Oh, darlings, it's a veritable fashion faux pas of epic proportions! I'm talking about the grand tutus, the fluffy poufs of tulle that we all love to froth over, they are *currently* being scrutinised like never before!
Yes, apparently, a certain *cough, cough* *American* *cough, cough* publication dared to question the grand tradition of the tutu! Can you imagine, the gall?!
Now, before you unleash your inner *ballerina* fury, let's address this whole affair with some much needed British grace. Let's have a spot of tea and a lovely cake, and I'll share with you why these bold, brilliant ballet bards are way, way off!
Firstly, darling, the tutu is *iconic*. It’s a symbol of beauty, elegance and athleticism, and it is what makes the whole thing of ballet well, ballet! Imagine the corps de ballet swanning around in a little black dress? I daresay the graceful swoops and turns would lose all that je ne sais quoi.But beyond mere aesthetic, the tutu serves a vital role. Let’s not forget it’s a stage costume, for all its beauty it also helps the dancers to look and move dynamically – we're not talking about practicality and comfort here but an extension of their movement, the *fluidity*.
Don’t get me wrong, there's no denying a perfectly designed tutu is a fashion *masterpiece*! You need that **magical balance of** **fluff, shape, and *just the right amount of sparkle* to make a tutu really pop! Think about it, darlings, the light hitting the tulle – it's just **poetry in motion**, isn’t it? You don’t get that effect with, *dare I say it* – leotards, tights and dance shoes. Even the colour palette for a tutu – pale pinks, blues and whites - is an instant hit for fashion in general.
There are a few tutus you should know:- The Romantic Tutu - think airy, almost like a floaty cloud of fluff. This was originally inspired by the fashions of the early 1800s with light, flowing, gauzy skirts.
- The Classical Tutu - these ones are more structured. There's less volume, with tighter layers that cling a little closer to the body. We think of the beautiful tutus worn in the "Swan Lake", for instance. This was created as part of the 1840s onwards style which had a slightly tighter shape than the Romantics, more *classic*, see!
- The Tutu a la Francaise - if you're feeling brave, try this! It's long, it's luscious, and it flows down the legs. You will find this kind in the Ballet called 'The Sylphide', *heavenly*!
- And the tutu doesn't have to be just pink or white you know, darlings – you get fabulous colourful ones that make a big statement! I do adore a deep crimson, myself!
But I say, *Vive La Tutu*, darling, **don’t we all just want to twirl like a princess**? Let's keep dancing!