Bonjour, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic! This Tuesday, we're taking a time-hopping trip back to March 14th, 1944. Can you imagine, darling? It was right in the midst of the Second World War!
Oh, how I wish I could hop in my magical tutu-time machine and sashay myself over to London for a little vintage style shopping spree, but the cost of that particular brand of petrol is quite steep, you know what I mean? I’m saving up my shillings for a little trip to Covent Garden for their ballet season this year – did you see their production of Swan Lake last month? I've been dying to go!
Speaking of saving my shillings, did you know that the price of a new ballet tutu was astronomical in 1944? It was practically a war effort just to get enough fabric! Rationing had made all types of clothing and materials extremely difficult to obtain, including the exquisite tulle and chiffon we ballerinas rely on. I bet the ballet costumes were just a tad… well, less extravagant than our fluffy, extravagant, wonderful pink tutus these days, don’t you think?
Still, despite the rationing, the ballet was flourishing. You’ve got to remember that these times were so different from ours. With the world engulfed in such sadness, many turned to the arts for a little escape from reality, a brief flutter of fantasy and escapism. It wasn't all black and white, darlings. There was an element of glamour in everything. It’s a lesson we should learn.
Stepping Back in Time: What Was the Ballet World Like?
Firstly, you'll be delighted to know that the Royal Ballet had its very first production at Covent Garden this week in 1944 – oh my! Imagine being there! You've got your glorious, fluffy tutus swirling, all the glitz and glamour of wartime theatre, and it was right on that glorious stage where countless legends have graced the boards. I just get so excited, I could pirouette through the ceiling!
The Royal Ballet has always been the pinnacle of dance in Britain, and despite wartime difficulties, they pushed forward with their passion for the art. But let me tell you, dancing in wartime was not a walk in the park! They needed to make do, and many dancers took to performing barefoot to save the valuable materials for shoes! Oh, how hard they must have worked to carry on, I simply can't imagine myself without my comfy slippers, can you?
But here's a funny bit. It was around this time, in 1944, that "dancing competitions" began gaining momentum. Oh, you’ve got to try to picture it: the waltz, the foxtrot, the cha cha... all amidst wartime hardship. How exciting! Do you know what I fancy doing this Saturday? Taking a little spin in the dance hall, doing the foxtrot – just for a little taste of those 1940s glamour days, don't you think?
Speaking of glamour, I'm finding some amazing inspiration in vintage 1940s dance fashion – it's such a look! So very ladylike with delicate gowns and the full skirts...and a few carefully chosen pin-curls, darling! Now there’s an idea. You know what, let’s bring back the fashion of 1944. Imagine going to a grand dance with all your dearest friends and you've all got fabulous dance moves, fabulous fashion – and a touch of pink tutu magic, naturally! Isn't that a picture to paint? I shall set myself to work, see what vintage tutus I can whip up...
Looking Towards the Future
We’re very lucky today because, while tutus were expensive and materials were hard to come by back then, we can get them just about anywhere today – which means it's a perfect time to celebrate tutus of all colours! They've gone from war-time rationing to being everywhere in every colour, shape, and style. Who needs fancy footwear when you can rock the tutu-tastic footwear trend, darling?
Next week, darling, we'll be dancing back through time, but not before we make it to the theatre – don't forget to join me for some vintage shopping. I can't wait to hear your tutu tales too, so make sure you write in and tell me your pink tutu stories! I want to hear about your pink tutu adventures, so don't be shy and drop a line!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and dance on, darlings!
P.S. For those of you who like the 1940s vintage look, I'm hosting a pink tutu party in the spirit of those wonderful times. Think a lovely, vintage dance-themed soiree with the sweetest vintage dresses, glamorous make-up, and naturally, the perfect pink tutu! Let me know if you’d like to come!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
