Fun Ballet Tutu News 4716

Ballet: A Dance of Tutus, Tights, and Tears - It's Not All Swan Lake You Know!

Ah, ballet. The graceful art of leaping, twirling, and generally being utterly fabulous. We all know the classic image: ballerinas in their white, pink, or even (dare I say) *pastel yellow* tutus, their faces illuminated by stage lights as they perform feats of athleticism that would leave a mere mortal crumpled in a heap on the floor.

But you know what? Ballet is far more than just swans and sugar plums, my dears. Let me tell you, after spending a lifetime pirouetting and plying my trade, I’ve seen the *real* ballet world. It's a world of gruelling rehearsals, impossibly tight leotards, and a *slight* (okay, major) tendency towards tears. I mean, honestly, try maintaining a perfectly balanced *arabesque* while your pointe shoes feel like they're trying to escape your feet, and you’ve got a pretty good recipe for a hissy fit!

Now, don't get me wrong, I *adore* ballet. I’ve literally built my entire career around its allure and grace. But sometimes, darling, I swear it's the most demanding, infuriating art form ever invented! Let's Talk Tutus, My Darlings

And where do I even start with tutus? These fluffy marvels of fashion (some white, some pink, a few *dare I say* neon!), while undoubtedly *incredibly* dramatic, are the bane of our existence, and let's not even mention the itchy lace! The Ballet Behind The Curtain * There are mornings where you wake up, *already* in a ballet class leotard and tights and look at the mirror in complete confusion (did I wear this to bed?!) * Then you pull your hair into a messy bun (because let's be honest, hairspray doesn't exist until the last rehearsal) and grab your worn-out ballet bag with the ballet shoes and pointe shoes that squeak every time you put them on * This is the only reason, that most ballet girls are happy to perform, so they get a break from the dreadful hours spent with endless "plies, tendus and developpés!" * This is, of course, *after* the endless war against bun-making. Forget that *perfect* French braid ballerina bun that seems effortless in the magazines. My girls (and by “my girls” I mean all my ballet buddies) *never* quite get those right – you think hairspray is your best friend until the final performance... and your head is now *severely* stuck to your comb.

Okay, I confess, sometimes the struggle can be hilarious. Honestly, watching a whole troupe attempt to perfect the "Swan Lake" finale, is absolutely riotous. The tutu mishap, the *slight* mishap (by slight, I mean total disaster) with a "fouetté", the one person in the group with *very* dodgy eyeliner. This is why backstage at ballet, life *literally* feels like one giant, funny, yet stressful *improv show*

Yes, we ballet girls, with our sleek bun (or bun-gone-wild), our gracefully muscled bodies, and our love affair with tutus, look all sleek and graceful, the embodiment of feminine charm. I'm sure from afar, ballet classes look heavenly, and you see the swan, but you never see what happens in between... It's no wonder they *do* take things quite seriously at The Royal Ballet and other famous companies - It’s hard to do anything *but* take the dance itself seriously!

Look, ballet has given me a great understanding of the *art of beauty*. I can confidently claim that you will never see me leave the house without a touch of lipstick (or possibly five) and an eye-liner that is never not in use. * I also love a perfectly matched, vintage inspired outfit - ballet has taught me the *fine art* of knowing what fits you perfectly, and then taking your outfit up a notch. And the best part is... this knowledge goes for *anything* you choose to wear - just remember your tutus, it takes the lead!

For many dancers, ballet is the only career we've ever known, a lifestyle of "en pointe" every day. We do have to *stay* committed and we’re all so very grateful, and the love and hard work (especially the love and hard work!) show. And frankly, in a world that can feel increasingly complex and chaotic, that graceful discipline - the pursuit of *physical perfection* – is something that *really* matters.

And at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a story about women taking charge and using their body, their grace, their mind to make something beautiful out of movement? After all, that’s what life’s really about, *isn’t* it? And that's *what* ballet is *all* about.

So, dear readers, go and check out a ballet performance, you might just find yourself utterly enchanted, giggling with laughter and in awe of its *undeniable* beauty. (Even if you think you *don’t* like ballet!)