Hello darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you back to November 21st, 1944! Buckle your (pink) ballet shoes, because we're travelling back to wartime London and exploring tutus from a bygone era!
As a lifelong ballet devotee and a girl who can never resist a swish of silk and a flutter of tulle, my Tutu Tuesdays take me all around the world. This week, I'm venturing into a world of rationing and resilience. I've always loved how the magic of ballet persists even through tough times, a reminder that even amidst the trials of war, beauty and grace can still be found.
So, picture this: it's chilly November and the streets of London are buzzing with activity. Wartime London might seem worlds apart from the glamour of a modern-day ballet, but as I stroll down the cobbled streets past the wartime ration shops, I can’t help but imagine the elegant tutus and graceful moves taking place in hidden studios across the city.
But first, a quick pit stop at the Victoria & Albert Museum for a spot of ballet-inspired window-shopping! It’s one of my favourite haunts in London, especially for their breathtaking collection of historical ballet costumes. Although I’m not allowed to go backstage today, I'm lucky to catch a glimpse of a wartime tutu exhibit! I can't resist whipping out my camera for a few photos for you lovelies back at www.pink-tutu.com!
You see, despite the war, London’s ballet world never truly stood still! Ballet was a refuge, a beacon of hope and creativity amidst the gloom. It reminded everyone of beauty, passion, and resilience. So, while I’m a little sad that we can’t find fancy ballet stores or glittering dance wear boutiques, it is incredible to see how ballet performances still thrived during the war. In fact, they provided a much-needed escape for everyone who needed to be lifted!
I have a feeling I can still hear the beautiful music from The Royal Opera House echoing from afar. But to make this trip truly authentic, we're gonna step out and imagine how our wartime dancers were twirling!
To create a tutu from scratch in 1944, you would need to rely on simple fabrics, possibly leftover scraps of satin and tulle, because, let's be honest, the finer silks and fabrics would likely be reserved for those wartime parachutes! And yes, rationing affected tutus too. If dancers weren’t able to source luxurious tulle, they might improvise with layered, simpler fabrics to create that all-important "tutu" feel. It’s a testament to the creative spirit of the time!
Can you imagine those stunningly simple yet effective tutus gracefully swirling in a dimly lit studio under a dim bomb shelter bulb, offering hope for better days? Now, imagine me on the stage! As the lights go down and I glide across the dance floor, my pink tutu twirling with a youthful energy that’s ready to fight against the greyness. A beacon of hope! The stage lights, though a bit dimmer than they usually are, illuminate my tulle. That, my darlings, is the power of dance in wartime - bringing the beauty to a world in dire need of it!
To keep up with this weekly #TutuTuesday series, I head to a lovely, if slightly faded cafe for some lunch and inspiration! You have to admit, a cuppa with a scone always sparks new blog ideas. And I can't leave a café without grabbing some war-era fashion inspiration! They don't have that "chic Parisian vibe" that my usual cafes have, but they still have that unique, enduring beauty of the wartime look. That kind of practicality and simplicity that could only be found in the times when the world was tested.
But hey, this isn’t just about history! Even with a historical focus, I wouldn't dream of ending without a touch of fashion inspiration. To celebrate our trip back to 1944, here are my tips to give a vintage twist to your tutus and a sprinkle of that resilient spirit:
The Tutu of the Day: My lovely ladies, here's the scoop! We'll be giving those tutus a touch of the 1940s charm with simple yet sophisticated touches. First, find those layers and textures that evoke the spirit of resilience and femininity. We are going for classic elegance. Remember, wartime fashion was practical yet stylish, so experiment with softer fabrics that have movement, subtle details and a nod to wartime inspiration, without straying too far from our Tutu Tuesday style!
Tulle is your new best friend: Softly layered tulle that falls effortlessly, reflecting the delicate yet strong nature of those in wartime. Think vintage fabrics, but with a modern flair.
**A Dash of Military: A dash of those chic military colours. You might want to try an emerald green or deep navy for a splash of vintage glam. Think an elegant military coat layered over a delicate tulle dress!
*Embrace the simplicity: * A focus on simplicity doesn't have to mean boring. Look at vintage wartime fashion and you'll see elegant but practical silhouettes, and that is definitely where we’re drawing our inspiration for tutu-fied vintage style!
I can’t leave this post without mentioning some inspiring ballerinas from this period. Alicia Markova is a real name to drop when talking about British ballerinas! She is one of the leading ballerinas during wartime, gracefully showcasing the strength and beauty of ballet on London's stages. Imagine that poise, my darlings!
As the day ends, and the clock strikes 6:00 PM, I head back to my time machine, or in this case, the nearest railway station. With every puff of smoke from the steam engine and the rumble of the tracks, I'm pulled back to the present, a swirling vision of pink tulle in my mind. My lovely readers, never underestimate the power of a simple, elegant tutu. It can bring a splash of elegance to a world of uncertainty, and even inspire a fashion blogger in a bygone era.
And to my loyal pink-tutu-loving readers: Until next week! Let your inner wartime ballet dancer shine! Stay fabulous, my lovelies, and never stop twirling!
P.S. Don't forget to join the www.pink-tutu.com community! Tell me, darlings, what is your favourite vintage-inspired dance outfit? And remember to use that hashtag: #TutuTuesday! See you all next Tuesday!
