Hello lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire gal, Emma, here, back with another dose of tutu-tastic history! This week, we're taking a whirl through time, hopping aboard the glamorous train of history to 10th November 1942. Hold onto your hats, darlings, because this one's a real doozy!
For starters, can you imagine, my dears, a world without a plethora of exquisite ballet tutus? That's what they were facing back in 1942! While we now have a rainbow of choice in the shops, let's peek behind the curtain and discover the fashion landscape back then!
World War Two cast a shadow over the world, but believe it or not, ballet continued to bloom. The iconic ballerina, Alicia Markova, was dancing in London, inspiring a nation. Remember, during times of hardship, art truly flourishes! Think about it: beautiful, twirling ballerinas were a delightful respite from the bleak reality outside.
What a brilliant, clever move for the government, huh? They commissioned ballets based on famous wartime heroines like Florence Nightingale, or The Snow Queen who symbolized hope and resilience! How fantastic! Imagine watching the stories of bravery come to life, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, and topped off with the most enchanting tutus of the time!
Although they had some real gems, the 1940s ballet world was more limited in design compared to what we have now. I mean, let's face it, even with their amazing skills and techniques, those amazing ballerinas wouldn't be caught dead wearing a plain, beige tutu today, would they? Imagine the lack of colour and drama!
So, what was going on with tutus back in 1942?
For the most part, they stuck to classical styles, very simple and very, well... plain, you know? It was a time when fabric was scarce and rationing was in full effect. They primarily used tulle, the queen of all ballet fabrics. Think of that delicate, cloud-like tulle. You can always find an endless amount of possibilities for ballet skirts.
But here's the thing! Tutus, even the classic ones, are never boring, darling. If you look closely, they are intricately sewn and structured in the most magnificent way. The designs in the 1940s were inspired by, wait for it... ancient Greek drapery. How incredibly sophisticated! Imagine graceful flowing fabrics mirroring the movement of a graceful goddess. They achieved such exquisite form, which gave a touch of sophistication and elegance to their performances.
Then, let's not forget about the footwear, oh, my goodness, darling! They didn't have the pointe shoes that we enjoy today. Pointe shoes were barely being introduced then, you see! Instead, dancers wore demi-pointe shoes. These soft slippers gave dancers a graceful glide, creating that wonderful lightness in their movement! And of course, they adorned themselves in satin ribbons for their graceful dance steps.
Of course, I know you're curious about the colour of these tutus! Because it wasn't just the fashion choices but also what colours made the most significant difference. And I can assure you, dear, they did indeed rock some amazing shades! You know how I adore my pinks, well, it wasn't quite so pink then! They mostly opted for shades of white, cream, or perhaps even a touch of ivory. Those colours offered the ultimate stage presence under the spotlight! They even loved to embellish with shiny beads or rhinestones for that extra glamour! Now that’s something you wouldn't see often, eh? The elegance! The style!
Back in those days, darling, the ballerinas and their designers embraced a simple and timeless aesthetic. It really focused on the artistry and pure talent of the performers! So elegant, isn't it? You know, now that you mention it, that era definitely had an air of romance and elegance about it, wouldn't you say? The dancers really understood the essence of graceful movements!
However, while rationing limited the choices in materials and styles, the heart and soul of the tutu was alive and well, dancing across the stage! It's amazing how things evolved in fashion and the tutu remained timeless throughout, and has continued to be refined throughout the ages!
Now, I simply adore the era’s designs. They've had a massive influence on the tutus we see on stage today. Imagine if all those gorgeous tutus just disappeared, darlings! Thank goodness the iconic tutu survived the ages and has even become a style icon beyond the stage, and we still see a sprinkle of these old styles sprinkled throughout modern fashion. Isn't it magnificent!
As I travel through time, exploring the magnificent ballet tutus throughout history, I love learning about the influence of the past on our present. Don't forget, darlings, it's all thanks to these brilliant dancers that we enjoy the dazzling, vibrant, colorful tutu options we have now. Let’s embrace it, wear it loud and proud, and don’t forget, the tutu never goes out of style!
Don’t forget to wear a pink tutu this week, darlings! And keep those creative fashion ideas bubbling away! Until next Tuesday, remember, you are all perfectly lovely. Now, don’t be shy to post pictures in your tutus, we want to see all the different colors, darling. Let’s go dance!
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P.S. Stay tuned next week when we venture to 1964. I can already smell the flower power and fabulous new tutu designs! 😉
Don't forget to visit my website for more fabulous tutu fashion inspiration! www.pink-tutu.com!
