Ballet: It’s All About the Tutu, Darlings!
21st April 2006 - Let’s face it, darlings, ballet is all about the tutu. It’s the pièce de résistance, the ultimate statement of feminine grace. It’s what sets the ballerina apart, the epitome of elegance in a whirlwind of tulle and satin. Forget the demanding choreography, the grueling training, the painful blisters; all that matters is that cloud of tulle billowing around you, catching the light, whispering a tale of ethereal beauty. And speaking of tulle, what are we to make of this new trend of **white tutus** hitting the stage? Are we entering a new era of purity, innocence and - dare I say - **boring**? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the classics, the traditional **pink tutu** with its blushing hues and suggestive symbolism. But white? It screams ‘hospital bed’, ‘wedding dress', 'too many layers of foundation'. Where’s the vibrancy, the drama? We want **pink**, darlings! The colour that shouts ‘I'm here, I'm fabulous, I can dance like a dream, and I'm not afraid to show off my legs'. White is just... well, it’s just white. It’s like a blank canvas, waiting for a dash of colour to make it truly exciting.
Let’s talk about **leotards**, shall we? These humble, second-skin garments play an equally crucial role in a ballerina’s performance. The leotard needs to be, well, *leotard-y* - snug, supportive, yet flattering enough to showcase those dancer’s muscles in all their glorious detail. Not to mention the crucial, **almost-invisible** task of concealing unsightly undergarments. Can we just agree that a black leotard under a white tutu looks…well, slightly sinister, like a vampire at a christening? Black and white together should be a rule for chessboards and, let's be honest, those horrible Zebra fashion disasters of the 80s, not ballet. Let's have the colour contrast to create a statement of contrasting beauty. I say: embrace the vibrant pink, green, or maybe a rich emerald, to give your leotard the necessary ‘pop’. Why should your fabulous physique be encased in something so, well, boring?
Speaking of vibrant, I’ve heard whispers about this ‘**new wave’** of ballerinas. These daring young women are ditching the traditional **pink tutus** and **leotards** for more **contemporary creations** - think **denim**, **leather**, **sequins**. I don't know about you darlings, but I just can’t imagine a graceful ballerina pirouette in **denim**. The rigidness, the stiffness…it would be like asking a bird to fly in a tin can! What about **leather**? Sure, it could be interesting for the **bad-girl-ballerina** who is channeling her inner rebellious spirit (perhaps on an 'enfant terrible' stage production?), but the sleek, luxurious **satins and velvets** of traditional dance are what really enhance the beauty of a ballerina’s form. Don't even get me started on the horror of a sequined **leotard**, just be warned it should only be considered on a school dance recital and with no more than a handful of sequins strategically placed! **Tutus**, however, that's another story. They embrace bold changes.
So let’s raise a glass (a flute of champagne, of course) to the **pink tutus**, the iconic garments that define the ballerina, and the beautiful and feminine power they convey.
Here's to the future of ballet!
* And Remember *
**There's nothing more glamorous than a pink tutu.**
**Never wear black underwear with a white tutu.**
**Leotards are an undergarment, keep them sophisticated.**
Remember ladies, even if we can't have a *real* fairytale romance, a sparkly and flamboyant outfit will come close.