Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my lovely dancers! It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s time for another spin through #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History! 🕰️
This week, we’re shimmying back to March 31st, 1942. Oh, the war is on, I know, but darling, don’t let it dampen our spirits! We’ve got tutus, tea, and a whole heap of fascinating history to discuss. This is post number 5753, if you’re keeping track (and you should be! 😉).
Imagine, if you will: It’s wartime, and life in the West is a tad different to our more leisurely times. Rationing is the norm, and those lovely Parisian creations are a little harder to find, but there is a silver lining to this! You see, necessity is the mother of invention, and this is especially true when it comes to our dear ballet tutus.
You might be surprised to know that even during wartime, ballet was thriving! I’m absolutely in awe of those ballerinas from back then, how strong and resilient they were. Just imagine how those beautiful dancers managed to create stunning performances despite all that was happening. The energy was phenomenal! The wartime ballets had so much strength, you could feel the emotions resonating from the stage! The costumes were simply wonderful - those classic tulle tutus, with their airy grace, were somehow both beautiful and symbolic of the time. A sign that even amidst hardship, art continued to shine.
So, picture it with me, a grand theatre, perhaps Covent Garden or even Sadler’s Wells, London! The auditorium, dimly lit for wartime reasons, but somehow, that just adds to the romantic ambiance. The ballet begins, and out comes the beautiful dancer, with her graceful movements, swirling her graceful skirt – the epitome of beauty, and defiance in the face of the harsh realities of the world. It's breathtaking!
The fashion back then was absolutely divine. Let's just say, dear readers, the 1940s weren't all austerity and rationed sweets. We still had those beautiful feminine silhouettes. Tight, fitted bodices and skirts, paired with a demure amount of material to create those wonderfully "new-look" designs - think Christian Dior’s fabulous "New Look", which launched in 1947!
Now, on March 31st, 1942, fashion was really beginning to pick up! Fashion designers, while dealing with wartime limitations, were experimenting with fabrics and designs. They managed to create some absolute masterpieces. Remember the classic wartime pencil skirt? It was all the rage! What can I say? Women then, as always, had a fantastic sense of style and looked fabulous, despite the challenges of the time. You just can't help but admire that inner resilience.
Of course, what really completes any outfit is a fabulous accessory! Now, I was able to source some rather interesting bits from my travels, but for those who prefer to travel by train (the quickest way to travel!), let's go shopping!
Here are a few fabulous places you can visit in London: Liberty is just a stunning store, with those lovely vintage lace collars. A trip there would just brighten any day! You’ll find some fabulous silk scarves, brooches, or even gloves - those 1940s designs are pure elegance!
Then there’s Harrods, which had an amazing range of shoes. A pair of new shoes, my dear reader, just adds that little boost of confidence to any ensemble!
And, lastly, a classic, a London favourite - Fortnum & Mason, with those amazing selection of beautiful and feminine gifts for the ladies in your life (and perhaps for you too!). Think dainty teacups, lovely handkerchiefs, and stunning jewellery, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon of delightful browsing.
So, darling, let's put our wartime limitations behind us. Take a deep breath, throw on your best pink tutu, and let's embrace the beauty of those incredible 1940s dances! It's not just the elegance and grace, but the sheer defiance in those pirouettes - it’s breathtaking! Remember, we have something they didn't: our love for ballet, a true constant throughout history, and a bit of whimsical pink tutu magic.
Until next week, happy dancing!
Emma
P.S. If you have any amazing wartime tutu stories from the 1940s, share them in the comments! We’d love to hear them!
