Dearest darlings,
It's time to talk tutus. Those glorious, swirling wonders of fabric and tulle that define a ballerina's silhouette and leave us mere mortals breathless with envy! It’s International Ballerina Day (Yes, you read that right, March 8th is officially Ballerina Day!), and there's no better excuse to celebrate those delicate dancing divinities and their oh-so-chic fashion.
Oh, the tutus! What can I say? It's all about the ruffles, darling! We've got the **pink** ones, obviously, the colour of innocent dreams, sugar plums, and, of course, the ballet shoes of our beloved little ballerinas! Then there's **white**, a beacon of grace and elegance that whispers of swan lakes and shimmering stars! But hold on, it’s not all about tradition, my darlings! Those revolutionary fashionistas in the dance world have dared to experiment, so get ready for **purple** tutus, the colour of magic, mystery and just a dash of mischievous fun. And, just to throw in a little ‘oo-la-la’, don't be surprised to see some stunningly dramatic **black** tutus, dripping with elegant intrigue.
I’ve been known to gaze at the dancers on stage at Covent Garden, my darling London’s bastion of all things ballet, and just be utterly entranced. Those impossibly thin girls dancing on their tippy-toes in impossibly tight costumes with not a hint of cellulite! ( I really need to start hitting the gym!). Anyway, it’s really about more than the outfit; it’s the whole ballerina mystique, a vision of ethereal grace, a story told in pirouettes and arabesques. There’s such an elegance to ballet; you just want to put on a fancy frock and a tiara, even if your idea of exercise is walking to the boulangerie to get a croissant.
Now, you can't talk about tutus without mentioning the leotard, the other star in the show. They come in all shades and sizes, from the humble classic black to the boldest, brightest colour imaginable (my favourites? You can probably guess!) . It’s the most body-conscious, but most liberating garment. You just pull it on, you look and feel amazing; what’s not to love! And let's not forget the other vital part of a ballerina's uniform - the hair! Oh, the endless styles! The high buns, the sleek chignons, the delicate twists - so feminine, so graceful. But what are ballerinas to do about the hair in this 21st century, with the arrival of a new fashion era - the *’Ponytail of Love’. Hair accessories with bling. You may not wear them with a classic black leotard to practice in your local ballet school, but on stage? *Darling* they're a MUST!
And speaking of things we can’t do without, it's all about the make-up! Those luscious red lips and lashes, the touch of blush. It’s dramatic yet sophisticated and every bit the feminine masterpiece!
On this International Ballerina Day, let us raise a glass (or a glass of pink champagne for you girly girls!) to these gorgeous creatures, who are so effortlessly graceful in all they do! And perhaps just try out the graceful swan walk… even if we just want to practice on the journey to the nearest boulangerie! And darling, while you’re at it, why don't you slip into your *most* feminine outfit and embrace the Ballerina Day in style.
And let's not forget: there's a little ballerina in all of us! Because when it comes down to it, isn’t ballet just another word for grace and femininity and pure, unadulterated delight?
Until next time, darling,
Your favourite dance enthusiast,