#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1941-11-18

Hello darlings! Emma here, back for another exciting journey through time in my trusty pink tutu! I'm popping back in time again to share a little peek into the glorious world of ballet and, of course, its magnificent tutus.

This week, we're swirling back to the 18th of November 1941! It's a crisp autumn day in London, the air is full of the scent of crackling fireplaces and smoky chimneys. London is at war, but the ballet world, thank goodness, still manages to hold onto its graceful elegance.

My travel agent (oh, darling, he's a lovely fellow who makes sure my travels are as glamorous as possible, always finding me the most comfortable first-class compartments on the trains!) found a fab little cottage in Chelsea for my stay. The locals, with their jaunty scarves and cosy coats, are charming. The pubs are filled with cheery chatter, and even though life's a bit grim due to the war, they manage to keep spirits high with rousing music and hearty laughs.

You know, for my time travels, the most thrilling part is the dance scene! Just the thought of visiting Sadler's Wells theatre on Rosebery Avenue is enough to make me twirl! That was the must-go spot for a London ballet lover in 1941. The London Ballet Company was on the rise, their productions pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. There was just something magical about the way they combined old-world elegance with a fresh, new energy. The company even created some wonderfully imaginative, romantic ballets to help people forget their troubles, and what better way to forget than with some twirling and beautiful music!

Today, as I wander down Covent Garden (ah, I do love it!), I spot the stunning Royal Opera House. Its imposing white facade is such a majestic symbol of everything ballet. A little known fact - the first tutu as we know it appeared on stage here. That's how revolutionary London was when it came to dancing! It was considered so radical at the time, darling. Back then, the demi-pointe, or dancing on the tip toes, required movement that required freedom for the legs. Can you imagine being limited to ankle-length skirts? It was simply unimaginable. The first ballerinas would probably wear tights beneath them, but it’s the shortened, feathered, layered design that defined the silhouette and made that move possible. And that's where the tutu's incredible journey begins!

Oh! and speaking of the tutu… they had to be SO dramatic for that era. I am simply in love with all those big, fluffy designs with tiers and tiers of tulle! A dramatic display, indeed. I saw a poster for The Sleeping Beauty, starring the divine Margot Fonteyn! It’s a beautiful fairytale ballet, filled with enchanting characters, stunning costumes, and just the perfect balance of lightheartedness and elegance, just my style. It is quite the timeless story that people across all cultures connect to. And darling, Margot Fonteyn, now that is a name synonymous with pure grace and elegance. Her talent, her presence, they made history. I must try to find a way to meet her - perhaps after this show!

London is abuzz with talk of The Firebird, with music composed by Igor Stravinsky. The London Ballet's version had some unique costumes designed for its dancers! Oh my! they are very exciting, daring designs! It sounds very exciting! It’s known for its powerful use of colors and music. This exciting and bold production has such an aura. It’s so invigorating and it truly transports you to another world. A very unique piece. The dancing! I can just imagine it! A truly unique piece. They even have these little birds on their shoes for their feet that have tiny beads. Just delightful!

Today, ballet was still a bit of a novelty. You would find the most fabulous audiences, filled with some of the most chic and elegant women, gentlemen in suits, and even children enjoying these marvelous productions! The London ballet world was a kaleidoscope of colourful tutus, a swirling spectacle of emotions, and the most delightful mix of old and new. It was an era where imagination reigned supreme and every dance moved hearts and inspired audiences. Oh, I must admit to being terribly envious of the ballerinas’ wardrobe! There are some seriously wonderful tutu styles that are so inspiring! We simply have to make sure we bring back a few pieces of these beauties to create a new look for our blog. Perhaps an ombre tutu, my dear!

So here I am in 1941, standing on the bustling pavements of London, tutu in hand. You can just imagine how envious the passersby are. “Pink tutu?!” they’re thinking. They look at me as though I’m a little bit crazy. Well, maybe I am, darling, but a little bit of whimsy never hurts anyone. Let’s try something new - try twirling! Try wearing a tutu! And enjoy every minute of it. We can’t let war dampen our spirits, can we? I will never be able to get the pink tutu into my time travel bag, but at least we can embrace the memories of the times and dream about our very own stylish tutu, our own unique creation. This is where a beautiful fashion blogger’s imagination can run wild. Let’s look ahead and try to be inspiring to every lady who wants to find their way into this beautiful world of the ballerina.

Till next time, darlings! Don’t forget to wear a pink tutu on Tuesday!

Xx Emma