Dearest darlings! It's your favourite dance-obsessed columnist back with another piping hot scoop from the glamorous world of ballet! As the summer sun sets over the Royal Opera House, casting long, elegant shadows across the stage, we find ourselves asking the big question: are tutus truly the epitome of ballet chic, or a sartorial crime? Today, we delve into the sartorial complexities of this much-loved, yet frequently maligned, piece of dance attire.
Let's be honest, darlings, the tutu has been around longer than your favourite pair of Manolos. The word itself is French, meaning "tulle" (think frothy, feathery goodness). And if there's one thing ballerinas know how to do, it's rock a frock (or in this case, a frock-like garment)! It’s the epitome of ethereal elegance, and has been gracing the stages of the world since the 1800s.
But in the twenty-first century, with its crop tops and its crop circles, can this centuries-old tradition really survive? Some would say no. Others, like moi, would argue that a white or pink tutu never goes out of style.
Just ask a certain Ms. Gisele Bundchen who, when photographed in a ballet class a few years back, sported a tutu that made headlines all over the globe! Who can argue with supermodels? Gisele certainly understood the allure and the power of the humble tutu.
So, my lovely ladies, let's consider the pros and cons of this most magnificent dance wear, and perhaps answer the age-old question: Are tutus timeless or passé?
**Let's talk advantages: **
- Graceful and Romantic - They give an effortless, romantic vibe, and make any girl look like a fairy princess! Even on my aunt, Gladys. And believe me, she is far from ethereal.
- Movement Magic - They allow ballerinas to move with freedom and fluidity, a real ballet necessity.
- Style Statement - Forget your tiny black dresses. There is just no better way to grab attention than a pink or white tutu! There's a reason ballerinas stand out, darlings, and it’s the tutus.
- Tradition - Let's face it, they're iconic. We've all seen the little girls at the local ballet school dancing in their sweet, fluffy tutus and know, deep in our hearts, that we’ll all be tutued in the ballet afterlife!
Now, of course, as with any article of clothing that's been around as long as the tutu, there are bound to be a few flaws.
So, my loves, let's delve into the less than fabulous facets:
- It can be uncomfortable: Especially when the stage lights are heating the poor little ballerina like a roast turkey. No one's wearing tutus on a sunny day! Well, that's an understatement!
- It’s difficult to get out of a car in. Think I'm exaggerating? Trust me on this, darlings. It is near impossible to wriggle yourself gracefully out of your trusty Lexus when your bottom is encased in a stiff, multi-layered piece of tulle.
- You really can't move fast in them, but hey, you’re meant to dance ballet, not participate in a marathon, right? Right!
- And yes, it takes a great deal of work and skill to make tutus look like the magical creations they are. It's more than just twirling around, darlings! So, in these dark times, we might need to thank our local dressmaker.
Let’s be real, darlings. It is a bit hard to see a tutu as anything other than “extra,” isn’t it? Maybe that's the problem – they're too beautiful, too extravagant. Is the tutu ultimately, just a little bit too “over the top”?
My verdict, my darling loves? The tutu isn’t just an iconic garment in the dance world. It is a celebration of femininity, an expression of art and a symbol of a magical world where anything is possible. Just think of a ballerina. Or imagine an ethereal creature that can glide and jump effortlessly in a shimmering cloud of tulle! Doesn’t that make you want to slip into a pair of pointe shoes, or maybe just put on some mascara and hope for the best?
But who am I kidding? It’s hard to ignore a tutu’s iconic status. Especially when, even at our own ballet classes (yes, we all do take them!) even the teachers make us do “a full-on tutued leap” – and they make us do it in the most glamorous pink tutus, naturally!
My friends, keep shining bright and remembering the simple joys. The ones we share – and perhaps even share with our aunt Gladys! – when we see a ballerina glide across the stage in her lovely, and ever-so slightly impractical, pink or white tutu.