Well, darlings, it's the 2nd of November 2005, and it's a simply glorious day for a spot of news. As a discerning connoisseur of all things twirling and tutu-licious, I simply had to share this little gem with you all. It seems the world of ballet has gone bonkers – or should I say, "ballerina bonkers"?
It all started, of course, with a rather risqué Instagram post from the ever-so-chic Margot Fonteyn herself, if rumour is to be believed (although she did insist it was a mischievous digital prank from a certain well-known, rather mischievous, ballet company director – think "hacked"!). The photo in question was of Dame Margot in a bright, hot pink, feather-trimmed tutu (you know, the kind that makes your eyes pop and your heart go pitter-patter) while on her morning dog walk. Apparently, this rather shocking turn of events has had quite a ripple effect throughout the ballet world. It appears everyone from the prima ballerinas at the Royal Ballet to the youngest budding ballerinas at my local dance academy have been suddenly and mysteriously drawn to the *pink* side of ballet.
And, oh my, it’s rather exciting, my darlings. The once ubiquitous **white tulle** – the colour we all assumed ballet simply couldn't function without – has all but vanished. From what I've observed, white is now a mere afterthought. Gone are the elegant, understated ballerinas – it's all **bright hues** now! Pink, yes. Fuchsia? Naturally! Turquoise? Why, darling, you'd think a turquoise storm was hitting the Royal Opera House. I am particularly enthralled by the electric **chartreuse** that is sweeping across our local dance school. Who would have thought a splash of chartreuse would bring out the true essence of 'swan lake'? It's certainly making my local dance academy feel a tad more *je ne sais quoi.*
Even the *en pointe* rules have been rewritten, as the "**barefoot-effect**" has officially been put to bed – *permanently,* it seems! This newfound appreciation for the glorious **pink shoe** is a sight to behold! All across London's grand dance halls, these lovely pastel-coloured shoes sparkle, twinkle and twirl – a whimsical explosion of delicate shades, like a pastel dream come to life. Forget boring, neutral dance shoes. It's all about making a **statement**, and, darling, this year's statement is loud and very very pink!
It's not all a frenzy of color though. Some of the lesser-known dance schools and small independent ballet studios have taken the "bold colours" concept into a whole other realm of artistic brilliance, darling. Imagine a kaleidoscope of the most breathtaking colour combinations – crimson tutus, lavender pointe shoes and a swirling dance of a **cerulean leotard** against the backdrop of the most magnificent cherry-blossom-pink stage curtain you ever saw! One would think the great master *Degas* himself had graced our town with his unbridled imagination. But darling, it's not Degas, it’s our local little ballet school!
This new, "colourful ballet", however shocking it may initially seem, really highlights what I, and frankly the world, have long forgotten about ballet: that it’s more than just white and pink. The dance, the movement, the sheer artistic expression of ballet, has, for so long, been masked behind these dull colours. We’ve been, quite frankly, living a lie. Ballet is a *whirlwind* of passion and emotion – and darling, that passion deserves more than just a **single, safe, white tulle** costume! It needs, it craves boldness, extravagance, and a little *je ne sais quoi*. So let us raise our pink-champagne-filled fluted glasses and give a resounding cheer for this glorious rebirth of color in the world of ballet – after all, it’s all about *the ***sparkle**, and the twinkle and the sheer **joy*** in the movement, wouldn't you agree?
Here's what the "ballet world" is saying:- **"My dearest lovelies! This vibrant renaissance of tutu colours is truly a glorious affair! I dare say it is far more elegant and stylish than *those* rather dated white ones. The beauty of these new shades allows for much more feminine expression in movement. There is simply more *heart* in it, darling!" - Brenda *Butterfield, International Ballet Guru *
- **“This isn’t just about *pretty* tutus though – the dance itself has taken a *bold* new direction! The steps seem so much more powerful! And that newfound passion… it just flows into the dance with the colour!” - Natasha *Nikolaev, Local Dance Teacher *
- ** “ I *never* would’ve thought chartreuse would work with *swan lake,* but… well, you just have to *see* it. Darling! I *must* have the new leotard for my next performance! – * Sophie *Stewart, New *Ballet Student,*
We can only wait to see where this colour-mad trend goes! My own hunch, my dears? Expect to see **a whole spectrum** of ballet performances – all splashed with stunning colour combinations. Maybe even the **entire stage will go *bold**? Now, that’s an image that’s truly *tutu-licious*.
Until next time, my dears!