Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another delightful dive into the history of ballet tutus! Today, we're jetting back to 1943, a year steeped in wartime but also buzzing with captivating ballet. Grab your teacups, darling, and settle in for a lovely little journey!
Remember, you can find all my past Tutu Tuesday posts on www.pink-tutu.com, a haven for all things tutus and ballet. I post every Tuesday, so you can follow along on this fabulous adventure!
Now, imagine, if you will, bustling through London on a chilly December 21st in 1943. The war has cast a long shadow, but life goes on. People are resilient, resourceful, and always ready to celebrate a good show!
And that, my darlings, is where the magic of ballet shines brightest. Even during wartime, the enchantment of dance held its grip. While rationing might have been the norm for everyday life, tutus, especially in ballets like 'Giselle' or 'Swan Lake,' remained a symbol of escapism, elegance, and sheer beauty.
What were they watching in 1943, you ask? Oh, some real gems! Covent Garden, the epicentre of London's ballet scene, was abuzz. I'm so thrilled to say the Royal Opera House had its very own ballet company! Can you believe it, darling? These extraordinary artists were not only sharing the stage with renowned opera singers, but they were also making ballet more accessible than ever. I'd absolutely have jumped on a train to London from Derbyshire just to see them!
Speaking of shows, what better way to celebrate December 21st than with the opening night of a dazzling ballet performance? The Sadler's Wells Ballet was making waves in 1943. Imagine seeing those incredible dancers gracefully leap and twirl. The sheer elegance of a perfectly executed arabesque, the power of a grand jeté, it's truly a breathtaking sight!
Of course, every discerning tutu connoisseur knows it's all about the outfits! While fashion might have been affected by war-time rationing, ballet costume designers continued to push the boundaries. Imagine a fluffy tulle skirt catching the stage lights, every delicate layer dancing with the dancer. It’s sheer magic, darlings!
Perhaps one of my favourite pieces of tutu history is from this era, you see: the 'Russian’ or ‘Demi-Pointe’ Tutu. This graceful design became incredibly popular in 1943 and still captures our imaginations today. You’ll see those stunningly simple skirts with their delicate ruffles in performances all over the world!
But 1943 was more than just tutus and dancing. It was also about a spirit of defiance, of hope and of simply, joyously expressing oneself. It was, of course, the time for wearing colour. My personal favourite, you know.
Oh, did I mention I simply adored 1943? So chic! I found the most exquisite teacups at a charming antique shop in London that week. They had a darling pink floral pattern, perfectly complimenting my favourite pink tutu. We did afternoon tea with a couple of the ballerinas at the Royal Opera House, too, talking about everything under the sun. What wonderful memories!
Let me remind you all again, that the only rule of tutus is there are no rules! A pink tutu goes with absolutely everything, and even with wartime rationing, these beautiful pieces were truly a beacon of hope, joy and beauty.
See you next week, darlings! Keep those tutus twirling, and remember, everyone can wear a pink tutu! 💖🩰
Yours in tutu, Emma
P.S: Did you know this very week, on 21st December, 1943, Swan Lake had its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells? A performance that is legendary! And remember, I'm just a little time traveller. You, too, can discover your own little piece of tutu history. Go to a show, maybe visit an archive, and find something special that sparks your joy. Happy tutu-hunting! 💖
