the exam pressures, mind you) made it onto the stage. But because of war, we saw several of the male dancers called up for service, so female dancers rose to the occasion. A lot of women were doing a great deal to fill the roles and to take on lead roles – an inspiring display of courage and dedication.

Sadly, the war has led to a significant decrease in new costume designs and materials - finding silk in this era is harder than finding a proper teapot! They've made do, using less intricate designs and less frills, with simpler fabrics like cotton. Still, with wartime shortages, it's amazing to think ballet kept going. I guess they'd say “the show must go on”.

Oh, my darlings, have I told you about the new craze of “ballroom dancing”? It’s becoming an absolute sensation! All these lovely girls and gents going to parties and dances - just lovely! Everyone's swinging and swaying! The swing era, that’s what I call it, all about the jazz, and the fun, and the moves! There’s more to a good move than the ballet studio - I just wish I could incorporate the fancy footwork in the big wide world outside too.

There are dance halls springing up like daisies! Oh, and let’s talk about “dance dresses”. There’s a definite ‘40s style to it. All these fabulous skirts – like an elegant ‘mini’ – that go just above the knee! We’re seeing these elegant swing designs, a good deal more practical than my usual ballooning, layered ballet tutu – yet somehow it still retains that same charm! Of course, no ballet enthusiast could survive a night out without an extravagant fascinator.

Even though they are a bit different from what we wear on stage, I’m drawn to this style! These 40’s clothes, with their playful skirts and sassy headdresses. Maybe this isn't what I imagine wearing in a London ballet production but I must say it gives me ideas! The ‘swing dress’ could definitely translate into a sassy new style of tutu. Hmmm… a tutu-inspired swing dress... that’s my next project for the tutu design collection! My latest creation features a lovely cherry red colour with layers of frills – maybe a little bit of that ballroom spirit needs to go on stage!

Talking of shopping, oh my darling, it’s my favourite activity anywhere I travel! Of course, war or no war, it’s always nice to find a good shopping trip in the city. But it has a slightly different feel to it when it’s 1941! The most interesting thing for me to discover was this whole world of vintage fashion - beautiful fabrics that still carry stories. Imagine - I’ve found a pair of beautiful little lace gloves that someone from the Edwardian era might have worn to the theatre. Isn't that extraordinary? Sometimes when you look at vintage clothing, it can make you feel like you’re taking a trip through history.

Of course, I had to see the iconic Liberty London! This department store has remained a haven of beautiful things since Victorian times – everything from exquisite dresses to delicious teas. Oh my, but do I love a nice cup of tea after a long day at the opera! It is a true piece of London’s history. But don’t worry darlings, I never buy my clothes from high-end shops. (Not yet! wink, wink) I have some excellent suppliers, as a bit of a “Vintage Fashionista” and a "Secret shopper" here at the time. The dress fabrics from a bygone era can bring that unique charm and romance that I look for when choosing my special fabrics.

Even when things are hard, fashion keeps its promise. The 40’s are about so much more than war and rationing, and it's not all about the same austere clothing! There is an enduring sense of elegance and sophistication! It makes me feel as though, through all the trials and tribulations of the world, these women will always hold onto a little bit of grace and femininity.

In this very world where news from war fronts has changed how the world runs, the ballet world remains resilient and strong, providing solace to the many people. The people, especially in London, really look forward to these ballet shows, the performances are packed and everyone seems to take away a piece of escapism – as do I, from my travels! I can’t help but think it’s just like with fashion, there is a unique spirit that keeps us going through the hard times, that special sparkle that says - ‘we will always find ways to keep this magic going’. It’s a constant reminder that things don't have to be black and white.

But on that note, I'm off! Another fascinating time travelling experience, darlings. Until next week!

Stay bright, stay fabulous, and remember: every day is an opportunity to dance!

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