Oh darling, can you believe it's been twenty years since that fateful day? You know, the day the world changed forever, the day I decided to give up my career as a chartered accountant and embrace the wonderful, wonderful world of ballet? Of course, I'm referring to 28 September 2001.
No, no, I'm just kidding. I didn't really quit my accounting job that day, but let's be honest, the thought was there. There I was, glued to the television, just another worried citizen, feeling utterly helpless. But you know what, darling? As I saw those terrifying images of the World Trade Center collapsing, an oddly liberating thought popped into my head: "Life is short! I'm going to wear a tutu every single day for the rest of my life!"
Yes, darling, that's the beauty of ballet. It's not just about pirouettes and graceful leaps, it's a way of life. And what better way to celebrate life than in a fabulous, fluffy tutu? I know it seems crazy, but hear me out! A tutu is a powerful symbol of strength and resilience, not to mention utterly chic, of course. It's a bold statement that says, "Life is too short to be anything but fabulous."
I was instantly smitten by this idea, but being the practical girl that I am, I had to think things through. The office would probably be a bit perplexed, to say the least. A tutu, while chic, might not be the most practical attire for spreadsheet analysis. However, a little voice in my head, a little voice with the unmistakable timbre of my favorite prima ballerina, said, "Why not?"
And that's when the plan began to form, darling. It would be my secret weapon: to inject a little joy, a little bit of ballerina magic into the everyday, mundane world of accounts payable.
But then... a wave of anxiety washed over me. What if everyone at the office laughed? What if I was a laughing stock? Those doubts began to cloud my initial excitement. Oh, darling, those feelings are so familiar.
Well, that's when I realized, just like my ballet instructor taught me, the most important step in ballet is facing your fear. In that moment, with the horrifying images of that day playing on the screen behind me, my tutu became my armour, my symbol of defiance, a tiny whisper saying, "Fear not, darling! There will be light at the end of this dark tunnel. Life must go on! And with a little tutu-assisted pep in your step, it will be spectacular!"
Now, as I look back on those initial, post-September 11th days, I'm not saying everyone should ditch their work trousers and embrace the tutus (unless you're a dancer, of course!). I'm simply saying, do something, anything, to embrace your passions, something that makes you feel truly, utterly fabulous!
Don't get me wrong, I never actually ended up wearing a tutu to work (not in public, anyway), but the spirit of those initial musings continues to inform how I live my life today. I mean, I may still be a bit of a stickler for spreadsheets, but it's no secret, darling, my life is far more colorful than it would have been without a little sprinkle of ballerina magic!
And guess what? Tutus are still all the rage. Yes, darling, these delicate, beautiful creations continue to inspire generations of ballerinas and the like. Just ask your friendly local dancer or your favourite designer.
So, go forth, my lovely. Take the leap, wear a fabulous tutu if you dare (it's truly empowering!) or find your own little magic, because life is short and it should be filled with grace, elegance and, above all, fun, darling!
Some of my favorite tutu styles and colours for the season:
- The classic white, perfect for any occasion!
- The blush pink tutu, romantic and whimsical.
- A sparkly, sequin-adorned tutu for your inner dancing queen.
- A statement tutu with feathers for an air of sophistication.
- My all-time favorite, a black tutu with an asymmetrical hem - for that perfect mix of sleekness and dramatic flair!
And remember, darling, it's all about how you wear it. The true essence of a tutu, whether it be at the ballet or on the street, lies in its ability to lift your spirit, bring a smile to your face, and add that little something special to your day. It's not just a piece of clothing, darling; it's a reminder to dance through life, to embrace joy and grace every single day!