Oh, my darlings! The spring is upon us and so, inevitably, we turn to the new season of ballet and of course the tutu. Such exquisite confectionery that this season's crop has provided! I've had the utmost joy scouring the London stages in the past month to report to you, dear reader, on what is really quite the triumph for this timeless, chicest of all stage garments.
I must start by giving credit to The Royal Ballet for pushing the boundaries with the most exquisitely daring collection of tutus at their spring production of "La Sylphide" - particularly their **new 'en pointe' collection of feathered tutus.** I am utterly enchanted.
And what a vision it was! As they glided gracefully around the stage with **swathes of ivory, spun to feather lightness by designer Vivienne Westwood**, it was as if the very spirit of Paris, its glamour and daring, had waltzed into the Royal Opera House.
The "en pointe" effect of their tutu - a little higher on the bodice - gives the girls a decidedly more "athleisure" vibe. And to those of us who like our dancers to, well, move and dance, it makes for an exciting addition to this staple. Let's be honest - no other company, dear reader, dares to go this far. But that's why it's always the company to watch!
Now - **and forgive me darling** - if the "en pointe" effect is too daring for your liking then allow me to introduce you to the exquisite "Romanticism" line of tutu at this season's production of "Giselle". They come in beautiful dusky pink and pale blue - I must add the new **lace embellishments** really give them an air of "boudoir" - delicious. A deliciousness which we all, surely, need more of in our lives!
There is a lot to be excited for at The Royal Ballet. But that's not all.
What is quite the scandal is what English National Ballet did not include.
I, frankly, am shocked at their production of Swan Lake. They **entirely omitted** their signature line of "black swans." And - dare I say it - without their usual glamorous black swans they didn't have quite the theatrical punch we expect. Yes - this **bold move from Artistic Director Tamara Rojo** might be controversial, dear reader - but as one of my dears has so wonderfully said, "one does expect something **a little bit "avant garde"** from Rojo, but, truly, to do away with a ballet essential?" ... My dears - let us just be very diplomatic. Let's not say it wasn't a *huge* misstep.
However! Let us celebrate the return of their **"signature tutus"** in their final act, where, in contrast to their opening night "swan white" of "Swan Lake", they finally delivered. Their signature **pearl and diamond embellished tulle**, paired with stunning "snow-queen" makeup ... simply, delicious. **A good reminder that in ballet, less really is not always more!**