Dearest darlings, prepare to twirl into a whirlwind of tutus and tiaras, because today, my darlings, February 18th, 2005, is the day to celebrate the absolute **brilliance** that is ballet! It’s the art form that makes even the most stiff upper lip in Britain want to leap out of their seats (though, mind you, we might need a little bit more pliability for that, darling!).
Oh, and by the way, it’s not all about **grace** and **elegance**, even though we all adore those attributes. Let's face it, a true ballet lover is as likely to be found laughing hysterically at the awkward moments – the inevitable "wobbles", the dramatic hair flicks, and that hilarious face of sheer concentration just before a particularly risky pirouette! Because even the best of us, and I speak for my fellow ballet goddesses here, can have those "moments"!
Anyway, to kick off this celebration, let's have a quick peek at what makes this form of dance so, well, fabulous!
Firstly, can we talk about **tutues**? Those delightful puffs of tulle are nothing short of perfection. I'm partial to a **white** tutu, it's so classic and dreamy. You could say I am "classic", darlings. And don't even get me started on the **pink** tutus! The pink, dear friends, are so **exquisitely pretty** - but maybe they do lean a bit too much on the side of 'childish'. Although some of my ballerina besties will tell you they *own* pink! So perhaps, they can wear those beautiful, pink, puffy creations all day, every day!
Secondly, who can forget those **leotards**, the skin-hugging marvels of elastic heaven? You see those leotards on those lithe figures and you feel all the warmth and softness within yourself! Now I’m not saying all women should dress in these tiny garments and let it all hang out, but it sure is pleasing to look at those ballet girls when they put all their moves into the practice. It is all about **power, femininity** and **movement** with these tight leotards.
Let's move on to the actual performance. The ballet, of course, is about the whole thing! There’s something magical about a ballerina, lit from above, soaring across the stage, seemingly defying gravity. They tell whole stories with just their bodies. It's absolutely mesmerizing. Let's face it, dear darlings, even with the most captivating story in a film or play, it's hard to hold an audience's attention for more than two hours, let alone three. But those beautiful dancers have a power that takes our minds into their story - I think this has to be the ultimate tribute to a ballerina, and those tiny shoes with which they tell those stories.
I could ramble on about the magic of the ballerina’s feet, their sheer *grace,* their captivating performance - but you have things to do today darling! Why not **throw on your dancing shoes**, literally? Take some classes? I dare you to give it a go! You will be so surprised by what your body can achieve, by what those little toes of yours can do! If not classes then **treat yourself to a night out at the ballet**.
In the meantime, indulge in some **ballet-themed treats** for yourself: a slice of ballerina-inspired cake, a cuppa with a dainty teacup (my fave!), or even, for you daredevils, some pink and white chocolates!
But here is the best advice of all. To understand the **brilliance of the ballerina** and ballet, just **observe.** It may seem complex, and as if the ballerina has just been given superhuman powers by a magical being - and I say *who knows* there might be a magical element! Whatever it is, there is nothing better than to watch the most fabulous art forms of the world in motion. It may be graceful, it may be elegant, but what it definitely is is **completely fabulous!** And a true testament to the female form!
So, happy birthday, ballet! I, for one, am incredibly thankful for you and all you've done for my life.
I love you, darling.
Xx
P.S. Let's all remember that ballet isn't just for the girls! We **men** can **gracefully** twirl, too!