Greetings from your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma!
Itās #TutuTuesday and I'm buzzing to take you on a trip back to the 1940s! The war is still rumbling on, but even with rationing and bombs dropping, the world of ballet was alive and kicking. Imagine ā a world without stretchy lycra and with only the whisper of a whisper of colour!
Iām perched on a comfy armchair, the smell of freshly brewed tea swirling around me. Outside the window, the iconic yellow London buses putter past, full of bustling wartime Londoners. This year, 1944, is all about resilience and grit. Youāll see that the wartime spirit even influenced dance styles. Let's rewind the clock and have a little peek...
February 8th, 1944: A Day of Graceful Strength
Today, weāre going to be in London (where else, really, when it comes to ballet!) Today is a Tuesday, and as such, I'm betting Londonās Covent Garden was abuzz with preparations for the week ahead, though no performance tonight! But I am sure the Royal Opera House was abuzz with rehearsals, for it was in this very year, 1944, that they first staged the British ballet, The Rake's Progress by Vaughan Williams! Talk about a dramatic start to your Tuesday! This ballet, full of humour and emotion, wouldāve certainly offered a welcome break from the anxieties of wartime.
The wartime spirit had a significant effect on ballet in this era. I imagine, despite the dark nights and scarcity, there would still have been the twinkle of lights illuminating the practice rooms of the Sadler's Wells Ballet. Imagine these young dancers ā they'd have been practising relentlessly to give those vital performances, offering solace and a dose of beautiful artistry. And believe me, even with the war impacting supply chains and availability, these women wouldn't have given up their ballet shoes for anything. They were resilient, tough, and utterly dedicated, much like the British public themselves.
Iāve just got back from my tea time with Lady Anya in a little tearoom near Harrods in Knightsbridge. Imagine! With a cup of steaming tea and a little scone (I donāt know if rationing even touches on bread but letās pretend I could get away with a cream tea and a small slice of victoria sponge!) We are sat in a quaint little tea room tucked away from the busy shopping crowds. You'd hardly believe there's a war going on. The girls and ladies here are beautifully dressed in their Victory suits, very utilitarian but beautifully chic and oh-so feminine.
You canāt think of London and not think about fashion! Even in times of war, a London lady doesnāt give up on a bit of style. We donāt get lots of choices with materials being scarce and clothes being rationed. The lovely ladies are fashioning beautiful new styles and making the most of what they have. There are hints of that '40s glamour that people still admire today: sleek and sophisticated silhouettes, pencil skirts with a dash of personality and colourful scarves to accentuate the look. And of course, *no look would be complete without a dash of femininity - the '40s woman embraces the feminine look with cinched waists and flowing hair - it is all so beautifully elegant, even in this time of austerity. *
It's a stylish period, my dears. But donāt let anybody tell you itās just a plain war-time period: this wartime London style is all about creating beauty from necessity! Don't even get me started on the hats! The wartime headwear trend is one to really see: with stylish scarves, hats with flower detailing, veilsā¦ everything so beautifully stylish in this austere world, It truly is testament to the tenacity of the women in those days, donāt you think? They had a true āMake Do and Mendā mentality, and we've much to learn from them, don't you think?
I wish I could find some vintage Victory suits! Maybe they're more affordable when they are back in their own timeline? But of course, you never know! * It would be absolutely thrilling to travel to the past and find a piece or two, don't you think? But the current time is no slouch on the *Tutu front! There is SO much incredible tulle around now! Imagine my delight.
Right, back to that Pink Tutu Blog: Now letās return to ballet for a little bit! If you've got a tutu of your own at home - or even one youāre hankering to wear! - make sure you post a pic of you on Instagram with the hashtag #PinkTutu!
The ballet world would never stand still for anything, even wartime! The ballet shoes they were wearing in these times? They'd be very different to what we wear today - lots of leather and a distinct lack of stretch. And if you've been wondering, ballet tutus in this era wouldnāt have been much different than the Romantic Tutus Iāve been talking about in earlier posts. Think whimsical, flowing lines and romanticism in a soft but beautifully flowing tulle - but oh dear, even with the beautiful tulle - we still have the hard work of tying a lot of those ribbons and laces.
*Talking of ribbons, * the ballet shows are a big highlight for my weekly blog and they give me such inspiration, so today I thought we could have a look at a few vintage outfits from these war years...
Now Iām heading off to a little shopping expedition. A brand new Pink Tutu is waiting for me, in the very lovely shade I was talking about last week in my online blog. You have to wait a while to get the exclusive blog details! As the new year, 1944, starts to bloom, we can't forget to celebrate style and femininity - even in a world at war. Let's all wear a tutu today for those courageous and creative ladies!
Oh, just one more thing! For the lucky lady who can travel in time like me - can you imagine buying a genuine vintage tutu from 1944!?!? The thrill of wearing something so historic....
Right - now for my new tutu and tea - ta ta for now!
Emma x
