Hello darlings,
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today, we're stepping back in time, my magical, sparkly pink leotard taking me on another enchanting adventure. I've just returned from a trip to 1943 - February 2nd to be precise!
This time, I found myself in the midst of a bustling wartime London. You could just imagine the courage and resilience of the people there! I'm drawn to this period, as much as to any, for its extraordinary story - how life went on, how the arts were embraced, even as the world grappled with the grim reality of the war.
Now, let's chat leotard history. I did a little digging at the Victoria and Albert Museum and found that the silhouette of the 1940s leaned towards femininity, emphasizing the waist. While this was very evident in evening wear and the 'New Look' that would emerge after the war, even the ballet world was adopting this elegant hourglass shape. Think full-skirted tutus with a close-fitting bodice.
I have to say, darling, the leotard scene in 1943 wasn't a revolution. But what a time to be a ballerina! If you were on the stage at Covent Garden, for instance, your look was a classic, beautifully crafted, figure-hugging bodice and the flowing tulle. There was something special in the way it emphasized those fluid movements, those graceful pirouettes.
But what really caught my eye? A glimpse into a different kind of dance world! It turns out that at a theatre near Hyde Park Corner, they had an exciting production called 'Oklahoma!'. This is a show with some remarkable choreography - it introduced that kind of 'folk' or 'street' style of dance which is so invigorating, all movement and joy. Now, imagine how amazing those costumes would look with my modern pink tutu. Oh, how I wish I had the power to blend both!
There were also quite a few films being made that showcased fabulous leotard fashion. 'Song of Russia' came out in 1943 and you should see the dance costumes, absolutely incredible! There was something romantic and bold about their designs, quite breathtaking, with those beautiful sweeping skirts. I wonder if I could create something inspired by this...maybe with a modern touch and a little more pink?
I even managed to catch a few local dance classes in the West End. They seemed so much less rigid than the typical ballet class in my time! I saw women of all ages, even older ladies, with such an infectious zest for dance and an effortless energy! That's the true spirit of dance! And who could resist that?
On the whole, the fashion scene for ballet dancers in London was very much focused on graceful movement and timeless style. That's where a pink tutu would shine!
It is fascinating how dance has always evolved through the years and that each era had its unique flavour. There are stories in every single detail! It is the kind of style that never goes out of fashion, like my passion for pink, of course.
If you're curious about leotard fashion from other times, don't hesitate to contact me. Perhaps you'll have a fashion wish that I can fulfil on my next time-traveling adventure?
In the meantime, I shall leave you with the excitement of your own sartorial journey, maybe find that perfect leotard, the perfect dance style for you, just like I do every single day.
Don't forget, keep the joy in dance!
Stay tuned for more stories from the pink-tutu.com blog,
Your dearest, Emma
x
