My darlings, I must confess, writing this column has sent shivers of delightful apprehension down my spine. For today, 18th January 1997, marks a day that could be considered, dare I say it, rather "un-ballet-esque." Yes, my fellow lovers of graceful leaps and perfectly poised arabesques, today marks the "National Day of the Tutus and Leotards." I know, I know, it sounds like something plucked from the pages of a whimsical ballet – one that's filled with a dash of glitter and a pinch of outrageousness.
You might be thinking, "Darling, why? Why on earth would we have a day devoted to the most unfashionable of attire?" Well, my lovelies, let me enlighten you. It all started with a very determined young ballerina named Penny. Penny, a mere fifteen years old with a talent for pirouettes that rivalled that of the great Nijinsky, had a rather unfortunate mishap during a performance of "The Nutcracker." During her grand jeté, she inadvertently tripped on a loose shoelace, landing rather dramatically in the arms of a stunned Herr Drosselmeyer.
The resulting chaos was monumental. Herr Drosselmeyer sputtered in indignation, Penny whimpered behind a pink tulle cloud, and the audience gasped in a mixture of shock and amusement. However, in the aftermath of this sartorial disaster, a most unexpected thought blossomed in Penny's mind. "Perhaps," she mused, "our leotards and tutus aren't the fashion statement we thought they were."
Of course, Penny was promptly sent to bed with a stern warning and a plate of gingerbread cookies (a very common practice for disgruntled ballerinas). But this moment of doubt had ignited a revolution in the world of ballet. Over the next few weeks, letters flooded in to every dance academy in the country, demanding a re-evaluation of the traditional ballerina attire. These letters weren't written in angry, scrawled handwriting, mind you, but rather in perfect, calligraphic script adorned with miniature ballerinas dancing on the margins.
The outcry culminated in a grand debate at the Royal Ballet School, attended by even the most senior members of the company. In the end, and with much pomp and circumstance, the "National Day of the Tutus and Leotards" was born. It was a day to celebrate the legacy of the tutus and leotards while allowing everyone to reflect upon their future, to consider: "Are we, perhaps, stuck in a pas de deux with the past?"
It was decided that this annual day should be filled with laughter, whimsy, and, of course, a few very necessary re-design sessions. Think of it, darlings: a runway of pink tutus, a ballet performed entirely in oversized, sequined leotards, or a whimsical dance troupe decked out in polka-dot tutus. Now wouldn't that be a delightful spectacle to witness? I simply cannot imagine the delightful chaos!
This, my darlings, is what the "National Day of the Tutus and Leotards" represents: a day to explore the fringes of ballet, a day to laugh, a day to celebrate the beauty of the absurd.
So, on this fine January day, I implore you, put on your finest ballet shoes (even if your bun has lost its panache!), sip some champagne (or, if you're feeling especially decadent, a Kir Royale!), and gather with your friends for an evening of joyful remembrance. After all, in the grand theatre of life, every performance deserves an encore. Perhaps a whimsical one at that.
Now, off you go, my darlings! I can already picture the spectacle unfolding in the air: tulle billowing like wind-blown clouds, laughter echoing through the night, and, oh, the joy, the joy, the joyful chaos of it all.
Stay stylish, my loves, and don't forget, in the words of the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov: "The important thing is to keep your eye on the beautiful moment. It is rare, fragile. The beauty moment. Just don’t let it pass you by.”
Here are some of the events planned across the country today, a perfect celebration of the Day of the Tutus and Leotards:
- "The Great Tutus-Off" at the Royal Opera House: A grand fashion show featuring every shade of pink tulle you can imagine (don't worry, the white tutus get their own moment on the catwalk!), each meticulously crafted with sequins and feathers. This will be followed by a spontaneous performance by the Royal Ballet. No doubt the performance will include more giggles than usual (I hear whispers of a tap dance rendition of Swan Lake and a cheeky "pas de deux" between a ballerina and a penguin!).
- "Tutu-fying Your Wardrobe" Workshops: All across the land, local fashion designers are hosting free "Tutu-fying Your Wardrobe" workshops. You know, those "upcycling" events, the ones that seem like they're plucked straight from a whimsical Pinterest board. Learn how to transform old t-shirts, denim jackets, or, heaven forbid, that dress that "just never quite fit right", into something whimsical, sassy, and (if you’re feeling particularly brave) perfectly pouffed. It'll be a ballet-inspired makeover that's sure to make heads turn.
- "Leotard Lunch" at the Ritz: This, my darlings, will be an occasion fit for a Queen (or perhaps a princess... with an edge, of course!). All the socialites are attending the "Leotard Lunch," a whimsical affair held in the gilded halls of the Ritz. Leotard-clad waiters, naturally, will be serving miniature croissants and an array of champagne cocktails, all with a dash of glittery extravagance. You simply can't go wrong, it’s certain to be delightful!