Bonjour from your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, Emma, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of the wonderful world of tutus. This Tuesday, my little dears, we're time-hopping back to 1945 – think bombastic ballerinas, post-war fashion and the return of the grand theatre experience!
Right, buckle up your Mary Janes, grab your top hats, and hold onto your petticoats as we step back in time...
My little train journey brought me to the very heart of the ballet scene. What was it? London!
Oh my goodness, this date was full of exciting events – London's Covent Garden was abuzz with dancers returning to the stage after the war! This meant one thing – an explosion of theatrical creativity – which in my world equates to fabulous tutu-filled extravaganzas. Just imagine the excitement after so many years away from the grandeur of live performances, and the sense of joy and anticipation buzzing in the air!
And, as you can imagine, those post-war tutus? Well, they were definitely a story in themselves. I saw exquisite gowns crafted from repurposed wartime materials - lace, silk and velvets, given new life for the grand re-opening of the opera. Imagine The Sleeping Beauty but with tutus in the most enchanting shade of war-grey silk! Talk about making a statement!
I spent my time flitting around backstage at The Royal Opera House (still called Covent Garden Opera House back then), peeking into the costume rooms, inhaling that divine scent of backstage magic. Can you imagine it – the tinkling of sequins, the whispered secrets, the bustle of dancers – pure ballet enchantment!
Ballet to be Breathless For:
Speaking of the enchantment – I managed to see the premiere of “The Tales of Hoffman,” a production by the London Ballet, and "The Magic Flute" performed by the Sadler’s Wells Ballet. Oh, the intricate steps! The incredible choreography! I even spotted a beautiful pink tutu in the latter show, which of course I instantly loved, you'll be thrilled to hear.
And let’s not forget the star power! Margot Fonteyn - the absolute darling of ballet back then. She stole the stage in every show. It was a thrill to witness this iconic dancer – she truly is the inspiration of my tutudom! And let's give a shout out to Alicia Markova, one of the very first ballet ballerinas to wow the crowds in Britain - she truly helped create the wonderful dance landscape I now enjoy.
Fashion Fun, Vintage Vibe!
Fashionwise, post-war London was a blast! You know me – I am a serious fashionista, and even though the rationed days of the war were fresh in people's memories, fashionistas were returning to the idea of a dress as a masterpiece. I was smitten with the use of vivid hues – vibrant blue silks and bold floral prints – all tied up with a little extra sparkle – think a cute ribbon tied at the waist for added oomph. Even the fabric that they were using for the tutus was amazing.
But the true gem was, of course, the tutu! While my modern self favours a pink tulle, in 1945 it was all about the longer styles. The flowing, dreamy chiffon skirts - perfect for dramatic whirling on stage, don’t you think? And, what really took me by surprise was how versatile the designs were. You'd see a ballerina strutting through Covent Garden in her performance tutu, then hop on a bus wearing a modified version as a whimsical day-dress. That, my friends, is real Tutu Power!
On this date, in history, (30th October 1945) a significant historical moment took place. The Allied Powers declared victory over Japan, formally ending World War Two! Can you imagine the relief, the joy, the sheer relief after years of turmoil. And the very same day? A magical premiere at The Royal Opera House. A perfect symphony of celebratory artistry - how utterly delightful!
So, until next Tuesday my beautiful darlings, remember this – just like a graceful tutu, even in the most trying times, there is always a touch of joy to be found in the beauty of ballet.
And for every dance lover out there, if you're ever lucky enough to be in London - book yourself tickets for Covent Garden! A visit to The Royal Opera House is guaranteed to whisk you back to a timeless world of magic and beauty.
Keep twirling!
Lots of love, Emma
pinktutu #balletlove #tututuesdaywww.pink-tutu.com
