Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to the world of twirling and tulle - a world a little bit further back in time this Tuesday, landing us right smack dab in 1942!
Now, imagine it: 1942, the heart of the Second World War. But don't worry, my dears, I haven't forgotten my pink tutu! It's actually rather fashionable for this era, especially with all the exciting fabric rationing going on! That's right, everyone is finding ways to get creative with their fashion, just like my beloved tutus, making the most of their available materials and turning old scraps into stylish new pieces!
Today, I'm taking you on a journey through history with a stop in… drum roll please… New York City! The heart of Broadway! And oh, what a glamorous city it is. I took a train, naturally, because who wouldn't love a first-class carriage with an opulent view? (Think lace and pink upholstery… don't tell me you're not tempted, darlings). Speaking of trains, don't forget the ballet slippers! Because yes, you can wear them with every outfit, even on public transport - it’s 1942 and nobody has ever heard of “shoes not allowed!”
Now, where did I leave off? Ah, yes, Broadway! This place is a dazzling wonderland. I've just stepped off the train and straight into a musical extravaganza! Oh, how I do love the stage! There’s so much excitement going on, with dance being the heartbeat of everything - whether it's a musical production on Broadway or a quick jig on the streets. But enough about that.
On this very day, May 19th, 1942, “Oklahoma!” opened in Broadway. You all must go and see this one if you haven't already, but hurry as tickets sell out very fast (those war times, oh they bring a certain glamour to everything! ). It’s the American musical, folks! A truly vibrant and dynamic performance with more song and dance than you could possibly imagine, and I must tell you, it will blow you away. I’ve never seen so much swirling in my life – and it is completely covered in that pink, my darlings, a gorgeous salmon hue which they are calling "Rose."
What's the real fashion talk about? 1942 and its fabric… Let's be honest: most materials are being used to create garments for the troops. But you wouldn't know it by looking at Broadway! This city doesn't allow anything to be gloomy. From the grand and glamorous evening gowns to the sophisticated outfits worn by every day women, everyone has adopted a ‘make-do-and-mend’ approach to their style, creating new trends in thrift and inventiveness. We are talking about fashion ingenuity here, which includes using anything from salvaged fabric to repurposed silk. (Isn't it ironic, how times of scarcity bring out creativity? Oh how much I would have adored the fashion at the beginning of the last century during the first Great War! Maybe my next travel! But more on that later. This post is just for 1942).
Anyway, back to Broadway and to what’s been on everyone's mind - I have got to share with you what everyone is talking about. *It’s this *new and most intriguing fabric called “Taffeta,” and it's everywhwere. Think gorgeous dresses and skirts. And how it dances! The movement is beautiful. It swishes and flows. It's light as air and a total fashion dream. Taffeta! What a wonderful name and material. The only issue: It can't be found on every shop counter - I mean, there's still that pesky rationing, and all, right?
Of course, let's talk about those fantastic ballet tutus, don't you think they fit into all the latest fashion trends of the moment? They look especially wonderful when adorned with ribbons, embellishments, or even hand-made crochet. The pink and white tutus? So perfectly 1942, aren't they? It’s an almost a "war time style” - so cute, so practical, and with an unmistakable air of sweetness. What a lovely way to lift the mood.
And for that, we can thank my friends from New York City Ballet, who are, shall we say, a big inspiration. My pink tutu got a few glances on my journey today as I passed by Lincoln Center - home to a beautiful and iconic Ballet school which inspires so many ( and what a beautiful building!). Oh, how I wish I could take some classes with their students! And yes, it appears the entire world still can’t get enough of ballet! Imagine that, and for a few decades! All these beautiful shows and performers - I must admit I’ve been absolutely entranced. And with all the wonderful clothing at Lincoln Center, a great place to do some ballet shopping - oh my word, my dears, we need a full Tutu Tuesday just for the city’s amazing fashion, wouldn't you agree?
And so, with this little journey through the streets of New York City and the beauty of “Oklahoma!” let us go forth and spin! I have found it, the reason the world loves tutus: Because a ballerina in a tutu embodies grace and confidence, which is how everyone should feel.
See you next Tuesday, darlings, for another glorious trip in my time machine. I will keep those pink tutus coming, as it's just a simple joy in life, isn't it? Remember to post pictures of your tutu outfits using #PinkTutu!
Until then, dance your way into a happy day,
Emma
P.S. And did I mention? We’re all wearing pink tutus next Tuesday when I land on May 22, 1942, for another exciting installment in Ballet Tutu History on www.pink-tutu.com.
