Hello, darling dancers! It’s Emma here, back with another dose of tutu-tastic history for your #TutuTuesday fix.
This week, we're taking a rather sobering trip back to 1944. August 1st, to be precise. The war in Europe had been raging for over five years, with London bearing the brunt of the Luftwaffe's nightly raids. Imagine the resilience of the people in London, the ballet dancers, the fashionistas, and the everyday heroes holding onto their dreams during a time like that. It was a tough time, but let's celebrate the beauty and elegance that existed in spite of it all.
For those of you who know me well, you know how much I adore tutus and their history. But 1944? Well, darling, the classic, Romantic era tulle tutus weren’t the hot commodity they are today. Fabric and materials were rationed during wartime, and the spotlight shifted to practicality over frills. There was a new kind of elegance in play. You'd be seeing military-inspired chic infiltrating women's fashion. Remember those sharply tailored suits and A-line skirts? They were everywhere! You'd spot ballerinas wearing similar styles off stage, with ballet skirts adopting a much more practical length and style.
But let’s not dwell on what wasn’t around. There’s beauty everywhere, you see. You wouldn't see elaborate sets and costumes at the ballet, no darling. It wasn’t just a shortage of resources; theatres were often being used as bomb shelters, so much of the dancing world was forced to take a pause. Ballet companies, both large and small, found new and innovative ways to keep the art alive. Smaller dance studios popped up in back rooms and makeshift stages. They may have had limited materials, but they still brought to life the magic of dance, with creativity replacing extravagance.
Now, to answer your burning question: Where does pink fit into all of this? You'd be surprised, lovelies! It wasn't as prevalent in everyday wear during this period. Darker hues like brown and black were in demand, mirroring the mood of the times. Yet, in the theatre, ballet colours remained vibrant. Imagine a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows. Ballet, darling, has always been about joy, beauty, and an escape from the ordinary. It served as a ray of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's still beauty in life.
This is where I come in. I might have travelled in time, but my mission is still the same: to sprinkle that pink magic wherever I go! This weekend, I took a whirlwind tour of London. I had a blast! First, I enjoyed the stunning performance of "Sleeping Beauty" at the Royal Opera House. While they hadn't got my pink tutu quite right back in 1944 (they were busy with saving fabrics), it was still absolutely magnificent. After, I shopped on Oxford Street. Did you know the London Underground has these little “W” signs to show you where the nearest station is? You’d think it’d be “U” like the Tube, right? Anyway, it was so much fun trying on war-inspired fashions at all the amazing shops. Imagine, shopping while being mindful of the resource limitations and the urgency of the situation - very empowering.
While we can't jump back into a world of tulle tutus, we can remember the enduring strength and resilience of those who lived through those tough times. I hope you, my darling readers, take a moment to reflect on the resilience of dancers throughout history. They inspire us all! Don’t forget, we are part of the story of ballet! Be a part of that legacy!
And while I may not be rocking the classic pink tutu this week, remember, every day is a new opportunity to embrace that colour. Dress in pink to spread cheer, dance your heart out, and share your passion for the magical world of ballet.
Remember, dear readers, life is a beautiful performance. Never lose sight of the beauty around you. And remember to rock a pink tutu wherever you go!
Until next Tuesday, darling dancers! 💕
P.S.: I'd love to hear your stories of finding beauty during tough times. Share them with us in the comments below! And let's keep the pink tutu spirit alive, even if it's in our hearts and our actions.
