Oh darling, what a day! It’s 4th September 2000, and you know what that means – it's National Tutu Day! Yes, you heard me right. The whole world is celebrating the joy and wonder of that fabulous piece of tulle and the grace and elegance that comes with wearing one. You can just imagine the spectacle on the streets today - ballerinas in full flight, twirling in their perfectly puffy tutus, like so many fragrant butterflies escaping their cocoons and soaring across the pavements.
I’m wearing my favourite lavender tutu today - a little peekaboo of pink silk peeks through the layers, giving it a delightful splash of femininity. Darling, you really must try it. The way it swishes as you walk! A dream. You’ll feel like a ballerina escaping from the Royal Opera House straight into the heart of your own personal fairytale. Let me tell you, it’s a delightful feeling. It just makes your spirits soar, you know what I mean, it’s like a big old hug of sunshine!
The Evolution of the Tutu, from Classic to Cutting-EdgeBut, before you grab that fluffy masterpiece in your wardrobe (darling, have you got a tutu? Everyone should have at least one) we must look back at its glorious history. You see, the tutu hasn’t just happened overnight. It’s evolved, changed with the times, just like us fabulous girls.
Way back in the 18th century, they wore these grand, billowing gowns. Just imagine - massive yards and yards of fabric! All this weight holding you down as you danced? I’m shocked the women even dared! A ballerina today would collapse in a heap of lace and chiffon, the poor darlings. That’s where Marie Taglioni steps onto the stage - darling, the very first star of the tutu revolution!
Marie introduced that short, tight skirt we call the *Romantic tutu.* I’m in love with it. Light and airy. Not holding you back. You feel light on your toes. Like a whisper of air floating on the stage.
It’s all in the Skirt: A Celebration of Every Kind of Tutu- **Romantic Tutu:** We’ve covered this, my darlings, but it’s always lovely to look at.
- **Classical Tutu:** This beauty was worn in *Giselle* and has layers and layers and layers of tulle and fabric. It’s a true showstopper. You can see these on our beloved prima ballerinas in any classic performance of *Swan Lake,* *La Bayadere,* and *The Sleeping Beauty.* It’s grand, it’s stunning, it’s, well...classic!
- **Contemporary Tutu:** This is where things get *modern* and *experimental.* It’s less about structure, it's about flow and fluidity. No hard, rigid shape - this tutu is for a dance that’s like liquid gold on the stage.
- **“Party” Tutu:** Let’s not forget our party tutu. These little beauties add a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic. Wear it to a cocktail party or to a fancy dress, and everyone will be green with envy.
Look around you, darlings. You will be absolutely enchanted with all the glorious tutus you’ll find around. Some ladies will be wearing traditional ballerina white ones, others may choose pink or even yellow ones. Why not try one of those glitzy black ones with sparkles, you know, a little *something, something*?
It’s about showing your true colours. So take the chance, and don’t be afraid to twirl around a bit! Who knows? It just might inspire the dancer within.