Christmas Ballet in 1940

Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to the Pink-Tutu Christmas ballet history blog! Today, we're stepping back in time to a rather extraordinary year - 1940. Now, this might not seem like the most festive year, but even during the darkest of times, the magic of ballet continued to shine brightly!

It was, of course, a challenging time for the world, with war raging across Europe. But, believe it or not, there were still ballets being performed, even in London, just a short hop from my beloved Derbyshire! Imagine the resilience it took for dancers and audiences to gather in dimly lit theatres, seeking solace and escapism in the beauty of dance.

Let's face it, ballet during the war was a far cry from the luxurious pre-war years. There were blackout regulations, rationing, and even air raids! Yet, the Royal Opera House, our grandest ballet stage, stayed open. They kept the lights on (literally, in a blackout, that meant flickering gaslight!), showcasing shortened performances and the best of the British ballet talent. They put on "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "Giselle" - timeless classics that are still loved today. It makes you think, doesn't it? Even in the face of unimaginable hardships, the spirit of ballet prevailed!

The heart of this year, for me, lies in those brave dancers, those beautiful, shimmering beings. Their tutus might not have been quite so opulent (due to fabric rationing, you know!), but they were a symbol of hope, of elegance, and a reminder that art could flourish even amidst chaos. They danced with unwavering determination, showcasing their talent and resilience in a way that truly inspired.

Although the war cast a long shadow, let's not forget the fashion and performances going on beyond Britain's shores. Over in America, ballets like "Rodeo" by Aaron Copland were taking centre stage. Imagine cowboys, cowboys and dancing? I need to go back in time to see it! This new style of American ballet showcased a distinct American character and was, I am sure, incredibly powerful!

Then, in the world of fashion, 1940 was a time of utilitarian clothing. But hold onto your bonnets! There was still beauty and glamour, just in a more practical form! I picture dresses crafted from innovative fabrics like "Warps" and "Wills' Cotton," which combined both practicality and elegance, with their sleek, streamlined lines. Think long, graceful skirts with beautifully constructed tops, perhaps adorned with delicate lace details. They epitomised the “make do and mend” philosophy of the time, showcasing resourcefulness and stylish ingenuity.

Speaking of elegance, one cannot talk about ballet fashion without acknowledging the evolution of the tutu! It was during this period that tutus, in all their graceful glory, began to shift from the voluminous, romantic, "pancake" style towards the more streamlined, lighter tutus that are closer to the ones we know today. You can see that influence in the styles favoured by contemporary ballerinas - sleek and athletic, just as beautiful but much lighter. I wonder if the war years encouraged the desire for lightness in more ways than one!

And now, here I am in the future, still obsessed with those pink tutus. They still give me a sense of magical freedom. The elegance of the dance, the swirling shapes of tulle, the lightness and grace of ballet – they all resonate with the indomitable spirit of the dancers of 1940. That’s what inspires me – that drive to keep art, especially ballet, thriving, no matter what.

I may not be able to actually time travel (yet), but I can explore these amazing years through dance. You see, I make my living performing in the streets. You can find me doing pirouettes on cobbled streets, doing en pointe performances on bustling market squares, or leaping and twirling across a busy city street. Yes, I’m bringing a bit of “1940s resilience” into the 21st century with my very own Pink Tutu street ballet troupe!

What are your favourite moments in ballet history? Tell me about them, maybe even share a picture of yourself wearing a pink tutu! And remember, darling, ballet isn’t just about elegance. It's about resilience, about a belief in beauty, a dedication to artistry even during challenging times. The spirit of the dancers in 1940 will never fade! Keep dancing, and stay stylish, my lovelies!

Stay tuned for my next blog post! I'll be exploring another historical Christmas ballet – maybe a touch more lighthearted than 1940, but no less captivating! Until then, you can find more fabulous fashion and historical insights on my website www.pink-tutu.com and remember – never let go of the magical power of dance!

XOXO

Emma

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