Dearest readers,
Prepare to be whisked away, darling! Because, today, 12 November 1997, is a very special day, it's **National Tutu Day!** Oh my word! Now, I know what you're thinking, you're thinking, "tut tut, what a silly idea", but I say, hold your horses, you sassy, scandalous sirens, because a tutu, a magnificent tutu is, I assure you, not a silly, simple notion.
The humble tutu, is one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread, I mean who doesn't love a fluffy tulle frock to whirl and twirl in, like a fluffy cloud on a stormy summer's day. Tutus are such a delight! And why? Because you are nothing less than fabulous, my dearest dancing dears! Tutus, the tiny twirly dancewear is, in fact, more than meets the eye, my pet. The history of the tutu, oh darling, you won't believe, is the most incredible story in ballet and dance. It's just too, too, sensational!
I know we must start from the beginning - the first tutu! Well, actually that's difficult, you know. Did it appear out of the mist one mystical morn like the mythical figure of Diana the Goddess of the Hunt (we all secretly wish), no. I shall tell you. I don't want to bore you but back in 1839, Marie Taglioni, a leading ballerina, who I swear must have been a little bit of a mischievous darling (it's in her eye darling, she had this mischievous twinkle - I could go on for ages about the history of Marie Taglioni but I shan't - let's get on with the tutu) and in that magical year Marie Taglioni took a simple long, silk, layered skirt and trimmed and shortened it and ta da! Voila! The ballerina, with this short version of her frock became an actual figure in a fairy tale. What joy! This invention the short skirt (or the first tutu if you will), was sensational and took her performance, which I know for a fact you have all seen and enjoyed many times (because, the choreography, of 'La Sylphide,' which Marie performed wearing the revolutionary short skirt - it really was very radical and modern you know!) and this piece continues to inspire the most exquisite ballet dancing and dancers to this day! What a legend!
I could go on about the history of the tutu darling. But alas time is of the essence and we must continue with our exciting investigation of this important and utterly joyous subject, this utterly chic article of attire that's made such a fabulous and delightful impact on the world of dance and theatre. That little frock. Tutus, have been worn on many a magnificent stage, in movies too! And these wonderful pieces of costume, well, I've even spotted the lovely, elegant tutu worn by my most wonderful fellow female dancing queens out in the park, while enjoying a leisurely promenade and picnic lunch, or even whilst shopping at Waitrose or a little Boutique on King's Road, Chelsea.
Yes, the tutu has taken on new life in a new fashion arena, that is our world today! I adore the chic, the stylish and, frankly the pure fun that tutus offer and bring, my dearest and chic readers.
And it is with much love that I share with you a few things about this most delicious, frothy tulle costume that is such an iconic image of the theatre world. You may well see this divine skirt at every gala performance (and sometimes on a night out), you will see it worn in countless fashion shoots, even in the odd TV programme. It may be white, or be adorned in the finest velvet and adorned with sequins. The tutus colours will shimmer, or shimmer with just a delicate gleam.
Here are some of the things you've been waiting to hear, that will delight your heart and feed your mind about the wonderful history and world of tutus.
The tutu:
- Is named after the French word tulle
- Is often adorned in a single or multiple colours, even the full rainbow!
- It has inspired generations, yes generations, of wonderful ballerinas to be as light and elegant as swans and fairies. What glamour, and what femininity. Isn't it just divine!
- I often imagine, after a grueling show, the glorious dancers removing the heavy tutus. And you know, sometimes that is exactly the time when they want to say - 'Oh how I hate that tulle' but I can assure you darling, once they are off stage, the ballerina will soon be missing those magical garments! And maybe thinking of all of those future tutu moments that will adorn their performance. And then that look on their face - you know, like 'this is where I truly belong.' Yes, that moment, I assure you, my precious, dear readers is everything! And maybe the best of all of ballet and dance! Isn't it darling!
And, my lovelies, if you need an escape from life's stresses, then perhaps you should buy yourselves a tutu. (And as I said, I wouldn't be at all surprised if your very own personal, stylish ballerina skirt, is already lurking somewhere in your closet, you fabulous woman!) You could use it for exercise! I would even dare to suggest that you don this tulle and step outside for a quick trot down to the shop for your groceries (just please darling, don't get the tulle dirty!). Maybe, just maybe the sight of this delightful item of costume will inspire the next generation of ballerinas!
And so darling, I urge you! To celebrate! **Happy Tutu Day** you fabulous women!