Hey, ballet darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another festive installment in my Christmas Ballet History series! Today, we're venturing back to the heart of the First World War, to 1914, a year of unprecedented turmoil that wouldn't be without its Christmas spirit, even if it was a little subdued!
My dear Derbyshire readers, you know how I love my vintage finds, and even though my little time-travelling ventures are getting a tad more pricey (those petticoats aren't getting any cheaper, I tell you!), I couldn't resist the call of history for this festive journey!
1914: A Festive Wartime Spirit
Christmas in 1914, well, let's just say things were pretty different! The Great War had just begun, and while the world felt heavy with grief and uncertainty, Christmas was still a time for reflection, hope, and ā let's face it ā a dash of much-needed joy! You might be surprised to hear that a fragile peace broke out in the trenches just before Christmas. Soldiers exchanged carols, played football, and even swapped gifts. While their hearts ached for home, a little festive spirit shone through, reminding us that the Christmas message of peace and good will, can transcend even the harshest of realities.
Now, for those of you who haven't heard, I do this blog by day, and when the sun goes down, I hit the streets, a pink ballerina twirling amongst the London crowds, raising enough to fund my little historical excursions! Youāll have to excuse me if I havenāt had time to update the blog for a while, what with my āPink Tutu Street Circusā and all, but we're back, and we're back in time!
A Touch of Ballerina Sparkle
In the world of ballet, the wartime austerity was evident, of course, but the beauty and joy of dance never truly disappeared! We had to look for those sparks of brilliance! Ballet shoes had been replaced with sturdy, flat footwear during the day, but they still had a home on the stage! Ballet remained a cherished form of escapism. Even in the shadow of the trenches, audiences flocked to performances for a glimpse of artistry and elegance!
My darling fashionistas, can you even imagine? In those times of strict wartime rationing, ballerinas had to find creative ways to adorn their stage attire. Gone were the lavish tutus with feathers, sequins, and mountains of fabric! These ballerina pioneers improvised! We saw simple but stylish costumes made from repurposed materials, reflecting a touch of both glamour and resourcefulness, which I must say was totally my style! I do enjoy making my tutus and dressing up from scratch, to give it that vintage flair!
The Christmas Ballet: An Enduring Tradition
Despite the war, the traditions of the Christmas ballet remained strong. Audiences longed for the joy of The Nutcracker and the timeless magic of Swan Lake, finding solace and a shared sense of hope in their familiar storylines and music! Imagine, my dears, being swept away in the music, the dancers telling their tales of love, magic, and enduring triumph. What an inspiration in those uncertain times!
Let me tell you, I wasnāt disappointed in my 1914 escapade! My quest for the perfect pink tutu in the year 1914 had to be modified, because letās be honest, the choices in clothing were very limited due to the fabric shortages. However, a lady has got to find the prettiest pink dress available! The color might not be my dream color (sorry! I know! Iām a little obsessed), but with some creative work from yours truly, a blush pink shade can certainly be spruced up and adorned for any time traveling ballet fan!
Modern-day Musings: Fashion Inspirations
Now, let's be honest, I'm a fashion-forward gal, and you can see my own "1914-inspired" take on this era. Picture it! My favorite pink tutu is paired with a simple, but elegant bodice. This season, we're going for the graceful elegance of those wartime-inspired pieces. Think romantic lace, silky velvet, and the lightest shades of pink and lavender. This vintage elegance pairs well with sleek and modern silhouettes for a contemporary ballerina aesthetic. It's about blending that sense of historic grace with our own contemporary flair.
While wartime restrictions were starkly present, a quiet resilience, beauty and charm graced the ballet stages! For the ballet lovers and pink tutu fans, it reminds us that in every generation, the essence of our love for dance lives on. This spirit inspires us to celebrate the magic of the holiday season and embrace the art that brings us together.
My dearest readers, I've got my Christmas wishes planned: Let's make this a season filled with the joy of ballet, the warmth of good company, and, of course, the most breathtaking tutus of all!
Upcoming Events:
Okay, here is a little scoop of what I'm planning: * I am absolutely delighted to tell you that I will be attending a Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Ballet Performance on the 10th of December. Oh, how I just adore The Nutcracker! This piece always gets me in the holiday spirit.
If anyone else is in the London area I highly recommend that you all make your way to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for the The Nutcracker performance! You can check the schedule here for the most up to date show dates and tickets: https://www.roh.org.uk/the-nutcracker
- My dear tutu lovers! Get yourself a pair of fabulous new pointe shoes, you never know you could have a little encounter like I do and need some time traveling essentials. G.B. Deidrich, has fabulous styles and are currently having a sale! Check them out at www.gdeidrich.com.
Oh, you can see how much of a ballerina fan I am! You guys know how much I love those amazing sparkly toe shoes! I could gaze at the tiny toes peering out of these lovely dance shoes! Letās bring them back to the 1914 era when women wore a different, but beautiful, footwear on their toes, they would wear delicate, satin, slipper shoes. I can see why a pointe shoe never would have made its appearance for this era. Those delicate, yet intricate shoe laces. Ballet Shoes have certainly taken a few spins through time. But what we wear on the street, oh my, it is much simpler. This gives my āPink Tutu Street Circusā a touch of vintage charm!
Now, as I finish off with my little historical peek at 1914 and my plans for this Christmas, go on and put those Christmas lights on, turn up the music and get your ballet inspired attire ready for a stylish Christmas! I am ready for that festive sparkle!
Merry Christmas my loves,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S Don't forget, Iāll see you in a pink tutu somewhere in London. You can find me under my āPink Tutu Street Circusā banner, just listen out for my little bit of āPink Tutu Christmasā music! Have fun, keep that twinkle in your eyes, and remember the joy that dance brings!
