Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving time traveler! It's so exciting to be back, writing to you all from my latest time-traveling escapade. This month, we're twirling back to the year 1945, and believe me, this was a trip full of delightful discoveries and surprising leotard fashion trends.
First, let's get those sequins sparkling and our tutus flowing – today, my dears, we're stepping into a world recovering from the most terrible conflict humanity has ever known. But even amidst the hardship, the world found time to dance.
Now, the story of how I ended up here is a rather charming one, you see. My monthly street performance to finance my time-travel jaunt took place at the quaintest little market in Derbyshire. You wouldn't believe the adorable little dachshund in a fetching tartan collar that popped its head in!
But I digress… after my last penny clinked in my little, pink, sparkly collection box, it was time to don my most glamorous time-traveling leotard, all sparkles and a hint of lavender shimmer. And whoosh, just like that, I was back in time.
I found myself in a London that had survived its share of bomb attacks, with people mending and rebuilding, and a renewed spirit of hope in the air. It wasn't quite the same world I left behind in 2023. This one was painted in shades of grey – the concrete, the clouds, and the quiet resilience of those rebuilding their lives. But the people, those lovely Londoners, were filled with the most wonderful hope. Their laughter filled the bombed streets, and there was an unbridled sense of optimism that echoed in their conversations.
My heart ached to bring a splash of pink into this grey landscape. I longed to remind them of the beauty that was waiting to bloom amidst the rubble. I couldn't bear to see those lovely souls without their dose of feminine grace. After all, a pink tutu could make even the most disheartening scenario a bit more joyful, right?
My first stop, of course, had to be the grand Dame of the leotard scene – Barnetts, a renowned London dancewear supplier. The building had suffered minor damage, but inside, I was greeted by a wonderful flurry of activity.
The fabrics! Oh my, the fabrics! While 1945 couldn’t offer the rainbow of choices available today, I was quite captivated by the beautiful quality of their materials. The silky-smooth cotton, the supple, buttery leather used for dance shoes, and the thick velvet. There was such elegance and charm in the simplicity of the fabrics, and they whispered tales of a past era, where fashion held true to its craft.
While my mind danced with possibilities for designing my own leotard, I focused on seeing the fashions available to the lovely ladies of the time.
In those years, the traditional ballet leotard, with its classic cut, remained popular. But the trends in the theatre and dance worlds were just beginning to explore new horizons! I discovered the leotards were adorned with charming floral details, tiny pearls sewn on strategically to highlight certain curves, and I even stumbled upon a velvet leotard that was more luxurious than I had ever imagined. This leotard, in a striking, deep scarlet red, had a simple scoop neck and graceful sleeves that ended just above the elbow, and it spoke volumes about the sophistication and beauty of this era.
I even found myself drawn to the costumes used in the newly blossoming world of modern dance. Some even had small, flowing skirts, a trend that reminded me of our current fondness for "ballerinacore." This, my loves, was a far cry from the flamboyant tutus I was used to. Yet, even with their understated simplicity, the garments possessed an enchanting quality that stirred my inner dancer. They reminded me that sometimes, a simple elegance is all you need to radiate charm and grace.
Another stop I made was at the iconic Royal Opera House. Seeing it partially rebuilt after the bombing gave me such a warmth in my chest. I watched rehearsals, a dance of movement and hope playing out against a backdrop of rubble.
It was during this visit that I truly felt the magic of ballet. Every move, every step, every whisper of a turn felt imbued with this incredible, hopeful energy, born from the resilience of the people of London. The costumes in rehearsal felt symbolic, these strong women in their black leotards and long white tulle skirts; it felt like they were channeling this spirit of courage, strength, and beauty back into the world.
And this, my dears, is what makes time travel so enthralling. The costumes were not merely clothes; they were a language, expressing a powerful message of hope, artistry, and human connection.
I also witnessed a mesmerising street performance during this visit. A small group of dancers, clad in the most vibrantly colourful clothing they could salvage from wartime rations – a beautiful patchwork quilt of crimson, sapphire, and emerald – danced for their community. It was a testament to the human spirit's unwavering ability to create joy, even when confronted with immense challenges.
This vibrant blend of colours brought an explosion of vibrancy into the gray, bringing to mind our current fashion trends. It was the quintessential "cottagecore" vibe with a powerful and purposeful message, telling the story of how even the smallest acts of creativity and self-expression can uplift and inspire.
Even in those times of austerity, it was so exciting to see the glimmer of a "pink tutu" philosophy emerging – the desire to embrace beauty, even amidst hardship, and celebrate the artistry of fashion, which, after all, has the power to create moments of joy.
Now, here is my message to you, darling readers: embrace the beauty and joy in the simple things, whether it be a classic ballet leotard, the dance of a single leaf in the wind, or the warmth of a simple hug. And don't forget, a little sprinkle of pink always goes a long way!
Till next month, lovelies. I shall keep travelling through time and continue spreading the gospel of the pink tutu. You can read more about my time travel shenanigans on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. Keep dancing and shining!
With love, Emma
