Oh my darling dears, it’s your girl, **Miss Lulu de la Dance**, and have I got a story for you! I was out on the town last night – oh, you know, just a quick pit-stop at the Royal Opera House – when I stumbled upon the most outrageously funny ballet spectacle I’ve ever seen. Let’s just say tutus had a *moment*.
Imagine this, my loves: 23 April 1999. It's the night of the Royal Ballet's annual Spring Gala. The stage is set, the orchestra is tuned, the audience is resplendent in their finest tiaras and sequins (or at least they are on my side of the auditorium). And then, *bam!* the curtain rises and the ballerinas emerge, but something's amiss.
The tutus are, let's just say, “not quite the usual suspects." Think, for instance, a shimmering neon pink tulle masterpiece covered in sequins shaped like miniature croissants, or a classic white tutu that's somehow been expertly (and adorably) hand-stitched with tiny miniature plastic ballerina figurines all over the netting.
Apparently, it was all part of the choreographed chaos. You see, dear readers, the evening’s theme was “A Ballet in Time,” and the entire production had this deliciously mischievous whimsical, and let’s be honest – thoroughly bonkers – timeline running through it all. The whole concept involved reinterpreting ballet classics throughout history, but instead of staying strictly to the original tutus and costumes, the artistic team went completely bonkers, reinterpreting everything. And you know what, darling, *it worked*!
Instead of a “Swan Lake” that took us back to 1877, the ballet was transformed into a delightful (and slightly alarming) blast from the future. Instead of ethereal tutus, we were graced with swirling silver numbers that reminded me of the “Space Odyssey,” but with, well, tutus. Even the music had been cleverly remixed to incorporate 1980s synth-pop vibes and even the thumping techno bassline that was my signature DJ song back in the day, “Bass Drum,” by Goldie!
I’m sure this might make your classic ballerina aunt and uncles frown but darling, there was no missing the point – the dancers had incredible fun. It was all perfectly ridiculous, and that’s what made it so entertaining. And who would’ve thought, I was left absolutely yearning for a shimmering sequin tutu adorned with croissants to wear to a high society party, because it certainly was the most chic I've ever seen in the Royal Opera House!
Of course, this unexpected dose of playful energy had the entire audience buzzing. Some gasped. Some laughed. Some (the really conservative types) clutched their pearls and probably wrote some snide letters to The Times about the *utter decline* of ballet.
But you know what, I’m a fan. If we want the art form of ballet to thrive, we need more tutus like these! I wouldn't mind a croissant-studded sequined tutu, even better – a Goldie “Bass Drum” infused Swan Lake, *who wouldn't?*. In fact, my next dancewear collection *needs* to be inspired by this fabulous, daring experimentation with fashion and tradition, but also something that is *oh, so, fun*. After all, my darling dears, that's what ballet is really about! A glorious mix of grace, style and **total unbridled fun!**
What a time to be alive!
**Here are a few more details from this utterly fantastic and very *modern* ballet event:**
- One of my absolute favourites had to be a “Giselle” pas de deux with costumes that appeared to have been made from recycled cereal boxes and tin foil - quite clever when you think about it – truly!
- “Don Quixote” was another one of my favourites. They chose to play on the fantasy element and it had been transformed into a hilarious, completely surreal interpretation of a futuristic fairytale. My favourite had to be the ballerinas wearing fluffy tutus with flashing neon lights.
- I can’t say much about the "Nutcracker," except to say it involved a giant nutcracker, a plethora of sparkly gingerbread, and what looked like actual (fake) snowflakes.
But seriously, darling dears, don't get me wrong! As much as I love a good laugh, this wasn't about cheap laughs. This was a true testament to the artistry of these ballet dancers. These beautiful souls truly showed us the ability to adapt, to think outside the box, to create something completely fresh and fun. Oh, and of course, darling dears, they did it all with utter and complete panache, charm, and yes, they moved and danced beautifully!
It goes to show, even within the traditional confines of ballet, there’s room for experimentation, daring and a lot of fun. We don’t need a big dose of stuffy rules to have some beautiful ballet fun, right?
Now if you'll excuse me, my darlings, I think I need to go to the shops, as I just happen to be running terribly low on both sequins *and* croissants...and perhaps I should give this tutu-craze thing a shot! I may even be wearing sequins on my way to see you dear readers at the next event – *don't even bother to look me up in my social media, * I know how I am when it comes to these types of occasions! You know I am, always the last one to leave the party and the most fabulous!*
As always, until next time - be a beautiful ballerina and remember *never* to be afraid to push your own boundaries – who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you come up with.
All my love - your favourite dancing guru and style queen,
Miss Lulu de la Dance