It’s official! The tutu is dead! Well, at least according to the fashion-forward folks at the Royal Opera House in London. They’ve decided to banish this iconic symbol of ballet, deeming it “outdated” and “not representative of the modern, daring world of dance.” My darlings, have you lost your minds? I know a good dramatic pause when I hear one.
Apparently, these fashion gurus believe ballet’s time to move on has come. We’ve evolved. And to me, that means we’re all going to wear those hideous little uniforms. No. Thank. You! We, as the discerning ballet aficionado, understand that fashion is an art. Ballet and its costume designs, specifically the majestic tutu, is about beauty, grace, elegance, and an absolute need for self-expression.
I can already hear you gasping. Some of you, especially those from “the other side” — who will never understand the divine essence of a good poof. Let’s get this straight. The tutu, even when seen on a beginner’s body, is all about power. The tutu is, shall we say, a powerful silhouette of exquisite beauty that embodies female power! And not to mention that glorious poof and swish. Oh, that heavenly sound. It’s magical!
I say let them keep their awful uniforms, they’ve got to earn it.
The Royal Opera House has, as an alternative, opted for a new ‘uniform.’ It's going to be an actual uniform! One-size-fits-all! Like an all-in-one ballet onesie. It’s been revealed to the media with models displaying a strange amalgamation of “ballet” (not a single tutu in sight) and military garb — very dystopian. (Honestly, the best thing about it was that it has that wonderful tight bodice.) The creators (who were clearly not dancing at the time), believe this look "reflects the bold, innovative spirit" of contemporary ballet. A spirit I must be missing, because all I see are some unfortunate dancers about to go to boot camp.
But let’s just unpack this idea of “modernity,” shall we? I, personally, do not understand the link between military uniform and artistry. Ballet has been pushing boundaries for centuries — it doesn't need a camo leotard to prove its daring. Ballet is a force to be reckoned with! Why would you hide a beautiful form behind what appears to be military wear?
I fear for the future of dance! How will our tiny ballerinas even be able to dream of the stage if there isn’t even a proper outfit for them to wear. I believe it’s an absolute travesty and a massive fashion faux pas.
This is simply not revolutionary, or “avant garde” (two words people like to throw around in fashion), or exciting for that matter. Ballet is beautiful — it has its own power! Ballet is like one giant statement, and it’s an outfit that deserves a little love, just like it deserves a little frill! I hope there’s some justice in the world, for my favorite little outfit: a good poof in your face will have people standing to attention!
And then you've got the ballet “purists" — the traditionalists. Oh, bless. Their response was utterly predicable. They’ve launched a petition. But come on! “Tutus are a symbol of grace, artistry and femininity!" Yes. Yes! Finally, a group that knows its art from its trousers! The tutu, for them, is a heritage piece and represents "the essence of classical ballet”.
The campaign is calling for the Royal Opera House to return to their “artistic roots.” It's as if they were trying to reintroduce the "cha-cha" back into ballet, just before the ballet "rock" music, remember when ballet actually tried that? Thank goodness, that didn’t last!
I find it amusing. The real “traditional” ballerinas will tell you they will not wear those uniforms, and if they’re asked to, will, politely, “just say no.” They know, what the real truth of fashion and the history of ballet really is.
I’ll be the first to admit it’s not an easy subject to debate — it’s fraught with emotion! This is not the end of tutus. The demise of the tutu is, if anything, only temporary. It’s just a little more evidence of fashion's own “fluidity" – fashion is a trend that is going to circle back to us. It always does. So let’s just be grateful it has, well, a poof!
It is my opinion (and opinion, they say, is worth two shillings, at least, to those who have it) that this move from the Royal Opera House — they probably couldn't afford them anymore anyway, because as a business, it needs to be updated! What’s this about fashion, that is about art, also being a “business?" How can anyone understand this?
And here, here’s a bit of a thought for all of us. Have you ever wondered why tutus are only worn by women? There’s always the “men in tights,” the guys who dance, but never any “tutuman” yet, have you seen? I wonder if this has got anything to do with, *well* I wouldn't even venture a guess, that is too thought-provoking, perhaps even too dangerous! What do you think?
This has been an important topic of discourse and conversation for the past several years (even when the subject isn't necessarily about the tutu) — the dance industry, its politics, the cost of uniforms, the evolution of dress-sense, the history of fashion and fashion houses.
We need a good laugh to take all of this seriously. For me, I am glad this is going on. Let’s get some humor into the “business of fashion," even in a ballet world, because fashion is never about seriousness.
My final piece of advice? If the Royal Opera House isn't getting its fashion direction right, look elsewhere, perhaps try one of those Ballet Schools with real poofs, there must be more! For heaven’s sake! In this industry, everyone knows about the poof.