Tutues, Tiaras and Tea: Ballerinas Get a Serious Case of the giggles!
Dearest darlings, prepare yourselves for a truly whimsical tale - a tale of tulle and tutus, of pliés and pirouettes, but most importantly, of giggling fits so grand they'd make even the most seasoned prima ballerina lose her footing.
It was a glorious day - the 6th of May, 2008 - the air positively buzzing with the energy of aspiring ballerinas. The sun was out, a glorious beacon shining upon the beautiful pink and white tutus that fluttered with every breeze. The dance studio, usually a haven of quiet contemplation and serious focus, was about to witness something truly, hilariously unexpected.
The story starts with our leading lady, Miss Penelope Primrose. Penelope, bless her little cotton socks, is known for her meticulous approach to ballet. Everything must be *just so*: her bun, her leotard (always the sleekest, blackest leotard you've ever seen), her posture, oh my, her posture! But there's a twist! Behind all the perfection, lurks a hidden love of all things ridiculous - a penchant for the giggle, a fondness for the fantastical.
It all began with a simple plié. A gentle bending of the knees, the most basic of ballet movements. Yet, somehow, it sparked a chain reaction. One giggle turned into two, two into three, until the whole class was swept up in a wave of giggles. Picture this: rows and rows of tiny ballerinas in their pastel-coloured leotards and frilly tutus, trying with all their might to control their giggles, their little faces contorted in a delicious blend of amusement and terror, their tutus twirling madly like a bunch of joyful butterflies!
But wait, there's more! Enter stage left, Madame Esmeralda, our esteemed dance teacher, her eyes widening in horror. "Enough!" she cried, "Stop this giggling immediately!"
This, of course, had the opposite effect. Now, the giggling reached fever pitch! Madame Esmeralda, ever the stalwart, stood her ground. She began to count: "One! Two! Three!…" Yet, all she could hear was a chorus of snorts and giggles! The poor woman was truly stumped.
Desperate, she grabbed a fluffy, white tutu and declared: "Whoever can hold back their giggles for a whole five minutes, can wear this tutu during the final dance routine!" Now, there’s no more powerful incentive for a little ballerina than a dazzling white tutu. Silence. A hush fell over the room. Each tiny ballerina sat perfectly still, their eyes locked on the coveted prize, a battle raging within. The tiny ones had won the battle of wills over the giggle monster.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the five minutes were up. And guess what? Not a single giggle escaped! Our future prima ballerinas had conquered their silly side!
But, of course, no story ends without a twist. As the triumphant little ones danced their routine with the white tutu taking centre stage, a certain Miss Penelope Primrose, oh, how I do love her for this, let out a giant, belly-splitting giggle that reverberated through the studio. And you know what? All those tiny ballerinas joined in. From a giggle to a guffaw, the laughter was pure and joyous and absolutely infectious.
That, my darlings, was the day giggling took centre stage. It's a reminder that life, even in the elegant world of ballet, is meant to be enjoyed, even if it means defying Madame Esmeralda’s iron will.
And now, darlings, I leave you with a final thought: Do you think there are such things as “ballet-appropriate giggles”? Hmm? Don't be afraid to ponder, darlings!
From the Dance World,
Yours in Giggles,
Alexandra DeVille,
(She who dances through life!)