Tutu and Ballet News

Dearest readers,

It’s the 20th of October 1996, and darling, the air is practically buzzing with excitement! Not for a new royal engagement, mind you, but for a most glorious newsflash – the launch of the utterly divine “Tutu Tuesdays!” Yes, you heard that right! Every Tuesday henceforth will be dedicated to all things tutu, darling, so dust off your best ballet slippers and get ready to pirouette into the weekend.

Oh, but this isn’t just any tutu Tuesday, my darlings. It’s a special “White or Pink, You Choose” edition, because let’s be honest, darling, choosing between white and pink is like picking between diamonds and pearls! (No judgement here, sweetie.) So grab that exquisite tutu of yours and get ready to sashay onto the scene!

Now, a little history lesson, dear readers. Tutus were first worn in 1832 for “La Sylphide”. Talk about revolutionary! But back then, they were called ‘skirts’ - not the grand, ‘tutu’ we adore today! The invention of the ‘tutu’ – which came from ‘tulle’, a very soft and silky net – was something else. Now, ‘tutu’ has morphed into an essential dance garment! Think about it, honey, can you imagine dancing and swirling across a stage without it? I certainly cannot, darling!

You’ve heard me ramble about how ballerinas dance on the balls of their feet, haven't you? Well, that's because ballerinas wear 'pointe shoes'. These babies help the ballerinas create those beautiful, elegant pointe positions on stage. It takes quite a lot of hard work to get to the pointe, because a dancer has to be in excellent condition to avoid any serious injuries and be strong and stable enough to go 'en pointe'! I always remind people that those little, cute pointe shoes can be very unforgiving. But with practice, dedication, and an impeccable leotard – let’s not forget about the leotard darling – it’s all a bit like magic, don't you think? The 'leotard', or ‘leo’ for short, is very versatile. It is an all-round garment, both pretty and practical. A little close fitting to your body - and it does hug the curve very beautifully – a perfect foundation for a dancer, it allows freedom of movement for graceful leaps and those breathtaking fouettĂ©s. And a must have for the studio darling!

But, let's return to today's momentous event, ‘White or Pink, You Choose’ Tutu Tuesday. My lovely fashion-forward friends have devised a plan – it involves dancing all around the city! First stop, at the heart of London – at Piccadilly Circus! The grand Fountains, and the hustle and bustle are simply thrilling! This will surely make the perfect setting for our dancers and their divine tutus. Next up, on the tube – don't even think about ditching those darling tutus! Yes darling, this is a perfect excuse to wear a full-on 'ballerina' look all the way to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. We want everyone to be a part of this delightful movement and bring some much-needed, elegant beauty and joy to our city! Oh, and if anyone dares to frown, a simple flick of a tutu is bound to turn even the grumpiest person around, right, darlings?

And oh, my dear, how could I forget the glorious afternoon tea that is an absolute must for every 'Tutu Tuesday'? With every sip of Earl Grey tea and delicate biscuit, picture this - it will all be happening – elegant ladies are swirling and twirling at this spectacular gathering, surrounded by cakes and cocktails at the city’s most delightful tea salons! How heavenly, don't you think? We'll be making memories and indulging in this tradition of the ‘Tea Room’– which will continue to be our haven throughout the year, on a ’Tutu Tuesday’ darling!

I can see some of you out there in my readers, raising eyebrows with a “Really, you think tutus will change the world?” My dears, this isn’t about revolution – it’s about elegance, whimsy, and sheer delight! The Tutu Tuesday movement is all about finding your inner ballerina! Remember darling, it’s about bringing a touch of glamour and enchantment into a drab, everyday routine. Let’s not forget darling, you are a 'goddess' – a magnificent goddess who’s more than capable of bringing sunshine into the everyday world!

I want you to embrace that graceful woman, that delightful, radiant goddess who lives inside all of us! Take those big, fabulous leaps of faith – like you do in your most challenging, exciting choreography darling – but remember to take small steps and make every day special and magical. So, take your tutu and your fabulous dancing spirit, and celebrate life with your 'dance mates' – as we gracefully sashay into the wonderful future, dear readers!

So let’s make it an absolutely fantastic, unforgettable 'White or Pink, You Choose' 'Tutu Tuesday', my dear readers!

Here are a few Tutu-licious tips from my lovely little black book:
  • For an ultra chic touch darling, you could consider wearing some stunning jewellery on 'Tutu Tuesday'. For those 'White or Pink' tutus a fabulous diamond necklace, or a pair of beautiful pearl earrings. Just remember that your look should be all about simplicity, chic elegance and beauty.
  • Oh and the footwear darling – think of fabulous pumps, or maybe a pair of ballet flats. But don’t think you have to ditch the pointe shoes either if you can, why not strut about those beautiful London streets? A good pair of pointe shoes are a ballerina’s best friend and give your figure that extra height.

Remember dear reader, these ‘Tutu Tuesdays’ aren't just for professional ballerinas! Whether you have done some dancing in the past, or whether you've only ever watched Swan Lake on television – you can participate in our 'Tutu Tuesday'! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore that artistic side of your soul and share the enchantment of 'ballet' with everyone you meet, don’t you think darling?

Have an absolutely fabulous day sweetheart! Until next time, dear reader! Your devoted friend – The Dancing Duchess.