A Tutu-orial on Tutus: A Day in the Life of a Ballerina, by Our Very Own Style Icon
Oh darling, do you ever feel like your life is just one big, glorious pirouette? Me too! I mean, it's not like I'm strutting around London in a feather boa and diamantĂ© leggings *all* the time (though I do have my days!), but being a dance writer *does* mean I'm surrounded by some serious twirling powerhouses! So, imagine my excitement when I landed a rare, exclusive interview with my idol â the Queen of Pointe, Amelia Balletina. We sat down (no, more like I gracefully posed on a velvet chaise lounge while she sipped chamomile tea with her impossibly dainty pinkie extended) and chatted all about the life and loves of a ballerina. It was truly inspirational.
Fashion Forward with Fluffy Frills
I wanted to start the interview on a, well, let's say *feminine* note."Amelia," I said, batting my eyelashes, "you look absolutely divine! Now, I must ask â what exactly is going on with that tulle?â (Let's be honest, that "tutu" was something else â imagine layers and layers of shimmering fabric floating on a cloud. A fluffy cloud. Oh, and it was lavender.)
Ameliaâs smile was as bright as the sequins on her top. "It's a tutu, my darling, a very important part of a ballerinaâs wardrobe!" She adjusted a particularly impressive (read: enormous) bow, its silk the color of a perfectly ripe strawberry. "You see," she continued, her voice like the tinkling of fairy bells, "a tutu can either be classically simple or absolutely **outrageous**, depending on the ballet. This one?" â she twirled gently, sending the tulle swirling â "This oneâs for a production of Swan Lake! Think dark forests, majestic swansâŠand well, the **most** *gorgeous* ballet tutu imaginable."
Life Behind the Tutu
I canât deny, I felt my heart flutter with admiration as she talked. (This woman, this magical creature, this ⊠tutu fairy ⊠was EVERYTHING.) "So, how does a normal day in the life of a ballerina actually work, Amelia?" I intruded. "Is it always just elegant and whimsical, or are there, shall we say, more... *earthly* aspects to your routine? "Let me assure you, dear," she laughed, the sound tinkling like a sleighbell, "the ballerina lifestyle is full of ups and downs. Sure, we dance with swans, fairies, and sometimes even *demonic* thingsâŠ" (Did she just say *demonic*?!) ⊠"But youâd be surprised by the mundane details. Warming up your muscles? Youâd think I just gracefully slide my leg through the air, but *trust me* â there's an alarming amount of grunting and **stretch marks**, darling.â Amelia then continued: âThere's the **constant fear of *leotard emergencies*** â you know, the kind that happen right in the middle of *en pointe*. Not a pretty sight! Weâve all had those âI really need to replace my leotard NOWâ moments. We ballerinas are a crafty bunch though â and resourceful! Just say a prayer to the tutu gods and all will be fine. Oh, and those tutus? They *need* to be ironed *perfectly*. There are days where I wish I was a princess and didnât have to even *look* at a pointy shoe, but, well, I am who I am.â
Tutu-ly Wonderful
"But wouldn't you agree, Amelia, that a life where tutus and dancing reign supreme, is one weâd all **love** to experience?" I inquired, reaching out to stroke the silky skirt of her lavender tutu. I didnât mind the fact Iâd actually gotten some tulle in my own high-fashion hair-spray â let's just say *sparkly* is my aesthetic. Amelia gazed *deeply* into my eyes â oh the melodrama! â before replying, "You know, dear, dancing isnât just about tutus and fancy moves â itâs about the artistry, the commitment, and the way it makes you *feel*. Itâs an expression that runs deeper than fashion." Well, if that wasnât a powerful life lesson to go out on! The sheer grace of her words left me speechless for a moment, my face dusted withâŠletâs call it **sparkling tulle-induced-beauty**. That day, in my little ballet-fueled world, Amelia Ballerina was my new âspirit animal". We talked for another hour or so (her time, of course, not mine. She *is* a superstar, after all), sharing insights, secret beauty tips â I did try, *with great effort* to master the perfect graceful-hand-gesture for which Amelia is known, but it just feltâŠawkward. *Oh, the tragedies of my less-than-prima-ballerina-like existence! *
It's More Than Just a Dress
Before saying *fond farewells*, Amelia did whisper one final truth that truly resonated. âMy darling, remember, tutus arenât just fluff. They represent passion, creativity, and, of course, **a certain level of sartorial splendor*.â I nodded fervently. I just *had* to include that, right?!
This was just the tip of the tutu, darling! I learned *so much* about the world of ballet, and I *must* share my favorite tips. Remember â if you have a big life event or party to attend and don't know what to wear - you need to go *big* or go home. Think sequins, think lace, think something that sparkles â and always, ALWAYS, think tutu!
Ballet Basics: A tutu-rial For You!
Here are my best tutu-orial tips: * Always âdress the partâ â that means a glamorous hairstyle, an ethereal frock and maybe a spritz of something that smells like spring flowers, but with a sophisticated kick. Don't forget the sparkle. * Go with a high-waisted style â it emphasizes your figure like a classic dancer! Remember the idea is to channel the movement, so make sure the tulle billows dramatically! * Always pair it with something dramatic, something with a bit of mystery. A velvet cloak? A pair of glittery heels? You're aiming for a "ballerina-gone-chic" look here, my darling! * Never underestimate the power of a delicate head-piece or statement jewelry! Imagine â a headband dripping with crystal or even a gorgeous hair clip with delicate pearls and sequinsâŠit just *sings*, doesnât it?! * And the biggest tip? Embrace the movement! Dance your way through your event, my darling! Don't just walk - *sway,* *pirouette,* and *twirl*. * A final flourish â **attitude is EVERYTHING, honey!**