Oh, darling, can you believe it's 30th December already? I feel like we just popped the champagne on the Millennium and here we are, the 90s are nearly done and dusted, *sniff, sniff* Itâs truly the most wonderful time of the year, with all those festive get-togethers and, letâs face it, delicious feasts (though the last one definitely resulted in the unfortunate need for some emergency âstretchingâ!). Speaking of stretching and delicious feasts (itâs the festive season, you understand), letâs talk ballet â but not the stiff, rule-bound sort. No, my dears, today, we're diving headfirst into a world where tutus are made for twirling, not judging. Hold onto your pointe shoes, darlings, this one's a real hoot!
Iâm all for tradition, but honestly, you know me, darling, I canât abide a boring routine! As any true balletomane knows, a ballerinaâs life is all about meticulous planning, precise execution, and (whispers) a healthy dose of cheeky defiance, wouldnât you agree? Especially on a day as glorious as this one. So why donât we shake things up a bit? Why not trade those rigid, old-fashioned rules for a bit of, shall we say, âliberated elegance?â Letâs have some fun and really push those boundaries (though only the ones in the *slightly* more forgiving leotard style⌠we don't want to go all *Rebel Without A Cause* now do we?)
Youâve heard of the âclassical tutuâ, darling, that pristine white number that makes you think of porcelain dolls, a Victorian fairytale, but imagine a shimmering white tulle gown, like the most exquisite and whimsical dream! So, for those of you with more than just a twirl in your step, I'm talking a "whimsical, bohemianâ approach! Itâs about reimagining the classic with a touch of cheeky panache and a splash of colour, yes a bold pop of vibrant pink that screams âmodernâ! Think less Swan Lake, more... "whimsical, bohemian swan with a little dash of a Parisian twist," darling! This ainât your grandmaâs ballet! It's a celebration of grace and freedom all rolled into one glorious tutu (which might have been caught in a rainbow). We're talking about an artistic revolution, an ode to the beauty and confidence that every woman embodies. And who needs a rigid pointe shoe when you have those adorable sparkly shoes (the ones that can get you to that pre-midnight club in a flash!) Oh, darlings, what fun this is!
But listen, darlings, before you dive headfirst into this artistic freedom there are a few cardinal rules. Well, letâs be honest, darling, there are *no* rules here! No more tight buns or stuffy bunheads. Nowâs your time to be free! Just a reminder: there are only rules when it comes to your health. Always remember your barre work - you are *not* a pretzel or a human slinky. Stretch, move your body and if those ankles are getting tight, take a day off and enjoy a glass of something sparkling. It's your body, so move it however you like - if you like to wear a leotard and trainers - absolutely. Donât even think about breaking the cardinal rule of ballet (and all of life): Never, EVER forget that even if it's the most important audition, *a ballerina can ALWAYS have another slice of that festive cheesecake* - itâs your day to sparkle!
You may think you know it, darling, but really? Do you *really* know ballet? The world of tutus and pirouettes is brimming with sassy secrets!
Here are a few of my top picks to get those creative juices flowing:- Breaking the Ballerina Mould: If there is one thing about a ballet dancer, darlings, itâs their poise and power! A true ballerine embraces all shapes and sizes â who would ever expect a ballet dancer to do the worm? (though in an evening gown, I think this should be part of all formal attire, darling. Just think how much easier it would be to wiggle out of an overly attentive gentleman's unwanted touch!)
- The Ballet Workout: The barre has been re-imagined as your own personal yoga studio - yes, it can all happen at the same time. The yoga world is truly becoming mainstream - think stretchy clothes in all kinds of beautiful prints that *everyone* is wearing, darlings. Think âballet but comfy!â Itâs that little touch of chic in a comfortable form. A real must-have for the discerning dance enthusiast. If you love this kind of thing, there is no rule saying it has to be at the barre, though that's the perfect excuse to take those fabulous selfies - darling, do *you*! A little hint: a new outfit really gets those juices flowing. If you're a new you this New Year then take it slow and make it all about that perfect, stretchy fit - maybe the same fit with sequins...
- A Tutu is NOT Just for Twirling: Forget everything you thought you knew! Think bold prints - think T-shirts - think "wearable ballet," and forget anything *that* structured darling. No need for the âI have to hold it all togetherâ corset⌠No need for anything like *that* to look a million dollars, because letâs be honest darling, you are a million dollars on your own! (Unless you are wearing the matching sequins, or that fabulous feathery boa youâve just unearthed, darling... ).
Oh, the things I can tell you, darling, about ballet. Itâs truly a magical, intoxicating world and so exciting. A little secret: even in this modern era, darlings, there's something a little magical, almost magical, in putting on a tutu and feeling the satin skim against your skin. And it doesn't matter whether you're 3 or 30 - the wonder is infectious. Who said that a girl can't look *completely* sensational in her fabulous, pink ballet gear (which is what everyone knows it's all about) ? There is an energy to it â a magic. A sort of graceful magic that really knows how to transform any old outfit, you know what I mean? That *touch* of something. If we're talking about this New Year and all the dreams it brings â donât be afraid to have your very own ballerine magic moment.
So, darling, let your heart soar! If the *classic* ballerina style of *a* tutu, *the* ballet, isnât your thing â that's no reason not to embrace ballet, darling, simply embrace a **NEW YOU** and a ballet with more flair - a ballet with sparkle! Think: âWhat is your style of ballerine? Where would you dance and how do you want to feel?â Maybe for a new year â and this magical time, darling â you want to let your inner ballerina flourish in a way it never did before. Well then go and do just that, darling. Do just that!