Dearest readers! Welcome to www.pink-tutu.com, where it's always Tutu Tuesday! 🩰 I'm your host, Emma, and today we're travelling through time! This is my 5,829th blog post. I'm whisked away again, my pink tutu swishing and my heart filled with excitement as I head back to the golden era of ballet in 1943! Can you believe it's been over 80 years? Time really does fly when you're wearing a tutu, darlings!
Just the other day I was at a rehearsal, the sound of the orchestra playing Strauss waltzes filling the air with a beautiful kind of magic. A yearning took me, I had to feel that magic, to breathe the atmosphere, and of course to find out more about the tutus they were wearing! That’s when the familiar tickle in my toes told me I should pack my bags! My trusty vintage travel trunk has become a bit of a legend (apparently time travel trunks are not standard luggage!) and soon I was whirling through the corridors of time.
I must admit, this era brings with it a bit of a dilemma, dearies. This is the time of World War II, and sadly much of the world was plunged into hardship and uncertainty. But through these shadows, ballet flickered as a beacon of hope. Ballet was about grace, artistry, and joy! The world may have been at war, but the magic of the ballet stage kept going strong.
I arrived in London on this particularly fine 14th of September, just as the city started to stir itself for the evening performance. It was a beautiful warm day! Oh, and did I tell you? There is such a thrill to arrive by train on a foggy morning to a city where the first whispers of ballet are in the air!
My first stop? Naturally, it's the famous Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, a temple of dance where countless tutus have taken flight! And can we talk about the atmosphere? The building, so grand and historical, exuded an energy almost tangible.
What was happening on this 14th September, you ask? Well, as I wandered the bustling streets I noticed flyers promoting a special evening - a performance of ‘Giselle’. I could tell just by looking at these posters, a grand ballerina was being announced to dance this particular role. The most elegant lettering in capitals, “ ANNA PAVLOVA, the world-famous ballerina, dancing the title role in ‘Giselle' with the company.
How lucky! I decided to secure tickets to this wonderful production. In 1943 the price of an orchestra stall ticket to the opera was an incredible 6s! What a deal for such an amazing production. Imagine all the sweets you could buy for 6 shillings!
I was giddy with excitement as I walked into the hushed theater, the air abuzz with anticipation. As the lights dimmed and the orchestra played the overture, my heart was pounding. The curtain rose, and there she was! Anna Pavlova, ethereal, almost like a dream in a pale blue tutu with a feathered headpiece, a delicate white lace shawl adding a romantic touch. I couldn't believe my eyes - what a sight to behold! Her steps were light and precise, like delicate snowflakes swirling through the air. It was the very essence of graceful feminine movement. Her expressive face spoke volumes about the tragic fate of Giselle, and you could just feel the deep emotions pouring through her movements. I remember thinking as she danced, “How lucky for the people of London to have a glimpse of such extraordinary talent.” It's a privilege to witness a true icon, and on this occasion, my tutu spun just as energetically as hers!
But it wasn’t only about Pavlova! Every ballerina I saw that evening was enchanting, the beauty of the whole production captivating. Each ballerina and their graceful tutus filled the stage. I could see that there was real effort behind their graceful movements, dedication in every elegant step and twirl! They moved as a seamless ensemble with their light, diaphanous tulle tutus - the most ethereal creations. There were the elegant full-length classical tutu skirts and some lovely shorter Romantic tutus too, making every step so elegant and airy!
However, the real stars were not just the ballerinas! Oh no! It was the tutues! Oh, how I adore the beauty of tutus - it’s the very essence of graceful movement! As a designer myself, I could appreciate the artistry in each meticulously handcrafted layer of tulle and the painstaking care for every little detail. That soft pink tulle with the delicate pink ribbons cascading over the skirt - magnifique.
I had a fascinating chat with the theatre manager at the Opera House. I managed to squeeze some insights into their 1943 ballet trends - all I can say is the ballet scene was definitely evolving, as you know things have always moved along in the world of ballet! I learnt a lot from that chat! In the ballet world the 1930s had been very full of neoclassical dance, and there were lots of choreographed interpretations of famous paintings (a lot of tutus then were made in silk because of its fluidity) but now we are on the cusp of an even bigger trend… ballet is becoming a bit more experimental with tutus! This trend focused on modern and contemporary forms! I saw a beautiful production in progress called “ A Day in the Country. It featured many young ballet students. There was a lot of excitement as a ballet mistress was teaching the company a brand new choreographed production. Now the students all wore very short, little tutus which just accentuated the athleticism of their leg movements. I noticed lots of interesting additions, a few students had ribbons attached to their short tutus, maybe some of you are imagining the dance by now and the lovely billowing of ribbons… very poetic. But we’ll discuss more about * this type of performance *at the beginning of the 1940s and later next week - my #TutuTuesday blog.
Of course, I found myself getting hopelessly lost in Liberty and Harrods. I just had to find some souvenirs to help me recreate those stunning tutus back in my own time!
London 1943! Oh, I wouldn't mind going back anytime soon, darlings. The glamour, the theatre, the tutus, all swirling together into an unforgettable whirlwind of inspiration! And those delicious strawberry teas and scones … how I long to go back again! Oh, those scone memories just linger …. I hope I haven't made you too hungry, darling readers!
See you next week, dear reader, when we journey further into the delightful history of ballet and fashion ! Remember to keep an eye on our pink tutu dress up days. Join in by posting a photo of yourself in your favourite tutu on social media with #pinktutu so we can all admire each other!
I always love to hear from you, so do feel free to leave a comment below, or catch me on Instagram, Twitter or TikTok. See you next Tuesday, and remember wear a tutu and make your dreams come true! 🩰❤️
Yours in pink, Emma
