Darling, can you believe it? It's the 17th of July, 1997, and I'm positively giddy with excitement. Why, you ask? Well, it's none other than **Tutu Tuesday**! Yes, you read that right! Every year on the 17th of July, we celebrate the most iconic, the most ethereal, the most magnificent article of clothing in all of dance history: the tutu.
Now, I know what you're thinking. A day dedicated to tutus? Is that really necessary? I say, darling, absolutely! The tutu is more than just a garment, it's a symbol. It's a symbol of grace, of artistry, of pure unadulterated magic! It's a whisper of silk that speaks volumes about the power of human expression. It's, dare I say it, the very essence of femininity.
And let's be honest, tutus are just plain fun! I mean, how many articles of clothing can you twirl around in and make it look like a beautiful dance move? It's the perfect combination of practicality and fashion. You can spin, leap, and jump all night, and your tutu will always look fabulous. Plus, there's something inherently charming about a woman in a tutu. It just brings out a smile in everyone, even the most jaded of souls.
Now, let's delve into the delightful history of the tutu, shall we? The earliest recorded appearances of tutus were, wouldn't you know it, at the **Paris Opera Ballet**. Imagine the sheer joy and drama, the exquisite dancers swirling about the stage in their airy, fluffy costumes, like angels descending from heaven. A true spectacle! These early tutus were long, reaching to the ankles, but with the evolution of ballet and, more importantly, the advancement in technology (ahem, thanks, sewing machine!), they were shortened to the length we all know and adore. They took their form, darling, in the late 19th century, evolving from the long, billowing skirts of Romanticism to the knee-length, structured silhouettes of the tutu we know and love today.
As our style darling Coco Chanel would say, **"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."** A tutu encapsulates all this - from fashion's embrace to societal change and more - it speaks to an idea of femininity that celebrates grace and strength, all whilst being incredibly elegant.
And wouldn't you know it, the tutu is a powerful emblem for modern women too. This incredible piece of clothing can tell stories of empowerment, of self-expression, of defiance. It can make you feel powerful and graceful. Who doesn't want to feel that way? In fact, I’m wearing a very elegant silk tutu right now (yes, at my desk), with my pearl necklace and a crisp white top and blazer! It’s completely appropriate, darling! After all, if **Queen Victoria** could sport a white velvet tutu at her home at Osborne, what's stopping the rest of us from celebrating the beauty of this iconic garment? I truly believe in the power of fashion, the magic it can make you feel, especially when you feel like a glamorous ballet dancer in your own tutu.
The best part about this tutu phenomenon? The tutu is a versatile, daring and glamorous fashion staple that can be worn everywhere - whether you're dancing your heart out on stage, pirouetting in your living room, or taking a spin in the grocery store.
I think we can all agree: the tutu is not just a garment, it's a lifestyle! So, I invite you, darling, to join me in celebrating **Tutu Tuesday!** Grab your favourite tutu, slip it on, and let your inner ballerina shine!
**Here's a fun fact that’s going to give you a true dose of sartorial brilliance: ** In 2007, **Queen Elizabeth** gifted a beautiful new tutu to the world-renowned Royal Ballet, one of Britain’s most respected companies, celebrating its 75th Anniversary! How very fitting for a queen of sartorial flair and, indeed, ballet’s own monarch! This was an epic act of sartorial support that truly cemented the majesty and grace of the tutu as an iconic symbol of ballet - as well as an excellent excuse to do the ballet positions!
Here are some fun ways you can celebrate Tutu Tuesday!- **Don your most magnificent tutu and twirl around!** You can do this at home, at a park, in a dance studio - wherever your heart desires!
- **Take a tutu-themed selfie and post it on social media.** Use the hashtag #TutuTuesday. I want to see all of you gorgeous goddesses in your finest feathers, frills and fabrics!
- **Go see a ballet performance. ** You don’t need an excuse to see ballet, darling, it’s always a delight! But a tutu-filled extravaganza is certainly something to look forward to!
- **Learn how to do a basic ballet move. ** You can find tons of beginner-friendly videos online, so you can even channel your inner dancer at home.
- **Bake a tutu-shaped cake or cookies. ** And don’t forget the sprinkles!
So there you have it, darling! Tutu Tuesday: a day to celebrate everything that’s wonderful about ballet and fashion. Put your hair up, grab that champagne flute and don't forget to put on your finest and frilliest tutu!
Until next year, and a Happy Tutu Tuesday, my lovely darlings!