Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the past! This week, we're waltzing our way back to 1944, a time of global upheaval, but also a time where the spirit of ballet, oh, how it still shimmered.
Fashion Through the Mist
Picture this, darling, the war is raging on. Life is tough, the world feels a bit gloomy, but in the grand theatres of London and Paris, the dance world is holding strong. This is where tutus, oh my dears, took on a completely different kind of charm.
You see, wartime rationing had swept across the world. Fabrics were scarce. Silks were used for parachutes and cotton for bandages. But oh, what did it mean for ballet costumes? Well, ingenious seamstresses came up with ways to make the most of what little they had!
Gone were the lavish layers of tulle we are so familiar with now. Gone were the frills, gone were the decadent embroidery. The silhouette of the tutu had to be modified. It had to be practical, simple. You might see a single layer of gauze or tulle, perhaps just a simple skirt layered over a more practical pair of trousers. Imagine the beauty, the elegance, even within restrictions!
I confess, darlings, I almost choked on my afternoon tea when I saw a photo of the ballerina Margot Fonteyn. Now, imagine her in a delicate single-layer tutu, almost translucent. What beauty and grace!
A Night Out With The Stars
On this particular day in 1944, the 7th of March, imagine a crisp spring night in Paris. Imagine yourself walking down the Champs-Élysées, its lights dimmed due to blackout restrictions. But what magic, the Opéra Garnier beckoning you. Inside, a ballet by Serge Lifar - a ballet full of wartime-inspired spirit.
Even wartime could not stifle the human yearning for beauty and escapism. And those wartime costumes, they gave an extra touch of drama to the entire experience. Think of the soft, shimmering fabric. Picture it under the stage lights, whispering secrets of a world beyond the bombs.
But...the Colour!
Yes, darling, while wartime practicality had forced ballet to take a different path in terms of style, you know me, darling, and my penchant for the pink. I have to admit that this wasn’t quite the pink-fest of tutu history we've seen later on.
Of course, there are no real rules, not really. But let’s be realistic here. You have a country at war, resources are strained, pink silk wouldn’t be a priority, and a colour this bright? You would almost want to save it for something extra special, and possibly that something special wouldn't be for wartime.
A World Of Inspiration
The 1940s weren't all war, darlings. It was also a time of significant change. Women were stepping into new roles, breaking down barriers, showing their strength in a way never before seen. They took on the responsibilities of a world in turmoil. In the same way, the ballet dancers of that era adapted to hardship, yet kept the art alive. It’s inspiring, truly. It’s a beautiful example of human spirit and determination.
Your Inspiration, My Dears
As I hop onto the Orient Express, to head back to Derbyshire, I ponder on the story of ballet through wartime. Think of those resilient seamstresses, creating art out of scarcity, of dancers moving with such grace in challenging times, of a world coming together around a shared love for beauty. It is an incredible example of how even amidst hardships, we can find a glimmer of joy, of art, of fashion!
So darling, even if the colour pink was a bit more subtle in that period, consider this your little reminder to embrace creativity, adapt, and stay inspired.
And, of course, wear pink. Whenever and however you can, darlings!
Until next week, darling, let your love for tutus dance in your heart!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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