Welcome back, tutu-lovers!
It's Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time-travelling blogger. Today's #TutuTuesday takes us on a train journey right back to the 1940s, with our landing date being July 14th, 1942.
I can't believe this is actually post number 5768! My goodness, time does fly when you're busy wearing pink tutus and discovering the history of this beloved dance garment.
So, pack your pinkest gear and your best petticoats – we're diving into the fashion scene of 1942!
Now, 1942…it's a time of significant change, and while war has undeniably overshadowed life across the globe, tutus have found a way to hold onto their own delightful charm, as always! In the land of ballerina bows and delicate pointe shoes, life continues in its own special way. The elegance of ballet is more than just steps – it’s a celebration of art and movement that, in a world experiencing great unrest, brings beauty and escape.
And it’s an exciting time for dance fashion, too!
If you are picturing tutus only for classical ballets, think again! Imagine, if you will, a wonderful variety of colours in different layers of tulle.
Just like a glorious tiered cake!
Oh my, how I adore it! What better way to capture the feeling of movement and freedom?
There was a growing need in the 40s to use fashion to brighten people’s lives!
Imagine how happy I was, during a trip to the theatre, when I saw the most incredible shade of baby pink tutu worn by a leading dancer at the Royal Opera House!
It was an absolutely delightful sight – a small speck of joyous, colourful loveliness, a beautiful way of brightening people’s spirits, amid a world seemingly set in shades of greys and blues!
The tutus in 1942 were a fantastic mix of creativity and innovation – think big bows, elaborate embellishments, and a captivating air of glamour! This was a decade for experimenting with various colours and designs!
This period saw ballet steps finding their way onto the streets and into the theatres. In London’s West End, the music halls, and even at the Royal Opera House, a glamorous new fashion of dancing steps entered the spotlight! This beautiful movement on stage brought out new fashion trends – including beautiful tutus!
I just had to buy a souvenir of this glorious time - it’s a beautiful delicate pink silk scarf with dainty dancing ballerinas and roses embroidered on it! This piece is going to look divine in my wardrobe with my tutus! I must also add, what’s more, this pink scarf would pair wonderfully with a new white ballet top I spotted at the store in Soho this morning, darling! (And oh, I just bought the prettiest pink tu-tu, too!).
While many dancers in other countries may have been having a harder time procuring fabric to make their own gorgeous tutus (thank you, rationing!) and even ballet lessons for the younger ones may have had to cease – all that just meant dancers, who did get to continue, valued and cherished it all the more!
Fashion's Influence
1942 saw ballet costume trends blending into fashion as a whole. You'll find tutus were inspiring elegant skirts and blouses in many a London shop! There was also a great need to celebrate and make women feel empowered with a touch of glamorous colour, as there was such an influx of military dress and uniforms - such was the era we were in! It just goes to show that no matter the time, a bit of glitter and colour can change the mood, the tone and the energy of things! And in 1942, that extra burst of light and beauty was needed more than ever!
I absolutely adore history! And seeing these delightful glimpses into the lives of the people of the past – their creativity, determination and ways of keeping the dance and fashion spirit alive – makes me really grateful for how fortunate we are today to have this incredible heritage to draw inspiration from, every time I step onto the dance floor.
Well, darlings, my train’s about to leave the station so I’d best get going!
But do you have a tutu that fits your fashion style, colour and personality? Let me know, I'd love to see it!
I can’t wait to travel back to the next #TutuTuesday to tell you more.
Until then, don't forget to twirl, be positive, stay happy, and dance your heart out!
Emma xoxo
