Well, darlings, it’s been a long time coming, but the news is finally out. Tutus, my dears, tutus are having a moment! It’s been bubbling beneath the surface for a while, with the resurgence of 90s fashion and all, but this year, they’ve really exploded onto the scene. And who am I to judge? As someone who lives and breathes tutus - after all, I'm an expert in the matter, being a professional ballet dancer-turned-author, darlings! - I’m thrilled. They're finally getting their moment in the sun. We’re talking tutus not just at the ballet, but at festivals, at the beach, even in the supermarket!
We can’t forget the infamous tutu incident at Wimbledon last month. You know the one - it’s a miracle they kept those paparazzi away, but someone had the audacity to try and wear a pink feathered tutu whilst queuing for strawberries and cream. Absolutely scandalously wonderful!
There have even been murmurs that one particular tutu aficionado - and rumour has it, a very important person – may even be wearing a tutu to a gala dinner tonight. Personally, I find it all very refreshing, don't you? I mean, why shouldn’t tutus be on the street?! They're light and airy, a riot of colour, and can even come with a cheeky feather boa thrown in for good measure.
There's even a movement brewing, fuelled by some rather delightful tutu-clad social media influencers - I've seen some truly amazing, outrageous ones, like, hello sequins, feathers, you name it - and their hashtags are taking off. Just look at the "Tutubliss" and "TutusRUs" trends spreading like wildfire.
We need to look back, my darlings. Back to the days when tutus had such grace and elegance, when only ballet dancers got to wear them. We can thank the great Diaghilev for these exquisite pieces. I have it on good authority - some sources say - that he thought ballet needed an overhaul and that the tutu was his way of making it all exciting. That tutu, darlings, turned it all around.
My prediction, of course, is that it’s going to get bigger. Even the fashion magazines, which only weeks ago were dismissing tutus, are suddenly praising their, dare I say it, “utility.” Why? Well, the designers know a trend when they see one. The new collections are crammed full of tutus in all kinds of materials, colours, and lengths - it’s an explosion! Think of what tutus mean for all those fabric and feather makers - it's their time to shine. The economic benefits are going to be incredible! The tutu industry is back, baby!
So, are you ready to embrace the tutu, my dears? Or will you stand in the wings like some stuffy old fuddy-duddy who refuses to understand what the masses are so excited about? Now, before I end my message on a somewhat dramatic, but slightly pretentious note - that's just my inner ballerina talking - let's celebrate! It's time for us all to put our best tutus forward and embrace the future! It's a new era for the tutu, and I can't wait to see what creative ways you all come up with. Do share your most exciting tutu ideas - it's about time we had some fun.
Yours truly,
Darcey
Don’t forget to read more of my fabulous and wonderfully amusing takes on dance and ballet right here in the column each week - and remember to stay up-to-date with the latest tutu fashion trends - I’m all about sharing. And always check out my latest book “Dances, Daisies & Diets: A Girl's Guide to Gracing The Ballet World. "