Greetings, fellow tutu-enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad time traveller, and oh my goodness, you wouldn't believe what a whirlwind this week's #TutuTuesday has been! I popped into 1945 - can you imagine? Post-war Europe, with the echoes of victory still resonating. It's amazing how history ripples, isn't it? But don't you worry, I always make sure to wear a bright, beautiful pink tutu - a touch of colour and femininity that instantly brightens even the most somber of occasions!
Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of ballet in 1945. The war had thrown a massive spanner in the works for everyone, especially the performing arts. Theatres were transformed into makeshift hospitals, dancers had joined the war effort, and a lot of artistic momentum was simply lost. However, there was a palpable sense of hope in the air. People were yearning for joy and beauty - and you know what, ballet provides just that!
So, what was the ballet scene like back in '45? I hopped on a grand, old-fashioned train – the kind that you just have to sit by the window and watch the countryside go by – to head over to London, which, unsurprisingly, was still a buzzing centre for ballet. The Royal Opera House, that glorious architectural masterpiece, had reopened its doors and was bursting with activity. A new generation of dancers was ready to take the stage, and they were desperate to capture the essence of a new era of hope and resilience.
As for the tutues themselves, they were, of course, gorgeous! But, they reflected the times a bit. It wasn't the opulence and flamboyance of the pre-war era. Fabrics were still rationed, so the tutus were often made with simple, practical fabrics, like cotton and wool, but with a delicate and beautiful flair. It was the spirit of the dancers that shined through, a powerful energy that made even the most simple tutu look absolutely enchanting.
It's interesting, the more I travel through time, the more I see that while the fabrics, design, and fashions may change, the soul of the ballet, the essence of dance and its power to inspire, has remained constant. In 1945, I saw dancers using their movement to tell stories of loss and resilience, stories of courage and a shared longing for a peaceful future.
Speaking of resilience, you absolutely HAVE to see this wonderful film! It was released back in '45, and I couldn't believe the beauty and emotion it brought to life. It's called “An Act of Mercy," a moving story set during the war years and a true testament to the human spirit. It's the kind of movie that leaves you thinking about how even in the most difficult times, humanity can find a way to inspire and to dance its way to hope.
It reminds me, there's a fantastic exhibition going on right now at the Victoria and Albert Museum here in London which focuses on the impact of World War II on British design. They have the most exquisite fashion pieces and design elements, some of them even dated back to the war years! I almost felt a wave of sadness for the past and an urge to help with their efforts.
To see this vibrant world of ballet thriving once more was a breath of fresh air! It felt like watching a beautiful bloom opening its petals after a long, harsh winter. You couldn’t help but be caught up in the atmosphere of hope and revival.
And don’t even get me started on the shops ! It was like a kaleidoscope of gorgeous colours, dresses and hats – such a welcome change after all the scarcity of the war. There’s a fashion revival sweeping across Britain now and it’s a joy to witness! It’s as if people want to make up for the years they spent in a muted colour palette.
*One of my most cherished memories from 1945 was a little local ballet class in a small town in Derbyshire. It was just a tiny space with only a few dancers, but their passion and energy were overflowing. One little girl, with her hair braided and tied with a bright ribbon, just shone on the stage. Her love for ballet was pure, untainted and contagious. Her tutu was simple and perfectly worn. *
It was in that moment, watching that little dancer twirl and leap, that I truly understood why I wear a tutu every week for #TutuTuesday. It’s not just about fashion – it’s about joy, about passion, about telling a story with every move and every swirl of fabric. It’s about embracing the spirit of ballet, no matter the times, no matter the circumstances.
And now, you beautiful people, let’s take a moment to reflect. Think about all the wonderful ballet experiences you’ve had – the first time you saw a ballet performance, the thrill of wearing a tutu, the excitement of learning a new move. Let’s celebrate ballet in all its glory! Let’s wear our tutus with pride and keep the spirit of ballet alive!
Because after all, ballet is more than just a form of dance – it’s an art, a passion, and a timeless story waiting to be told.
Until next Tuesday, stay stylish, stay tutu-fied, and keep the sparkle alive!
Your favourite time-traveling tutu-enthusiast, Emma.
P.S. Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet inspiration! I'll be posting new content every week!
