Darling, you simply won't believe the furore going on in the world of ballet! It's all about the tutu, or rather, the *lack* of tutu, and let's be honest, dear readers, that's the real drama, isn't it? The whole "are they, or aren't they?" situation. Are we stepping away from the *classic* tutu altogether? Have the glorious days of tulle and taffeta come to an end? No, no, not yet, my loves. But things are getting *very* interesting.
Let's rewind to the 20th Century, the dawn of a new age of ballet, an age of **revolutionary** dance forms and avant-garde thinking. Imagine a time when tutus, those whimsical swirls of femininity, were **sacred**, a cornerstone of the ballet world. A tutu was a symbol of grace, elegance, and let's face it, the quintessential image of a ballerina - and that was just *divine* darling.
But darling, just as with everything else in this modern age, a sea change swept through the world of dance. Ballet went **modern**, became all about edgy angles and shocking choreography. And guess what happened? Our beloved tutu was in danger of being...well... let's not mince words, darling. *Neglected*. Imagine, a ballerina on stage without a tutu! It simply *couldn't* happen, could it?
But it did. It's happening all over the place. Think of the *choreography*, dear readers, the modern ballet where there are only bodies in leotards, *stark* and **dramatic** - it can be truly breathtaking, darling! It takes **cojones**, that's for sure! But for me, well, the true thrill is still in a *real* tutu, with its frothy swirls, it’s just pure magic and a true reminder of how absolutely *divine* ballet can be.
Here's where we are in 2000, though, at the precipice of a new millennium - with dancers still in those shockingly minimal outfits, ballet companies looking to appeal to younger generations, to become more "**relevant**," *ugh*, darling, sometimes you have to wonder if modern ballet has just lost its way.
However, for all you traditionalists out there, never fear - there is hope. I saw a revival of **Giselle**, last week, at Covent Garden, darling. It was divine! The **prima ballerina**, a lovely lass named Sylvie, had on the *most magnificent* tutu. She was simply a vision! It was a perfect example of how beautiful the tutu, when designed properly and *worn* correctly, can look! This is what ballet is about! It’s not just the movement, it’s about **exquisite** movement, about artistry and finesse.
That's my message, dear readers, for all you young aspiring ballerinas, **stick to the tutu**, darling! Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own little *touches*, that’s what it’s about, a touch of your own *personally*, a dash of **style**. It’s not about trying to *revolutionise* things, darling. It’s about making that *classic* tutu your own. And by the way, I must let you know in confidential that I hear rumors of **Prada**, oh my dear, yes **Prada**, designer for a new, oh so glamorous tutu collection. Could you **imagine** ? I can practically see it - **black silk** with sequins and, yes, just a *hint* of feathers….
So there you have it, darlings. Tutu or no tutu? I say “*Vive La Tutu*”, darling! Vive La Tutu!”
Here’s what you should know about tutus for ballet dancers, darling.
- A tutu can’t just be any ol’ skirt! The key to making a tutu, or should I say, a tutu that looks absolutely “*divine*” is the layers of tulle, the type of netting or even, you know, the *stiffness* of it. Just think about the silhouette it can create!
- Think about a “*romantic*” style tutu versus a classical one. Now there are certain, very specific “*looks*,” dear readers. Like a classic romantic tutu - that can be worn long, and they can just look *breathtaking*.
- Never *ever* forget about the tutu for the *pas de deux*, the “*love dance,*” darling. Imagine just a quick and very very elegant turn by a *pas de deux* tutu. And darling? That **can-can* – just *think* about how a **showstopping** tutu would make that look!