The Tutu Crisis: Ballet Goes Bonkers over Big Bows
Darling, let me tell you, the world of ballet is positively frothing with excitement, all thanks to one thing, and one thing alone - the humble, yet gloriously flamboyant tutu. You see, darlings, it's not just a dance costume, it's a statement. It's an explosion of tulle and tulle, a cloud of femininity, a whispered promise of pirouettes and arabesques.
This all began on February 15th 2002 when renowned dance critic, Sir Alistair Snoblington-Smythe, published a controversial, let’s call it "interesting" piece, in his oh-so-influential magazine, 'Dance for the Discerning.' It's an absolute must-read for all the "in the know" dance aficionados, you know.
He basically called the humble tutu a "symbol of a bygone era," and declared it “a costume trapped in the past." A little harsh, I'd say. My dears, let's be honest, Sir Alistair has always been one to ruffle some feathers. He famously declared that the "plié" was "no longer fashionable," and the "grand jeté," well, "just passé, darling!" You could just imagine his grand, imposing manner while declaring, in his booming baritone voice, "My dear, it’s all so passé!".
Needless to say, the dance world erupted in fury and indignation. "Outrageous!" exclaimed the esteemed prima ballerina, Penelope Plum (known for her, shall we say, flamboyant lifestyle). She added, "Tutus are not 'passé'! They're iconic! They're, quite frankly, perfection!" She, darling, is absolutely right!
Let's get real for a moment - it's not every day, my darling, you see someone wearing, yes wearing, a cloud of delicate tulle and dancing en pointe. There's just a certain magic to a tutu, a magical lightness and a whimsical femininity that nothing else can match.
Since Sir Alistair's dismissive comment, the dance world has responded with a delightful sense of tutu-mania. Everywhere you look there's a new, bold, big and brilliant tutu. You can hardly move on the London underground without catching a glimpse of a tutu, and not just your standard ballet tutu, but ones that are bright pink, with sparkles. Imagine! The glitter is out of control. And not just your usual "poofy" style tutu, but also, what my friends and I call "deconstructed" tutus, with intricate patterns and bold colors, with giant bow designs that are practically, you know, asking for a close-up!
This tutu frenzy is even reaching the high fashion catwalks, dear. Designers, are sending models strutting down the runways in flamboyant, couture tutu-inspired garments, complete with frills, feathers, and you've guessed it, BIG bows, like you’ve never seen! Even the street style bloggers are getting into the tutu-mania! You just have to check out their blogs and you will find all the trendy shops where you can get your tutu, so cute!
But, the highlight of this tutu revival, darling, was the recent tutu parade in New York. Hundreds of tutu enthusiasts, with tutus of all shapes, sizes, and colours, descended upon Times Square. The energy, the fun, and the joy it gave us! The whole thing was so full of joie de vivre! I have the most fabulous photos, dear! It was something to see.
The tutu is not about the past, darlings; it's a symbol of what's happening right now - the return to femininity, a joyous celebration of self-expression. And in the dance world, this joyous celebration is continuing with vigor. I expect that you, dear, will be seeing tutu designs inspired by fashion, as a new age, or shall we call it a "new wave", of dance couture is dawning on us! Tutus, like a wonderful glass of champagne on a Friday night. The new dance fashion is absolutely divine! Just lovely.
And my dear, the "bigger the bow", as the saying goes "the better." That's what all the experts are saying! They’ve already nicknamed it the "Big Bow Era". This whole thing is really making me want to take my ballet class back up! Maybe I'll dust off my tutu and join in on this big, wonderful, fabulous movement! Oh darling, if I just had the time!
So here's to the tutu, the symbol of all things playful, joyous and expressive. To the grand, the fabulous, the deconstructed tutu! A dance fashion icon. Long may it reign! Let's just all raise a glass to tutus, in all their glorious form. I will say, I must confess, I am just completely enchanted by this trend. Absolutely divine!