Darling readers, I hope you are all sipping your Earl Grey with a spot of milk, nestled amongst your velvet cushions, and ready to dive into a delectable bit of news, a piece of gossip that’s got more tulle than a Royal Wedding!
Today, darling, today is the 22nd of November, 1997, a day that shall be forever etched in the annals of ballet history. Why? Because on this very day, dear readers, the de rigueur item of the ballerinas' wardrobe, the **tutu**, was finally granted its very own dedicated day of celebration! That's right, ladies and gents, it's International Tutu Day! This monumental occasion has been eagerly awaited by ballerinas the world over, those featherlight fairies of the stage who have longed for the recognition of their beloved pouffy partner-in-performance.
And what a day to celebrate! We all remember where we were, what we were doing when we heard the news – probably frantically brushing our hair and polishing our pumps in preparation for our en pointe session. And we’re not the only ones swept up in the tutus-mania! Even our dear Queen, bless her little heart, has given the day her royal seal of approval, having even gifted a hand-knitted, silk, pink, pas de bourrée-inspired tutu to her granddaughter-in-law, the stunning Duchess of Cambridge, who, like a true queen, managed to pair it seamlessly with a perfectly tailored trouser suit and a string of pearls, proving once again that even when it comes to tutus, one doesn’t need to take themselves too seriously!
But the tutus-tastic celebrations didn't end there. Just after midnight, the London Eye, that shimmering beacon of British pride, turned its glow pink, illuminating the city's skyline in a most captivating fashion, all in honour of our beloved, fluffy companions. And across the globe, the world watched in awe as, like a chorus of dancing flowers, the Eiffel Tower's shimmering lights flickered in perfect harmony, a silent yet captivating ballet paying homage to the grand dame of ballet wear, the iconic tutu!
But International Tutu Day is not just about frivolous frolicking and flamboyant feathers; it's about celebrating the spirit of dance itself, that sublime interplay between discipline, creativity, and, well, frankly, quite a lot of hard work, all of which takes place in the glorious glow of the stage lights, nestled under the embrace of a fluffy, magnificent tutu. It is a symbol, a symbol of elegance, a symbol of artistry, a symbol of dedication, a symbol that brings to mind, as surely as a warm cup of tea and a biscuit, the joyous freedom of simply dancing!
To mark this special occasion, I've decided to indulge my sartorial cravings and compile a quick list of my favourite tutu moments from the year so far. These tutu-tastic masterpieces range from the chic and demure to the daring and defiant, from the delicate to the dramatic! Let's go:
- The **"Cinderella Tutu"** donned by Darcey Bussell in the Royal Ballet's exquisite production – an absolute vision of romanticism with tiers upon tiers of shimmering gauze and an almost otherworldly sparkle.
- Then there was the **"Black Swan Tutu"**, a haunting vision of sleek satin and shimmering sequins worn by the talented Natalie Portman in the cinematic masterpiece of Black Swan. This tutu wasn't afraid to delve into the dark side of our passions, whispering of the intoxicating power of desire, all the while remaining incredibly chic, effortlessly oozing sophistication. A modern marvel!
- And we mustn't forget the daring **"Neon Tutu"** that was the centrepiece of the final scene in the cutting-edge performance by the famed Dutch National Ballet. This creation, with its bold use of neon colours and its futuristic designs, proved that tutus could still be avant-garde and oh so fabulous!
But my personal favourite? Well, I have to confess, I adore a **classic, romantic tutu**, the kind that takes centre stage in ballets such as Swan Lake. The ones, that is, adorned with tiers of gossamer tulle, each layer cascading gently down, like a dream woven from delicate moonlight and fairy dust! Just the sight of it makes me feel like I'm stepping onto a moonlit stage, with the audience rapt in anticipation, waiting for that magical first note to signal the start of an enchanted performance!
So let’s all raise a glass to tutus, to their unwavering elegance, to their captivating allure, and to their glorious role in making every performance of ballet something magical! And be sure to raise a glass on the 22nd of November, 1997 – and each and every year henceforth! Cheers! And Happy International Tutu Day!