Darling, can you believe it’s already 1998? Time flies when you’re pirouetting, doesn’t it? Well, let’s kick off the New Year with a story that’s sure to have you giggling like a school girl at a first performance. You see, darling, I’ve been in a right tizzy since a rather surprising discovery at a vintage shop just last week.
I was rummaging through a stack of antique books in this darling little shop in Kensington, looking for a first edition of *The Nutcracker* when what should I find but a vintage copy of *Tutues: A History*. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw it! Not just any tutu history book, no darling, this one was packed with photos of tutus through the ages - think feathered poufs, billowing tulle, and the most gloriously gaudy sequined creations you could imagine.
So naturally, I had to buy it, right? The dust on that book was probably older than my favourite pair of pointe shoes, and the paper was so brittle, it almost fell apart in my hands.
But as I sat down with a nice cup of Earl Grey, I started reading through the book and honestly, darling, it was hilarious! I mean, I knew tutus were a big deal, but did you know they actually have a rich, albeit quite funny, history?
Now I’m not one to gossip, but this book, it had it all, darling! Just think – scandalous tutus! Daring tutus! Tutues that could’ve stopped traffic, all documented with the most fabulous photos. Imagine, in the early 1800s, they were actually wearing tutus that looked like giant flowerpots! Imagine trying to perform a pas de deux in one of those things, you'd be lucky not to break your ankles!
Now the book did get serious for a moment, mentioning that tutus were originally designed to give ballerinas more freedom of movement – I mean, think of those cumbersome corsets they were wearing! Can you imagine being constricted like that and then having to try to leap and twirl? Horrible!
Now you know I love my dramatic looks and fabulous costume choices as much as the next ballerina but I have to admit, these tutus were quite something! Imagine if you will – they used to be HUGE, literally massive! Like puffy, fluffy, white cotton candy clouds that only a strong man could carry on a stage. I bet that took some stamina to lift up those things!
One story particularly stuck with me: The famous "Diamond Tutu" incident! Turns out some sneaky ballerina decided to spice up a show by sewing a necklace of real diamonds into her tutu – can you imagine, darling? Can you imagine the glittering sight! It was supposed to be the big wow moment of the show, but well, someone's cat got into the dressing room and chomped off the whole necklace before the performance even started!
Talk about disaster, right? Of course, they just gave her another tutu - a very basic black tutu, if you please - but everyone could see the sparkle marks on it. Oh, darling, the scandals that took place back then were *so* much more stylish, you can’t deny it.
And then, there was the whole colour thing, oh my darling, don't get me started! It turns out in the 1890s, everyone had the same, I mean the SAME, shade of pale pink tutus. I’m talking pale, practically invisible pink, that looked as if they were about to fall apart. Not the sort of look you’d want to take to a posh London ball now, is it, my dear?
Now don't worry, there was no shortage of funny stuff, too, darling. The author (don't even get me started on her - I think she might have been some kind of countess!), was apparently an absolute scandal in the ballet world, you know - the kind who talked in the theatre! But she did mention how once a ballerina’s tutu flew off in the middle of a grand jeté during a royal performance, only for it to get caught on a chandelier. The entire theatre had to be evacuated to pull her down - talk about being caught with your pants down!
As much as I enjoy being a bit extravagant myself (my recent collection of leopard-print leotards might prove that), there’s no denying, dear, there's something special about that elegant simplicity of the classic white tutu, especially when spun in the right light. I mean, what else screams elegance, drama, and ballerina more than a tutu, right?
But after reading this book, I have a new appreciation for the history of tutus. It’s funny, exciting and frankly, more outrageous than anything on a London catwalk. They might have been impractical, a bit embarrassing, and even dangerous but let’s be honest, a bit of drama on the dance floor makes the performance oh, so much more interesting.
The best part of this book, darling? I’m still thinking of it, and for me, the real takeaway is: when it comes to tutus - and I suppose to everything in life, really - embrace the spectacle, go bold, and, dare I say, have some fun, darling, have some fun! It's so much more enjoyable!