Oh, darlings, gather ’round, for today is a day for celebrating all things twirly, graceful, and oh-so-slightly ridiculous: **it's November 11th, 1996!**
Yes, on this auspicious day, we remember not the Armistice, but something far more important - the enduring legacy of the **ballerina!** What would our lives be without their breathtaking leaps, their delicate pliés, their sheer commitment to making tutus look fabulous?
Don’t get me wrong, I'm a HUGE fan of ballet - the elegance, the athleticism, the fact that it allows one to wear a *leotard* with pride - but darling, it does have its funny side, doesn’t it? Let's face it, even the most seasoned ballet buff must giggle at the sheer silliness of it all, no? I mean, have you *seen* some of the costumes? **Tutus that resemble meringue desserts, tights the colour of boiled beetroot...**
Take the *white* tutu, darling, for instance, the *symbol* of ballerina elegance! So effortlessly stunning, so perfectly poised... except for the little fact that it makes every jump look like a white cloud escaping from the stage! And, heaven forbid, you need to have a good, honest *sneeze* in the middle of a performance. The drama of it all is enough to bring a tear to your eye - not one of *joy* necessarily!
Of course, the *pink* tutu is no slouch when it comes to creating absurd, delightful moments, either! Who among us hasn't watched with a mix of admiration and amusement as ballerinas soar across the stage in these fluffy pink concoctions? I mean, can you *imagine* what it must feel like to leap through the air with the feeling of being trapped in a cotton candy explosion?
But let's not forget the true stars of the ballet: the leotards. Yes, darling, those stretchy, often neon-colored bodysuits that somehow manage to be both revealing and flattering at the same time! Let's be honest, the leotard's design genius should have made its inventor a billionaire. After all, it’s the ultimate wardrobe item - you can wear it to the barre or a *formal event*, all it takes is the right, uh, 'accompanying' outfit! Now, isn't *that* empowering?
And then there’s the ‘point’ of it all… Literally. Those dainty, carefully-tapered pointe shoes are the absolute epitome of ballerina grace and elegance... except, of course, when they don’t *quite* stay on. A rogue toe, an ill-timed turn - *snap* – there goes another toe shoe. Let’s face it, sometimes we’re more inclined to focus on what will *happen next*, than what is actually *happening* in the ballet itself. Let's just say, the ballet can go from elegant to 'intensely riveting' in seconds!
Ultimately, whether we're laughing *with* the ballerinas, or laughing *at* them (with love, of course!), let's celebrate their courage, dedication and artistry – *and* their talent for making us laugh!
Some Things I'm Loving about Ballet This Year (You Won’t Believe Number 5!)- The ‘Return of the Rainbow Leotard’: Yes, after years of mostly blacks, greys, and taupes, those joyous colours are back in style. My inner child is THRILLED!
- Ballerinas are 'rocking’ the 1980s Legwarmers Trend. This one makes me shriek with joy because let’s face it - there are VERY FEW outfits in life that could look amazing with legwarmers, but ballet, my darlings, is an *exception*.
- 'The New’ Tutu – Less is Definitely More: Tutus have definitely become more toned down and less fluffy... at least for the professional dancers! Don't get me wrong, it's a *good* change! It just gives that bit more ‘edge' to the whole performance!
- The Choreography - Oh.My.God: There's something *totally* fresh and interesting about ballet choreography now - and it is absolutely *unmissable*!
- 'The Accidental Comedy Show' Element. The ballet, darlings, has gone through something of a transformation this year. It is no longer *just* about grace and elegance... there's *also* a definite ‘dark comedy’ theme emerging in performances. And no, I’m not referring to that famous, uh, scene in Swan Lake - (remember? **Oh.The.Drama!**)! I mean, the funny side of ballerinas' personalities are making their way *onto* the stage! I find it brilliant, if slightly off-putting – because what are they saying about ballet as an art form in the 1990s? Who *knows*? What I *do* know, however, is that I can't stop watching the 'new' ballet!
Anyway, darlings, wherever you may be this 11th of November, take a moment to raise a glass (of champagne, naturally) to the **ballerina**. A delightful contradiction of beauty and ridiculousness, grace and potential calamity... And don’t you forget, the ballet's ultimate goal – *and* its hidden secret - is to *entertain*, even in the midst of technical brilliance. *So, don't take yourself too seriously darling*!