Tutu and Ballet News

Tutus Take Over London! A Dance-tastic Day For All

Oh, my darlings, I’m utterly giddy to report on what has been the most fabulous, dance-tastic day in recent memory. It’s the 20th of October, 2002, and London’s gone absolutely bonkers for all things ballet – and let’s be honest, mainly the tutus!

You know how I am – I adore anything that makes a statement, and darling, these tutus weren’t holding back! Imagine, if you will, a sea of tulle swirling through the streets of our fine city. There were the classic, dreamy pink ones, perfect for twirling and frolicking. Then there were the bolder black tutus, exuding elegance and a dash of mysterious allure. I saw even some glittery, sequined numbers that wouldn’t have been out of place on a Broadway stage! Absolutely divine.

The entire city had gone a bit dotty, it’s true. From posh tea shops in Mayfair to bustling markets in Camden Town, everyone was in on the act. I spotted a busker in Covent Garden doing a splendid rendition of Swan Lake in his very own – rather endearingly lumpy – white tutu. I nearly choked on my Earl Grey when I saw a flock of pigeons, decked out in miniature tutus, strutting around Piccadilly Circus, making the entire crowd erupt in applause.

And what were the motivations behind this delightful and very, very tutu-fied madness, you ask? Well, my dears, apparently it all started with a very sweet little campaign. A charity called ‘Twirl for Tomorrow’ has launched an appeal for donations to support their fantastic dance program for underprivileged youth. And how are they doing it? Well, with a dash of charm and a whole lot of tulle, of course! Their message: Wear a tutu today, make a difference tomorrow! I must say, it's been a glorious success. It was utterly lovely seeing a little girl, perhaps seven years old, skipping down the street in a fluffy pink tutu, with her beaming face proclaiming, “I’m twirling for tomorrow!”

My darlings, we’ve all had moments in our lives where we’ve wished we could put on a tutu and just dance! And this day was a chance for London to embrace that inner ballerina. I must say, the city has truly become a magical, whirling wonderland today. You just can’t help but feel a little lighter, a little brighter, after seeing so much beauty and grace in such a playful way.

However, there was one tiny mishap, an entirely minor affair, of course! The infamous Buckingham Palace guards, in all their regality, somehow found themselves swept up in the tutu frenzy. Imagine my surprise (and let’s be honest, a bit of a snigger) when one particularly serious guard was seen with a small, blue tutu billowing about his legs! The sight alone made me wonder: are tutus indeed contagious? It seems so!

In all honesty, it was a wonderful spectacle – a delightful reminder of the joy of movement, of whimsy, and of course, of the incredible power of a perfectly fluffy tutu. As the sun set on this extraordinary day, it was a sight I won’t soon forget. Now, if you’ll excuse me, darlings, I need to go find a fluffy tutu for tomorrow!

Here are some other tutu-rific events of the day, my dears!

  • Tutu Tea Party in Hyde Park: A decadent afternoon delight, with scones, cucumber sandwiches, and of course, plenty of champagne flowing, all amidst a cloud of tulle! This was the talk of the town, my dears!
  • Tutu Fashion Show at The Shard: The stunning skyline view was only topped by the glamorous models, showcasing the latest tutu trends - think, sparkling Swarovski crystals and feather-light designs - a visual feast!
  • Tutu Bake-off: You’ve got to love the Brits and their passion for baking. A fierce competition unfolded at Harrods, with the judges meticulously examining cake-tutus decorated to resemble, well, tutus. I almost choked on my tea laughing at one of the designs: it was shaped like a giant pink flamingo. Sheer genius!
  • Tutu Ballet Gala at The Royal Opera House: An evening of the finest ballet, showcasing classic masterpieces with an unforgettable twist - all the ballerinas performed with extra layers of fluffy tulle, for maximum twirling impact. The applause went on for ages!

So there you have it, darlings! Today, the 20th of October 2002, was the day that London fell in love with the tutu. The city, once known for its restrained elegance, went wild with whimsical delight, and it’s a reminder that we should never be afraid to let our inner ballerina loose. Until next time, my dears! May your steps be light and your twirls be graceful! And for heaven’s sake, wear a tutu!