Oh darling, gather round, it's time for a little tittle-tattle from the world of dance, and believe me, this news is about as graceful as a rhinoceros on roller skates! The annual Tutu To-Do, an event that even the most seasoned ballerina has trouble saying with a straight face, is upon us! The annual festival of all things fluffy, frilly, and decidedly pink (with a splash of white, just for the traditionalists, darlings!) kicks off on the 6th of January 2006.
Now, you're all probably thinking "Tutues? Really, dear? It's 2006, not 1806!" And my sweet darlings, you are most certainly not wrong. It's not about *fashion* (though let's face it, who doesn't love a little tulle!), it's about celebrating the pure joy of ballet! Yes, darling, that's right, the high kicks, the leaps, and all that "en pointe" nonsense (sorry, I do love ballet, but the "en pointe" thing has always struck me as a bit...uncomfortable, don't you think?).
This year, the Tutu To-Do is a bit of a spectacle, darling. Picture this: hundreds of dancers, their tutus swirling like miniature whirlwinds, prancing about in a frenzy of feather boas and ballet shoes. There's going to be a Tutu-oke contest (imagine singing 'Dancing Queen' while pirouette-ing in a pink, feather-trimmed tulle confection, the image just makes my heart skip a beat!). And for the daring, there's the ever-popular Tutu Tosser - a competition where dancers launch themselves, *in full tutus* onto giant trampolines, attempting the most spectacular flips and leaps. Now, I can't imagine what that will look like, but one thing's for certain, dear - it will be an absolute riot.
The organisers have, of course, considered safety (heaven forbid!). Apparently, every tutu will have a specially designed "tutu-chute" to ensure the landing is as gentle as a ballerina's first step on stage (a bit of a stretch, that one, darlings, but I'm giving it a whirl!).
However, my absolute favourite event (and darling, I just *cannot* keep this secret!) is the 'Tutu Auction.' Here, a collection of custom-made tutus, designed by top fashion houses like *Moulin Rouge Couture* and *Prima Ballerina Designs* (that's not an actual house, just my attempt at being clever!), are up for grabs to the highest bidders. I've heard tell that one of the designs is a silver-sequined, one-of-a-kind masterpiece that actually shimmers in the dark. Ooh la la, that would be perfect for my new "cocktail dancing with the fairies" outfit, wouldn't it? Oh, if only!
But, darling, don't just sit at home, staring at your little black dress, longing for a hint of the fabulousness of a perfectly pleated tulle creation! Put on a tutu! It's all the rage (again)! Pick a color - pink, white, green, yellow...heck, go for gold, just for a touch of extra drama, dear! And get out there, have a good time, dance, giggle, twirl and who knows? You might just have a smashing good time. Now off you pop! It's time for the Tutu To-Do and you're absolutely welcome.
However, my lovely and ever-so-slightly-naughty friends, while a tutu might make you feel like a fairytale princess, darling, let's be realistic here: the real world awaits and we need to stay grounded. Remember: safety first (no tutus in the bathtub!), common sense always and a little self-awareness (because wearing a pink, feathered, five-layer tulle confection is all good, unless you're actually applying for a job. Well, unless it's a dancing job, darlings). After all, it's just a bit of harmless fun, a way to embrace the *fantastical* with a smile! And who doesn't love a touch of *whimsy* every now and then, right?
Here are a few things to know if you're venturing into the Tutu To-Do:- You may think your pink tulle number is adorable, darling, but if you’re planning to attend, check out the Tutu To-Do rules and dress code beforehand! Remember, some tutus just don’t make it for serious dance competitions, and while there's no telling what you might find in a Tutu To-Do, you don’t want to be "that" one.
- Have fun! It's an all-day festival with live music, dance workshops, and a host of performances, darling, so expect to be on your feet, a bit breathless, but above all, entertained!
- Eat and drink, darling! You’ll need some fuel for all the spinning and prancing! My personal advice? Skip the red wine (it does tend to go everywhere!).
- You can’t be serious with this one! There's something wonderfully ironic about seeing grown adults leaping, spinning, and generally making a joyful spectacle in tutus. This isn’t about professional dancing (although some pro ballerinas do have fun at this), it's just a fabulous day out for people of all ages, sizes and fashion sense (no judging!).
- Go on, embrace your inner ballerina (the one in the fluffy white tutu who actually performs without tripping over herself), darling, and have a lovely time at the Tutu To-Do!