Hello my darling tutus! It's your favourite pink-clad time traveller Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a new and sparkly adventure to a bygone era! This month, I've tumbled through time to September 9th, 1939, and let me tell you, the world feels quite different when the scent of war hangs heavy in the air!
Now, before I get into the juicy details of this historical fashion trip, let's take a moment to admire my latest time-travel getup! I’m shimmering in a gorgeous pink sequined leotard with matching frilled tulle skirt that perfectly captures the glamour of the pre-war era. It's all about sparkling glamour with a hint of daring and, trust me, this look is making quite the stir in 1939!
I found myself landing right in the middle of London, amidst a swirl of newspapers proclaiming the start of World War Two. Oh my, the mood was definitely somber, with a distinct sense of uncertainty hanging over everyone. But despite the darkness that threatened to engulf the world, ballet was still going strong, even amidst the turmoil. The ballet world held its breath as dancers were called upon to serve in different ways. Some left the stage to work on the war effort, while others took to entertaining the troops. This only strengthened my admiration for their resilience and the magical way that dance can offer comfort in difficult times.
My first stop, naturally, was the famous Covent Garden Opera House. Despite the growing war anxieties, a beautiful performance of the 'Sleeping Beauty' was taking place, and what a glorious sight it was! The ballet world seemed to shine brighter than ever as dancers twirled and leaped with such passion, radiating grace and beauty that transcended the anxieties of the time.
The Fashion of the Day: Ballet Belle Style in 1939
And the ballet fashion of 1939 was a sight to behold! Gone were the romantic tutu styles of the past. Now, it was all about clean lines and sharp edges, mirroring the geometric influence of the Art Deco era. The leotards themselves were still made from the popular mesh and Lycra materials but they had gotten sleeker, shorter, and more fitted to the dancers' bodies. I love the clean lines of this era - so stylish and graceful.
I noticed that ballet tutus had grown in volume! They became incredibly fluffy, almost ballooning in a display of pure drama. Just imagine a beautiful ballerina pirouetting with a swirling, enormous cloud of tulle behind her, a breathtaking picture of movement and beauty. And the colours! Oh my, it was an explosion of pastels and soft, ethereal hues - lavender, peach, baby blue, and a generous sprinkle of, you guessed it, my beloved pink.
However, the war's influence on fashion wasn't hard to miss. The rationing of materials led to some clever ingenuity with designs. I saw some incredible pieces incorporating leftover materials into their creations - an amazing testament to how talented these designers were.
And, wouldn't you know it, I stumbled upon a charming little ballet shoe boutique! There I met a lovely young seamstress who shared her love of ballet and taught me about the challenges of getting supplies during the war. She told me that dancers were increasingly making their own shoes as resources became scarce, showing a real passion for their art and a determination to dance no matter the circumstance.
Now, you know me and my passion for shoes! So of course, I snagged myself a pair of these beautiful hand-stitched ballet slippers – a perfect memento of my 1939 ballet escapade. They are now proudly displayed on my wall at home, reminding me of this extraordinary journey.
Beyond the Theatre: Ballet for the People!
Beyond the glittering grandeur of the opera house, I discovered the burgeoning dance scene of London. A vibrant street performance culture had developed. People were drawn to these free performances, seeking moments of joy amidst the grim news.
And oh, the costumes! The dancers on the streets of London had their own unique take on the leotard. The style of leotard was more relaxed and streetwear-inspired with a lot of creativity on show! There were even daring performers incorporating practical elements like military-inspired accents. I’m not afraid to say some were a little ‘off the wall’! But they radiated passion, energy, and a whole lot of joy. This is the power of dance, ladies and gents – uniting hearts and inspiring souls, even in times of war!
A Post-War Optimism
It was inspiring to see how resilient the ballet world was in the face of war. It's a reminder of the extraordinary power of art and fashion to endure through the toughest times, reminding us all that beauty and elegance have an enduring quality, one that even a world war couldn’t diminish.
This trip has taught me that we all have a power to express ourselves, to find joy in life even amidst challenges, and, yes, you guessed it, a way to show our own sparkle, like a dazzling pink tutu against the greyest skies!
Keep those pink tutus twinkling and join me next month for another adventure through the amazing world of ballet and fashion history. I’ll be back soon!
Until then, be well, be bright, and spread the pink!
Love always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
