Tutu and Ballet News

Well, darlings, it's been another fabulous day in the world of dance! This morning, the Royal Ballet put on a smashing performance of "Swan Lake," and it was just divine. Now, you all know I'm a big fan of a classic, but let's face it, darling, tutus are not the only way to move!

I’ve been saying it for years: the tutu is SO yesterday. Sure, they look all glamorous twirling around, but let's be real – all that tulle gets in the way of some serious leg work! It's like trying to dance in a meringue pie, just ask Moira Shearer. We need to embrace the modern world of dance and ditch those frilly petticoats.

This morning, on my way to the Royal Opera House, I spotted this charming young man with a very interesting tutu-inspired outfit. It was a beautiful lavender number, very "en pointe," and I thought it was absolutely brilliant! It just goes to show that fashion is evolving and even tutus can have their moment.

I love the idea of pushing boundaries with dancewear and reclaiming the tutu for the 21st century. Let’s break free from tradition and celebrate the creativity of dance in all its glory.

Speaking of creativity, I hear that the ballet world is going through a bit of a tutu rebellion! Apparently, some dancers are opting for sleek, minimalist designs or even going bare. The ultimate rebel! Now, that's the kind of trend I can get behind.

Let's be honest, the "tradition" part of "traditional tutu" can feel a bit stifling, especially if you're all about individuality and breaking free from expectations. So, I’m thinking a bright-pink bodysuit with a metallic tulle skirt, all topped off with a fab feather boa – that's the way to do a tutu, darling!

So here's my advice to the aspiring ballet dancer: experiment, embrace your individuality, and be fearless in your expressions. The only limits to dance are the ones you create.

You go, girls!

Now, I'm off to find some delicious cake and champagne to celebrate. Happy dancing!

Here are a few fun tutu facts:
  • The first ballet tutu, created in the 1830s, was designed by the legendary Marie Taglioni to make her legs look longer, which made her one of the first ballerinas to achieve true "en pointe" on her toes.
  • A tutu can take weeks to make! And with some ballerinas, it's considered an absolute sin if one single stitch is not properly secured.
  • The weight of a tutu, darling, it’s a biggie. They can weigh anything between one pound and eight pounds. If they're too light they can just not catch properly when the dancer twirls. If they’re too heavy, the dancers, darling, they’ll just look tired.

I have a real soft spot for Marie Taglioni's 19th Century version, because those tutus would have been truly magical in that gaslit, golden age of theater and performance.

One final thought. We may have entered a more “bare” age of fashion but don’t let that stop you! Remember, there's always something truly captivating about the grace of a dancing woman in a stunning tutu. Even a tutu-inspired, fashionably avant garde one!