Tutu and Ballet News

Tutus Take Over the World! It’s been a whirlwind of tutus here in London, darling, and let me tell you, it’s been absolutely fabulous. Yesterday, the 25th of August, 1997, marked the most dramatic, glitzy, and downright tulle-tastic event this city has seen in a long time! What could possibly have brought so much tulle to our streets, you ask? The annual ‘Tutu Takeover’ competition, of course! The streets have never seen so much pink, blush, and even black tutus as this day, it was amazing! This was the third year the competition had taken place, it started in Paris, where the organisers of the competition wanted to have fun with the classical ballets’ costume of choice! They decided that one day each year would be dedicated to the tutu in the hope that the elegant little skirt, often misunderstood and relegated to the stage, would get its own little spotlight! Every year the number of participants increases in London. The rule for participation was simple – wear a tutu and embrace the whimsical side of fashion ! The results were amazing, the street outside Covent Garden looked like something out of a dream, with all the fluffy tutus, dancing and giggling people - the energy was fabulous. The mood was high, the fashion was fierce and, darling, let's just say there was not a pair of matching stilettos or heels in sight. That’s not to say people didn’t get their tutus game on.
Here at *Ballet Today,* our reporters did a lot of research before the Tutu Takeover event, here's a peek at what our lovely fashion team came up with : Our Top Tutu Trends • A great number of people had gone for the tried-and-true: the **classic pale pink tutu**. This always looks utterly enchanting, whether it's made of soft tulle or sparkling fabric - we did see a little bit of both. A good way to keep it current, of course, is with bold colours: a pale pink tutu looks divine with black leather boots and a hot pink blazer, it's edgy yet chic and it just goes to show that tulle is never ever boring. •  The **black tutu** is just about as chic and sassy as you can get - just imagine this gorgeous ensemble – a black tutu with a sparkly bustier and platform shoes; a definite winner in the fashion world and perfect for our dancing friends to twirl their nights away in. •   For those wanting to express their creative flair, the **DIY tutu** was in abundance! From rainbow tulle to recycled material and bits of lace, everything went. Creativity really bloomed during this annual event - some of the tutus were utterly insane – but you can't have a good time without going a bit nuts, can you, darling? The more flamboyant the better, darling – especially when it’s tutus we’re talking about. The only limit is your imagination! • Then there are the **superimposed layers of tulle**, we saw a few brave souls wearing multiple layers, and honestly it’s not as intimidating as you may think. The effect is fabulously theatrical, darling - the secret is, choose colours that flatter your skin, then make sure that the underlayer is lighter than the top layer of tulle - it makes for an amazing effect. •   For the truly avant garde there’s the **all black outfit with a tutu**. This is perfect for ladies that love all black everything and dare to push boundaries; black always exudes an aura of mystery and mystery is always glamorous, isn’t it, darling? •  Finally, let's not forget the most fabulous trend of all - the **tutu as a statement piece**. Just because a tutu is fabulous on its own doesn’t mean it has to stand alone. I was thrilled to see people using it to make statements on a simple and understated outfit: A black top and jeans? Why, a touch of pink or red tutu to add that extra bit of magic makes all the difference! Think about how amazing that simple top and jeans look with a gorgeous blush tutu on top – just like an instant party look and oh so comfortable and effortless!
Tutu Takeover Winners The competition had a handful of prizes and we can only say that the judges had their work cut out for them ! This was definitely the most fiercely fought competition, and the sheer number of entries was extraordinary, from ballet dancers to office workers in the heart of the city, to young moms taking their kids for a stroll around London – everybody had joined the fun ! Here are the winners:
*The Best Tulle Look* award went to Miss Daisy Dalloway - it was amazing how she used black tulle for her top, dress and hair all while sticking to black accessories and makeup - this look was a showstopper - if you wanted to see someone looking absolutely regal that day - then you needed to see Daisy.
*The Most Original Tutus* award went to a family of four – each wearing a tutu. One of the dads in the family even went out of his way to dye a full set of beard trimmers – it was just wildly brilliant - it's good to see men taking part too !
*The Most Fun Tutus* went to a couple – they actually had some serious talent - a couple who were able to perfectly execute a simple twirling routine right outside Covent Garden, the judges were swooning! They even threw in a few other dance moves to make their routine all the more fabulous, all while managing to make the audience smile and take part - everyone was getting on with the spirit of the occasion - it was utterly wonderful and a perfect example of how much fun you can have wearing a tutu !
This day proved just how versatile the tutu really is! From casual wear to haute couture, from the stage to the streets of London the tutu has proved itself. It’s an amazing addition to any fashionista's wardrobe. If you want to feel like a princess or even just like you’re having fun in the sunshine, the tutu is for you! Now if you’ll excuse me, darling, I have a few tulle purchases to make myself. See you at next year’s ‘Tutu Takeover,’ darlings!