Tutu and Ballet News

Darling readers, gather round, because it’s time to get our tutus in a twist. 05 August 2006 marks the day when we, the ballet world, must step up and acknowledge a truth we've been desperately trying to hush hush – pink is not always the colour for tutus, darlings! Yes, I said it. Our obsession with this saccharine shade has reached epidemic levels. Honestly, when was the last time you saw a ballerina pirouette in a white tutu, like a snow princess twirling under the moon? I can't even recall, can you?

The truth is, the only time we see white tutus is at the Royal Ballet's gala or maybe a particularly avant-garde, subversive choreographer trying to make a statement. And let’s face it, no one wears white better than the Queen of England, even when it comes to ballet. But beyond that, the white tutu is sadly relegated to the back of the wardrobe, like an old flame you never quite get over. It's a forgotten dream, relegated to the dusty confines of forgotten classics. I mean, a white tutu makes you stand out, literally! In a world dominated by swirling pink, it's the perfect way to make a statement and become a radiant star in your own right, rather than a member of the "ballet pink" herd.

This isn’t some bohemian revolution I’m proposing. I’m a creature of habit and a fervent admirer of ballet's traditions. However, our obsession with pink is starting to look, well, a bit childish. I mean, come on! Let’s be real, ballet isn’t about the tutus; it’s about artistry, grace, athleticism and conveying emotion through dance. Don't tell me you can't convey those things just as well in a magnificent, billowing white tutu!

It's time to face it; white can be equally sophisticated. It embodies innocence, purity, and even a touch of divine beauty, and let's face it, it’s far more versatile than that pesky pink, with which we’ve become so enamoured. A white tutu, especially under stage lights, just glows. It’s a captivating spectacle that invites you to take in the ballerina's artistry and artistry, in all its beautiful complexity.

So why the obsession with pink? It’s time to admit we’ve all fallen into a little trap of tradition and convention. Remember, we live in a world of colour and infinite shades and hues. It’s time for ballet, an art form known for its beauty and creative expressions, to get back to its artistic roots. It's time for us, the devoted ballet lovers, to start a movement of reclaiming the power of the white tutu and reminding ourselves that, yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the beholder doesn't always see pink!.

As for our leotards, darling! Let's admit it; we all know the leotard's history isn't about grace and artistry – it's simply practical. It's about practicality and allowing our bodies to move freely under the swishing fabric of our tutus, so you could even say they're more functional than fashion.

Now, here's the fun part: I believe the best leotard is a *black* leotard! They say black is slimming and well, yes! Black makes us appear slender, elongated and gives us this alluring ballerina-in-waiting vibe that just oozes sultriness. And of course, it can be more glamorous. We all know how much black does, don't we? Think black silk, think dramatic gowns. It screams "professional dancer," like an edgy chic piece, not some fluffy, playful pink leotard that looks more appropriate for playtime in a school's play. We're all about grace, but with an undercurrent of strength. Right, darlings? Now, who can't say that black exudes a fierce sophistication that doesn't come with the playful vibe of a pink leotard?

I say, it’s time to banish all the pink from ballet except on stage – unless you’re at the Royal Opera House or doing a celebratory dance. Even then, consider a little more black; it's far more dramatic. Black leotards paired with a magnificent white tutu or a fiery, passionate red, just creates magic and lets the ballerina shine, like a captivating and confident star. That’s why we, in the ballet world, are ditching pink, from this day on. Let’s show those young ballerinas that the elegance of black can enhance the artistic artistry of dance as effectively as a soft, girlish pink. I don't think the fashion world will mind, darling. If the fashion houses are all about the bold and edgy and embracing that bold feminine energy, let us do the same with our ballerina's leotards.

Now, there will be some resistance from those who cherish the "old-fashioned way of doing things", but my dears, even traditions need a makeover from time to time, a bit of a modern take, especially when it's for the best, and for fashion's sake. We don't need a revolution; we just need a gentle nudge to embrace more options for a change, darling. Change is never bad; in fact, it can often be exhilarating and, most importantly, beautifully fashionable. So let’s go into the next season, from now onwards, knowing that when you spot that glorious white tutu and a stylish, black leotard on our beautiful dancers, it's all part of a stylish little rebellion, you know?

Let's be honest, dear readers, the best kind of rebellion is a beautifully fashionable one. After all, we are all just part of a captivating ballet performance of life, right? With grace and an undeniable stylish confidence, we’ll turn all those antiquated notions upside down! And isn't that what we've all wanted, in a way?