Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com and another #TutuTuesday filled with the fluffiest, twirliest history of tutus! Today, I’m whisking us back to a particularly lovely time in 1942 - October 27th, to be exact. Now, I'm not just saying this because I’m rocking a blush-pink tutu today (a lovely find from my recent trip to Paris!), but there’s a definite air of wartime charm and elegance hanging in the air, just as lovely and feminine as my favourite pink tulle.
To set the scene, we’re in London. I adore the energy of the city; it’s bustling with people going about their daily lives, even with wartime rationing! But, what’s lovely is the camaraderie - a sense of shared purpose, much like in a ballet class, where every dancer needs to support each other. It’s a beautiful thing!
As a budding young ballerina in 1942, I'm mesmerised by the power of dance. My fellow ballerinas are absolutely enthralling, despite their attire reflecting the practicality of the time. Think full-skirted tutus (so much fun for pirouettes!) with some serious length to keep the legs warm, but also elegant enough to perform in. And those lovely ballerina bun hairstyles – oh so timeless, aren't they?
A Glimpse into the Ballet Scene:
Speaking of the ballet scene, the Royal Ballet was already making waves back in 1942, presenting classics like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty – even the wartime hardships couldn’t dampen the magical spirit of these timeless pieces. Just imagining the breathtaking beauty of the dancers in their long tutus and shimmering costumes sends chills down my spine!
Where are my Tut-U-licious Treasures from?
My time travel adventures are definitely fuelled by the most fabulous ballet shows. And this time around, I'm completely besotted with a beautiful hand-sewn tulle tutu I found in a little vintage boutique hidden away in Soho. It has such exquisite detailing with lace trims and subtle pleating – it’s almost like wearing a piece of history!
Making it my own!
Now, as always, I couldn’t just wear a vintage piece as is. A touch of pink was in order, of course! I’ve added a hand-painted rose detail – a nod to my love for florals – just to make it my own. What’s amazing is that even after all this time, this tutu is a fantastic foundation piece to build a fabulous outfit. I'm thinking a powder-blue cashmere cardigan and matching gloves for an extra touch of elegance!
Time Travel Secrets: How I Fund my Passion!
And before you ask, yes, time travelling is an expensive hobby, darling! But I fund it by showcasing my talent as a dancer – performing on the grand stages of historical theatres like the Savoy or the Palace Theatre! Think glittering chandeliers, vibrant velvet seats, and even a grand opening act involving an army of dancing chorus girls – talk about a grand entrance! I must say, even though they might be using more sensible ‘everyday’ outfits, you wouldn't believe the glamour that goes into these historical performances – it's a feast for the eyes and my own inspiration!
The Beauty of a Shared Passion:
Even today, I always love going to watch performances with my girlfriends from the Ballet Club, all of us adorned in our most whimsical tutus. The shared joy of ballet – whether we’re in the past or the present - is a constant that truly warms the heart. So don’t you worry if your only tutu is one you’ve dreamt up – even if it’s a perfect pink, we all have that little piece of magic within us!
I hope this trip to the 27th of October, 1942 has left you twirling and longing for more tutu history! Next week, I’ll be taking you on a magical journey to another special day in our history - remember to visit Pink-Tutu.com every Tuesday for my new #TutuTuesday post! Until then, I bid you farewell, darling readers, with a twirl, a smile, and my everlasting hope that everyone joins me in rocking a pink tutu – because who doesn't love a little bit of twirly magic?
Until next time,
Emma x
