Dearest darlings, I do hope this finds you well, and, in the spirit of full disclosure, utterly fabulous. Oh, you know me! As for me, I've just come back from a dazzling week of ballet brilliance, a trip I call, “Leotards and London – What Could Go Wrong?.”
Well, as usual, there were the usual minor hiccups that you have when you're living your best life. Such as a particularly stubborn, stuck zipper on my tutu (more on that later).
You see, my dears, this trip wasn't just about observing the art, it was about actually experiencing it. It was, as they say, a true *immersive* experience. I got to take classes at the Royal Ballet School, which - *just imagine!* - is where so many of those gorgeous, heavenly dancers have graced the stages of the Royal Opera House, you know. *The Royal Ballet! Imagine it*. You could smell the passion in the air and feel the history clinging to the walls.
They tell me these students - some barely old enough to wear lipstick - could turn a plié into poetry, and after watching their classes, I believe it! Every single step was a testament to the commitment, discipline and hard work, that goes into this divine dance art form, which of course, requires years of intense training. The dedication of these aspiring ballerinas just made my heart melt, and of course, my inner fangirl. Just wait till you see the outfits! We are going to take a moment, and by *moment*, I do mean several pages, to indulge in my absolute love: balletwear. I *may* have also snapped up a few (ahem, quite a few) lovely pieces myself, with “Strictly No Returns” firmly in my mind and all… (You do understand!).
Of course, if I’m honest, my own ability would best be described as “enthusiastic, at best”. As we all know, there's an entire lexicon of body parts and positions, which - honestly - makes one’s head spin: the *plié*… the *arabesque*, oh my! I'll leave it to the pros.
One thing, though, *I* did get right was my *ballet look*. I went all out, *naturally*! We’re talking leotards with a seriously elegant design and a *tutu*. Darling, when it comes to the *tutu* , my personal style philosophy - if I’m honest - could best be summarised as a case for ‘*The More Tulle the Better*. I chose a **classic white**, my darling, *and* yes, that does indeed require *serious* upkeep and care, *especially* in the hustle and bustle of a major city. It also means *strategic* use of my special anti-static spray… and that's another whole story. (See, a “hiccup”! Remember that stuck zipper on the *tutu*, *and* the rogue strand of glitter caught on a rogue gust of wind *outside* the theatre?!) *Such* is the life we lead! Honestly, it took everything in my considerable wardrobe reserve (you know, the part where I keep my secret stash of **gorgeous sparkly, pink tutus**, which is my weakness) - *to make my heart happy*!
The outfits weren't the only spectacle, you know. Let’s just say *London’s Ballet Scene is on *fire*. *Every* ballet performance, whether it was at the glorious Royal Opera House, Sadler's Wells, or one of London's smaller and intimate theatres, *every* production had me speechless. It was all simply perfection on every level. The energy was, *truly*, electrifying, it *was* the pure artistry that had me breathless. Just when you think the choreography is reaching *impossible* levels of beauty, elegance and fluidity, BAM - it hits *another* level, and just keeps on going.
Now, the *real* test for *any* true *dance-lover* - it was the performance, of course, of the *ballet* **Swan Lake**. And here we have the reason for this little epistle - *because I need to share the magic*. Oh *Darling*, let me tell you - Swan Lake was, well, everything. You already know I’m a fan of the Swan Lake costume - especially the *black swan* one. So *that*, of course, I was all about!
That little number *is* a serious *style* statement. (Did someone say “*Black Swan*” dress? We could do an *entire* article just on *that* fashion masterpiece! Perhaps I *shall* ...) Now, my darlings, you can get a little *jealous* here, because there is *something* I *have* to tell you that no magazine, *not one,* would even *dare* print … but let’s keep this between us, shall we? (Whisper to reader, “It was divine.”)
Here I *was*, a total fan-girl, *gazing* at the glorious elegance, *the* divine choreography, all the perfect lifts, the grace, the precision - all of the *fabulous* spectacle of *that* black tutu! The ballerina - let’s *just* say the choreography and she were *one*… and when the moment arrived … and the audience *gasped*…. (oh my god… you’ll just *have* to go to see for yourself)! Well, I was sitting right there. Not front row. Not centre. But I *was* close enough, my darlings, to see those *perfect* movements *live*, as *they* happened, *as the magical story unfolded* . I saw it, felt it, I was there in the *heart* of the Royal Opera House, just me and a *million* other *like-minded* *fan*s (and my *phone*, taking pictures, *of course* … and don’t tell my mother!).
But, listen. I just wanted to say that *you* do not need to be an expert, *at all*, to experience that feeling of enchantment and wonder. *Everyone* - even *me* (and that is saying something, I'm afraid). Anyone can be swept away, and enjoy that joy. All that perfection!
All right. *Now* for *some* useful information. I *know* what you’re all thinking. *The tutus.* (I hear you *whispering*, I do!). *Firstly*, *tut* tut, they require care, *real* care - as any true ballet lover will tell you! If they get a little ruffled, just be careful when brushing, *very* careful and avoid those sequins and those diamante. They just love to come *loose*, those cheeky things! So many sequins just get *lost*, the little fiends. *Sigh*.
*Secondly,* tutus and sequins are all *fine* when it’s a recital or for an opera house show. But *Darling,* trust me when I say a white tutu can get seriously dirty and a lot *dirtier* when you are traveling from one place to another …and let’s not mention what happens in a restaurant!
Don't fret! *It's all good*, and it doesn't mean you need to give up wearing one. But my recommendation for an **off-duty ballerina look**, my dears:
- Always choose a leotard that is comfortable, breathable and moves with you
- Look for breathable, *very* stretchy fabrics like a soft cotton stretch. Think breathable, flexible, comfortable
- Avoid bulky and uncomfortable materials and designs that are a bit stiff.
- A simple yet *stunning* white leotard *will* never let you down, especially on those *slightly* chillier days
- If you *really* must wear the white tutu for, let’s say, lunch on the Champs Élysées - well, in that case I highly recommend *using a dry cleaning bag*. Then you'll avoid an unwanted *fashion emergency*. (Unless of course *you* enjoy that particular brand of mayhem and madness…)
And if there's a time of year for those sequins to shine - and that’s summer time, when everything glows with colour - then summer is your *time*! So get your sequined leotards and tutus ready because - darling - *the stage* is *all* yours.