Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time-traveller, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday!
This week we're whizzing back in time to September 29th, 1942. Now, I know what you're thinking - "1942? Was there even such a thing as ballet in wartime?"
Well, you'd be surprised, my darlings! 🩰 Even amidst the hardship, the beauty and grace of ballet found a way to shine. Ballet offered a haven for people to escape the realities of war. It provided solace and beauty in a world gripped by darkness. And, you can bet your bottom dollar that, in true ballet fashion, even then there were absolutely fabulous costumes to be found!
Speaking of which, this week we're specifically diving into the world of tutus! Remember, in this era, ballet was heavily steeped in classical traditions. That meant tutus had to be picture-perfect and just right! We're talking romantic tutus, all tulle, softness, and flowy perfection. The most popular type at this time were those known as the "Romantic" or "Pagnol" tutu. They were longer than the ones we often see today, ending just above the knee and often featuring multiple layers of frilled, gossamer tulle.
Today, even though we're all decked out in our fabulous wartime outfits – those adorable little jackets, gorgeous headscarves and even those cute little bows adorning our hair – we just have to dream about swirling and twirling in one of these Romantic tutus! It's an era that captures all the beautiful dreams of an optimistic young ballerina, a vision of delicacy and sheer grace that's just perfect for dancing our hearts out on stage! 💖
Just picture this: a bustling city like New York or Paris. On the outside, things are grim. But step into a grand theatre, into that glorious symphony of colour, of movement, and suddenly you're lost in the enchanting world of dance. You see the beautiful line of the dancer, her soft, lyrical movement, the way the romantic tutu billows out around her... It’s almost like a dream come true, don’t you think?
Even if the tutus themselves weren’t being created in abundance, the artistry, the creativity, and the magic of the art form definitely persevered. Ballet became more important than ever during this period, it became a symbol of hope and joy. It was a form of entertainment that didn’t require much and gave something so precious – beauty and artistry, something to uplift the human spirit.
And you know, that’s the thing I absolutely adore about the time-travelling ballerina life. We get to appreciate all the different shades of ballet, even amidst the most trying times. I learn something new every trip, about tutus and fashion and of course, about history itself! That’s why I keep going, and that’s why I think you should all give pink tutus a try, it’s amazing how wearing pink can uplift your mood, making the world seem just that little bit more sparkly! 💖
So, what's going on today in our journey through 1942? It's World Ballet Day! Did you know, back then there wasn't a dedicated day like this to celebrate ballet, which is utterly ridiculous! Luckily for us, that was all changed in 2014 by The Royal Opera House, where dancers from across the world are connected in the love of ballet! 💖
Speaking of the Royal Opera House , what would my blog be without a little glimpse of my favorite city? It's London for me this week, you know. Nothing beats the feeling of getting to a performance at the Royal Opera House – that fabulous red carpet feeling – then walking through the magnificent entrance and entering that majestic hall, even though I have to squeeze myself and my tulle into the tiny confines of the train!
And, who knows what ballet wonders I might discover there in 1942? What magnificent dances, glorious stories, and perhaps even a daring new design of the iconic ballet tutu. The possibilities are just endless! 😉
Oh, my darling lovelies, don't forget, tutus are just the tip of the iceberg! We've got an entire world of fashion, dance, and history waiting to be explored! I promise to be here every Tuesday to tell you all about it, so keep those ballet shoes polished and those pink tutus at the ready! Until next time, darlings, much love, Emma! 💗
Extra Tips for the Ballet Fashionista:- Remember, in 1942, fabric rationing was a real thing! This meant finding a perfect romantic tutu for that big performance must've been a bit of a challenge! Luckily, dancers always found a way, those creative minds know how to make do with what they’ve got.
- This week I've spotted some adorable and innovative ways women adapted their outfits - think simple designs made with a lot of care and maybe even a bit of upcycling to get that chic and refined look! You’ll also want to look for vintage pieces – maybe a cute little cardigan, a floral blouse, or perhaps an upcycled skirt that will give you the classic wartime aesthetic!
So go out there, be bold, and unleash your inner ballerina, lovelies! 💗
