Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving, time-traveling, ballet enthusiast, back for another whirlwind journey through the enchanting history of tutus! Today, we're stepping back to September 28th, 1943.
Imagine London. Bombs are falling, rationing is the norm, and everyone is living through the trials of the Second World War. But amidst the darkness, a spark of artistic beauty was still flickering. And wouldn't you know it, the spark was pink - because ballet was still in full bloom!
Now, as a true believer in the transformative power of a pink tutu, I find it simply adorable that, even in a time of such hardship, ballet was still making hearts flutter. So, let's go for a little historical trip, shall we?
Fashion in a Time of War
It's safe to say the world looked quite different then. Fashion had adapted to wartime needs. Gone were the luxurious silks and elaborate embellishments of earlier times. The emphasis was on practicality and utility. Think simple dresses, utility pants, and of course, the iconic 'Victory Roll' hairstyle, practical yet undeniably glamorous!
Despite these wartime constraints, a flicker of romance and beauty remained in fashion. In 1943, The Dior "New Look" was unveiled, offering a vision of elegance with full skirts and tailored jackets, a beautiful counterpoint to the restrictive attire of the previous years. This shift toward elegance provided a breath of fresh air for women seeking a moment of sartorial delight.
The Ballet - An Escape From Reality
Now, what does all of this have to do with ballet, you ask? Well, darling, let me tell you: the world of ballet remained a refuge, a sanctuary for artistic expression amidst the gloom. And what better way to escape than with the grace and beauty of classical ballet?
1943 saw performances happening throughout the UK, even amidst the war effort. The Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) was performing in various London venues, sharing their magic with a war-weary nation. Think about it, a full-length production of “Swan Lake” or "Giselle" was just the sort of escapism Londoners needed during such difficult times.
Can you imagine being whisked away into a world of mythical creatures, romantic stories, and of course, those oh-so-enchanting, whimsical tutus? It must have been absolutely captivating! It's no surprise that, during this time, ballet saw a rise in popularity, becoming a symbol of resilience and beauty in a world shadowed by darkness.
Tutus: Still Dancing Through History
And, my dearest readers, what does our tutu history look like in 1943?
Firstly, the Romantic tutu was still making its grand entrance onto the world stage. It's the iconic, knee-length tulle confection we all think of when we say the word “tutu,” light as air and flowing freely with each graceful movement. The beauty of it all! And in those days, it became a visual reminder of hope, freedom, and the lasting power of artistry, no matter the circumstances.
The iconic tutus of ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn and Moira Shearer continued to grace stages around the world, becoming the symbols of elegance and hope, a vision of beauty that couldn't be overshadowed by any hardship.
My Pink Tutu Time-Traveling Travels
And now, if you'll excuse my whimsical journey down memory lane, let me tell you a little bit about how I experienced the 1940s, or shall I say, how I transported myself into the heart of the ballet world at this time.
Remember, I mentioned that I fund my time travels through the magical world of ballet? Well, on my last visit to the 1940s, I was lucky enough to attend a performance by Sadler's Wells Ballet, nestled in a wartime London. I was transported by train, a little like going on an elegant adventure! And it wasn't just the ballet that left me enchanted. Oh, the shopping!
Despite the wartime rations, the clothes of this era were just utterly charming. Think simple, practical, and oh so effortlessly elegant. And imagine my joy when I found a little vintage shop, packed with repurposed vintage fabrics, making do and doing it with style. It felt like stepping into a timeless fairytale. I found the most stunning, powder blue fabric to make my newest tutu!
But I do love to make a little sartorial statement when I’m time-traveling! Imagine, me, your ever-so-fashionable blogger, stepping into a post-war era of rationing, looking absolutely fabulous in my custom-made, cherry blossom pink tutu. The heads turned, and oh darling, that's the most perfect thing to see. You know, spreading the message that every day is tutu day, especially during those times!
But don't think that this pink tutu enthusiast was just about fancy dresses and beautiful performances! The real magic, of course, was being transported to a different era, learning a bit about history, and sharing it with you, my precious, tutulous audience!
My Tutu-Full Journey
You see, that’s what I adore most about this blog – sharing the history of tutus and making a little splash of pink across the globe.
So, I leave you today with this thought: even in the midst of challenging times, a spark of beauty and creativity remains. And as for our little tulle companions, tutus are timeless, constantly evolving and offering a captivating vision of grace, freedom, and beauty - a vision of elegance that dances its way through time and across cultures.
Don't forget to put on your favorite pink tutu this week! And as always, keep the world spinning with a little pink joy!
Au revoir, mon chérie! Until next Tutu Tuesday!
XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
