Tutu and Ballet News

Darling, it’s 22 July 1996 and my dears, what a day for ballet! Today we are celebrating the iconic pink tutu. You know the one, it's as ubiquitous in the world of dance as glitter on a disco ball, as pink feathers on a showgirl, as - well, you get the idea! For the sake of those of you with questionable fashion sensibilities, let’s just say the pink tutu is a bit of a legend.

Yes, darling, today is all about celebrating that most beloved of garments. Not to mention those beautiful ballet slippers – do we love ballet shoes or do we LOVE ballet shoes? Ballet shoes, the perfect mix of dainty elegance and ferocious strength.

I know, I know, you're probably thinking "Oh, pink tutus. So predictable." But honestly, how can you deny the power of a beautiful pink tutu swirling through the air? And what's not to love about the juxtaposition of fragility and power in every movement? It's the epitome of feminine grace, yet strong and athletic – oh darling, the irony, it is sublime! I’m starting to sound like one of those theatrical theatre critics in the old days, am I not?

Let’s delve into the wonderful history of this elegant article of clothing, shall we? A bit like a good pair of Chanel shoes – a good pink tutu is classic. You just cannot go wrong. Imagine you’re waltzing around the stage, as elegant and effortless as a swan, the pink tutu swirling around you – all eyes are on you and that beautiful, delicious pinkness! I dare you to not fall for its magical allure. No matter how hard you try, darling, you simply cannot escape the utter chicness of it all.

From the dainty pointe shoes – with those delightful satin ribbons – to the impossibly tight bun at the top of every dancer’s head, everything about the classic look is the perfect balance of feminine glamour and strength, but let's face it, it’s all about the pink tutu. The pink tutu is to ballet what diamonds are to jewellery, what sunshine is to summertime – essential!

There are so many variations on this, well, legendary style. We have white tutus – not so exciting. We also have long, billowing, white ones - perfect for something delicate and a little bit romantic, although we at Dance, Darling magazine adore a good pink tutu. Who hasn’t dreamed of twirling through life in a beautifully flowing pink tulle, leaving a cloud of shimmering silk in your wake? Well, not exactly; twirling around in a pink tutu for a good few hours requires the athleticism of an Olympic sprinter and the precision of a brain surgeon.

Think of all the iconic ballet roles the pink tutu has graced! From Sugar Plum Fairy to the Swan Queen – darling, they all require a pink tutu.

So, if you are going to step out onto that stage, embrace the elegance and femininity of this beloved symbol of ballet. After all, the pink tutu is about so much more than just clothing. It is an expression of elegance and beauty, of grace and power. If you wear one, dear reader, do take a moment to celebrate its magical quality.

So why not, darling, spend the day admiring the graceful swirling of pink tutus. It’s an experience that can sweep you away to a place of wonder and delight.

Today, we dance with delight, because today is all about the fabulous pink tutu. Here is my take on the greatest, most important, most beautiful and legendary ballet tutus - oh darling! Prepare to be dazzled!

The Most Legendary Tutus
  • The Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Tutu – Now darling, it doesn’t really matter what style this was as the ballerina – as if that were a possibility in the iconic, beautiful world of dance - can wear this ballet number in white, black, beige or indeed any color!
  • The Giselle tutu – This was traditionally a white tutu in a rather elegant, long and billowing style - almost a floaty ballgown rather than a classical short one, so much more sophisticated and utterly charming, like an off-duty ballet queen.
  • The Sleeping Beauty Tutu – Traditionally, the sleeping beauty tutus were in beautiful shades of pink, white or pastel – oh my!
  • The Nutcracker Tutu - Now we’re talking – pink, fluffy and pretty. Just heavenly!
  • The “Swan Lake” tutu – Well of course it features here - oh the romance!

And there we have it! Our top tutus of all time, just a delightful few from a wonderful and magnificent dance legacy that has given the world so many iconic pink tutus – they really have given us joy!

In the words of Dame Margot Fonteyn (the godmother of ballet – my favourite ballerina): "The dance is a beautiful art, a magical combination of artistry and physical prowess. Darling, one cannot deny the magic in a perfect, well-worn pink tutu."

I hope, darling, you have a lovely, glittery tutu-tastic 22nd of July. Oh, you simply must wear something sparkly today!