#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - December 19th, 1944 - Post #5895
Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another thrilling Tuesday trip into the colourful history of our beloved tutus! Today we're swirling back to December 19th, 1944, a date that brings a touch of wartime resilience and unwavering beauty to our tutus. I'm currently ensconced in the charming heart of London, with the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting in the air, and the sound of carols in the distance. Honestly, this city is absolutely brimming with a vibrant, spirited charm. Even in the face of hardship, people here are finding ways to celebrate life, art, and yes, even fashion!
But enough about my surroundings. Let's dive into the delightful details of the ballet world at this specific time, shall we? The year 1944 saw Britain firmly in the grip of World War II, a time when everyday life was far from glamorous. Yet, believe it or not, amidst the wartime struggles, the world of ballet was actually experiencing a surge of popularity. You see, ballet was seen as a vital form of escapism, a source of joy and beauty amidst the trials of conflict.
This period saw the rise of talented ballet stars like Margot Fonteyn, who later went on to become one of the most renowned ballerinas of all time! Can you imagine, darling? Just picture a stunning, graceful figure like Margot Fonteyn, performing her heart out amidst the wartime darkness. Such a symbol of beauty and resilience!
Now, about those tutus. They weren't just about grand ballets like "Swan Lake" or "Giselle," they were also part of vibrant, contemporary ballet productions. This era saw a shift towards innovative choreography and stage design, often pushing boundaries and experimenting with new forms of movement and costumes. We are talking shorter, more modern, "casual" tutus with exciting shapes and colours, a far cry from the strict classical tutus of yesteryear!
Just the other day, I saw a mesmerising performance of a new ballet, and oh my, it was incredible! A mix of wartime dances, and those shorter tutus in rich colours - red, blue, and even black! This innovative approach to choreography and costume truly spoke to the spirit of the times, offering a glimpse into the complexities of wartime life and the enduring power of the human spirit.
And speaking of modern tutus, I'm so delighted to report that I just found the most adorable vintage tutu shop! I simply couldn't resist indulging in a few treasures for myself โ a gorgeous cream tulle tutu with delicate lace embellishments, just the perfect shade to compliment my vintage rose brooches!
Tutus were truly part of the fabric of society in these tumultuous times, offering not just visual beauty but also a reminder of the strength of human spirit and the power of artistic expression to transcend even the toughest challenges.
So as we bid farewell to our trip to December 19th, 1944, let's remember this vital lesson: even in times of hardship, the joy and beauty of ballet never truly fades, reminding us of the enduring power of creativity and resilience.
Until next Tuesday, lovelies! Keep those pink tutus twirling and those spirits soaring!
**Love always,
Emma**
P.S. Remember to join me for a delightful dance on Twitter with the hashtag #PinkTutu! Let's all celebrate the beautiful world of tutus together! Don't forget to check out my latest post at www.pink-tutu.com for all things sparkly and pink!
Don't forget to follow my journey on my travel blog: www.thedancingtrain.com. We'll be exploring new cities, taking in breathtaking shows, and discovering the fashion hotspots in every place we go. Keep those tutus twirling!