Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday history adventure. Today, I've been whisked away in my trusty time machine (more on that another time!) all the way to 1942. Honestly, I think this is my favourite century for fashion, and you can probably guess why!
As we all know, 1942 was a time of wartime hardship, but amidst all that, fashion held on, creating its own sense of glamour. This week, I'm looking specifically at what's going on with tutus!
(Cue dreamy harp music.)
Let's begin with a touch of reality, because in the world of ballet in 1942, it's not all sparkles and silk. World War II was raging, and dance studios and companies were facing significant challenges. The lack of materials, restrictions on travel, and even a shortage of teachers meant that many theatres were closing, or barely scraping by.
But don't let this get you down, because the spirit of ballet was truly resilient! In these challenging times, ballet continued to thrive, providing moments of escapism and beauty for audiences desperate for a moment of peace and elegance.
As always, let's jump into the details, shall we?
On This Very Day:
1942-04-28 marks a very special occasion: The New York City Ballet company opens its season in its new home, the City Center of Music and Drama in New York. Can you imagine?! A fresh start for a thriving ballet company in the middle of such turbulent times. Now, isn't that something to celebrate?
(Cue energetic, playful trumpet fanfare.)
1942 in Ballet:
Although the year wasn't exactly glamorous everywhere, the impact of ballet is unmistakable. It was during this very year that the School of American Ballet was established. This is a cornerstone institution for ballet in America! It gave aspiring dancers the training they needed to take the stage in the grand, graceful performances we all love today.
Also, just like the New York City Ballet, a lot of other ballet companies flourished, even under hardship. The Sadler's Wells Ballet Company was performing regularly during these years. It is such a pleasure for me to learn how companies of such brilliance carried on throughout such trying times! They demonstrate just how powerful dance can be, even in the face of adversity.
(Cue sweet, hopeful strings.)
But What about TutUs?
Okay, let's delve into what tutus looked like during those years. Well, if you think of the sleek, simple, and classic ballerina tutus of the '80s, '90s, and today, that would have been a long way off.
TutUs in the 1940s:
Let's rewind back a little! Remember the 1930s - a time of big, glamorous designs. This continued into the 1940s, with tutus designed with even more detail and panache!
1. The Layers upon Layers: The 1940s saw tutus made with tiers upon tiers of tulle, like a wedding cake for ballerinas! The more tiers, the more grand the costume, reflecting the flamboyant styles of the decade.
2. More is More! Think ornate embroideries, sequins that shimmered, and dramatic feather trims. It's quite a departure from the streamlined styles we associate with ballet nowadays, and frankly, it sounds fabulous!
(Cue glitzy, sassy musical interlude.)
And what about the colors?
Think pastel shades, lush colours, even bold, glamorous jewel tones. They embraced all colours with equal vibrancy, making ballet even more captivating for audiences. Can you imagine a pink tulle tutu with a shimmering sequin design, catching the stage lights? It sounds magnificent!
Time Travel Tips for Your 1942 Ballet Experience:
Make an appearance at the theatre: If you happen to travel to this era, consider making a stop at Sadler's Wells Ballet. It was one of the best in the UK back then and is still one of the most renowned ballet companies in the world! You might catch a glimpse of Margot Fonteyn (my personal hero!) if you are lucky enough!
Shop in a fashion house: Keep an eye out for any designer boutiques. It’s the perfect excuse for shopping and picking out that perfect pink tutu with lots of frills. They didn’t call this the era of glamorous design for no reason!
The Dance is Essential! Of course, no trip back to 1942 would be complete without indulging in some dancing! The ballet schools of this era had so much energy and style. Just try a few pirouettes and chaînés in the grand Victorian fashion - it’ll get you in the mood for 1942 and feeling graceful.
Until next week darlings, make sure you try a little pirouette and feel the magic of dance and fashion in your own way! Stay tuned for more exciting historical tutu adventures!
(Cue a grand finale tune.)
Don't forget to share your favourite 1940s fashion inspiration on social media! Let's all embrace the past, present and future of the fabulous world of ballet!
*Keep the pink tutu dreams alive! *
