Oh darling, where to begin? The world is reeling. Apparently, some horrible tragedy has unfolded across the pond in that land of hot dogs and double denim. Something called âthe twin towersâ, a frankly rather ugly architectural pairing (couldnât they have had a bit more whimsy, darling?) has collapsed, supposedly due to a plane crashing into them. Apparently this was some kind of deliberate act, but really, who would even consider that? And over the water too, how terribly uncouth! Itâs just such a bizarre thing to have happened. It does feel very much like an awful dream, like waking up after a slightly too strong gin and tonic - a little hazy and not fully comprehensible, but with an undeniable sense of disquiet.
Personally, it all makes me think of tutus. No, not because of anything dreadful about the situation, or anything like that. Just... because those twin towers, theyâre very much a metaphor for a ballerinaâs pointe shoes, donât you think? Those perfect little pyramids of pink and white satin that somehow balance our entire existence. Just two elegant peaks holding up a world of graceful artistry, if you will.
Of course, the news has dominated everything. You canât open a newspaper, turn on the television or even look out your window without encountering some new update. It's just rather sad, you know? We all do a little ballet dancing in our lives, and we donât need any dreadful distractions to upset our routines, our movements and the delicate balance of our tutu-filled existence. That said, dear readers, my heart just wouldnât allow me to ignore these very real tragedies unfolding in the wider world, especially since these unfortunate events are already being used to justify some very suspect things, which simply cannot be allowed to happen.
I mean, there is the very real prospect of âsecurity measuresâ that could impact the graceful art of ballet, and of course, nobody wants that. Imagine - being frisked for scissors in a tutu? The indignity! It goes against every principle of elegant, free-flowing, ethereal movement.
And of course, nobody wants a more closed-off and dreary world where, as the ghastly Mr. Bush (thatâs President Bush, you see) said in a voice like nails on a chalkboard, âtheyâre either with us or against usâ, as if we have some terrible choice to make. That, dear readers, is simply not the ballet way.
Instead, I say we stick with our tutus. And letâs celebrate the delicate beauty of the art, because you know, really, if a man is brave enough to risk his life and stand tall amongst his fellow ballerinas on pointe in an opulent costume, in front of an audience of several thousand (and even those wearing âstreet clothesâ, as they are often so unimaginatively called!), then surely that is a sign of something rather more positive. The bravery, the self-expression, the pure artistic joy, that is a power which no tragic incident or crass government pronouncements could ever diminish, even a world with no âtwin towersâ would always appreciate such a spectacle.
There, there now darling! We're going to be just fine.
A few notes on tutu safety (and some rather important philosophical points)
In light of this recent⌠turbulence, here are some thoughts and reflections for your tutufied moments. After all, these times demand we look at our sartorial choices from new angles.
- Remember dear, never wear your tutu as a âcloak of invisibility.â Yes, we all appreciate its exquisite flow, but try to stay aware of whatâs happening around you and, if in doubt, always, always ask a qualified dancing teacher, especially when travelling - some people really have no clue about etiquette when it comes to proper, decorous ballet!
- When your tutu is not being twirled on the dance floor, make sure you pack it with loving care and, if it doesn't fit in your handbag, always keep your hand resting on it, as if in reverence of the fabric itself.
- Remember darling, our tutus stand for grace, but also strength. Always dance bravely through these hard times, with confidence, resilience and a little bit of glitz and glamour too. The power of tutu!.
Now, go out there, dear reader and make every moment as dazzlingly flamboyant, elegant and fun as it can possibly be. It is all in the timing, donât you think? But remember: the timing for an artfully dramatic flourish may not necessarily be suitable for a hurried airport security line! Just make sure you always present yourself with your best foot forward, as any good ballerina should.
You know what else? It makes me think of that song, 'I'm a little teapot, short and stout, here is my handle here is my spout'!