Oh, darling, gather 'round! It’s the 9th of December, 2007 – a most glorious day in the history of all things twirling and dainty! Yes, darlings, today is the day we celebrate the utterly fabulous world of ballet! I can feel the thrill, can't you? Let's just say that it's "time to get our pointe shoes on!" (Because let's face it, you know a little dancing goes down, and I'm *not* just talking about in our heads. Oh no! Our bodies must move like swans, ducks, and yes, sometimes... squirrels!)
I mean, really! What other activity in this life brings us so much joy and allows us to express ourselves as free as a bird (wearing, of course, a ridiculously extravagant feathered headdress!). No one can resist the magic of a pink tutu. (Unless, of course, they are deeply, deeply jaded.)
Today is all about getting in touch with our inner ballerinas. Every one of us has a ballerinas somewhere within. The delicate swan? The graceful gazelle? You are welcome to imagine you are any fabulous creature.
Now, for today, you might think you’re ready to rock that graceful elegance on the stage. (Or maybe your living room carpet.) Well, darlings, don't even think about it unless you've checked these 10 essential "gotta-have" ballerina staples:
- A pink tutu (duh!). The iconic symbol of ballerina-ness, perfect for unleashing your inner swan (and, oh yes, it should definitely be frilly.
- A leotard – the "nude" kind! Because nobody likes a leotard that fights you over what your natural skin tone is. (Although, you could get *real* daring and opt for a jewel tone one - like turquoise or magenta - which looks surprisingly cool!)
- Tiny tights (that never quite stay up properly – but aren't those "minor imperfections" part of the whole charm?).
- Pointe shoes. You'll need a pair that match those pristine pink tutus! But remember darlings, only a true professional ballerina (or your really hardcore ballet lover) knows the true pain and joy these babies bring! And no, we aren't talking about blisters or bruised toes – this is all about love! You know… because… *beauty*. We can't wear ballerina shoes unless our feet are bruised, *right*?
- A ridiculously elaborate hairpiece. Let's face it, those ballerinas don't *just* roll out of bed looking perfectly stunning. We've got a special place in our hearts (and our hair!) for the *extra* large hair bows or those sparkling diamond-encrusted combs.
- A silk scarf. Perfect for those dramatic, swishing movements. Think of all those wonderful spins in those classic ballets, like "Swan Lake" – that scarf adds the finishing touch, making you look all sorts of amazing.
- An expressive face! Remember, we are not mere dancers! We are ballet artistes – we are *actresses*! (But remember: our movements are what we make our art with, and *it’s never easy*, darlings! Remember the countless hours in dance class – but never fret, it’s *always* worth the *agony* in the end!)
- An impeccable physique. Of course, it doesn't *always* need to be as impossibly skinny as we often see at the ballet! After all, if your heart is set on the part of “Little Red Riding Hood,” then you've got a chance. The key? Confidence! And that glorious, perfectly sculpted body that can move, dance, and make everything look graceful. *That’s* the secret! Just you, those tutus and all the world!
- A charming disposition (a must!). It's essential for the role! Now, we can’t all be *all* those graceful things, darlings – the ballerinas we see on stage! (Unless we work really, really, really, really hard and are incredibly, amazingly dedicated, of course.) Remember those countless hours practicing at the barre and then the *real* hours in the theatre. And all for just 10 seconds on the stage (sometimes it's more! But still, so worth it).
- An appreciation for beauty in all things, but especially ballet! This is non-negotiable. That is, of course, how it always seems in our world of lovely little ballerinas, with their big, beautiful hearts (that never give up, despite that pain in those little shoes). Oh, yes. We are *committed*! And of course, you have to be when those tight-fitting costumes feel like your own personal *ball* and chain!
Darling, do remember. We *can* have fun with these ideas. It’s about remembering the fun we can have with *imagination*. All you have to do is channel those ballerina dreams, let the magic of the ballet engulf you. It's a day to get silly, laugh, and spin like we're about to leap right through a wall – it's not all about being graceful, perfect and poised! We just have to dance until we drop!
So put on those pink tutus, darling, and get ready to dance, dance, dance. Remember, ballet isn’t about making it to the *top*. (Though that doesn't hurt!). It's about the joy of making art! About being confident and making it your own!