A Tutu Too Far? Ballet Goes Bonkers as Pink Reign Supreme
Darling, you wouldn't believe the state of things at the Royal Ballet this week! It's a pink explosion, a sugary swirl of tulle and tiaras. They've gone completely bonkers! All the dancers are waltzing around in shades of blush, ballerina pink and baby pink – I mean, how many shades of pink can there be, right? Apparently, someone, bless their fluffy cotton socks, has declared that a "pink renaissance" is happening in the world of ballet. And don't get me started on the tutus – oh dear, it's a vision of saccharine sweet. Think puffy clouds of pink, with a sprinkle of fairy dust for good measure. I swear, it's giving Disney princess, but like, on a budget. It's enough to give a seasoned dance critic like myself a sugar rush and a good old-fashioned case of the giggles!
But hold your horses, darlings, there's a twist! There's this new, rather alarming, trend going around called "white on white." Apparently, the male dancers are now embracing a full white look – I'm talking white tights, white leotards, and even white tutus! Imagine the sheer terror, the horror! The last time a man dared to wear a tutu it was Baryshnikov – a legend! Not a... (pause for dramatic effect) ... well, this lot!
What started as a small, cute, and slightly awkward trend in one of the Royal Ballet's smaller performances has now exploded, literally, across the stage. There's been a rise in tutus so massive, that the costume department had to call in extra seamstresses from the local haberdashery. They are absolutely knackered! They told me in hushed whispers that "They just keep coming. Pink ones, white ones, even turquoise ones, just keep throwing them at us!". Honestly, the poor dears can't cope, but they keep their chin up and churn out these ridiculous outfits, with a touch of grace and a hefty dose of eye-rolling.
The reaction from the audiences, though, is rather divided. Some, like myself, are left giggling uncontrollably, others are glued to their seats with a mixture of awe and fear – and there's a whole contingent, mainly older, traditionally-minded ladies in hats, who are left looking like they've just swallowed a lemon – pucker-faced, eyes narrowed in disapproval.
Apparently, the main perpetrator behind all this – the evil mastermind who has pushed pink upon us – is a young and sprightly choreographer, new to the Royal Ballet. He is also known for his elaborate, over-the-top choreography and the penchant for wearing outfits in bold colours that can only be described as "artistic." His debut ballet, a whimsical affair with a nonsensical storyline revolving around talking unicorns, is about to open and this is his "grand design" for the world to see. Let's just say, it's a lot to process. And quite frankly, it's hard to imagine these "pink-ified" versions of the Nutcracker or Swan Lake.
But what I have to admit, however much I gag on these pink ensembles and white leotard monstrosities, the dances themselves are quite good. This young choreographer is undoubtedly talented, his dances are fresh and original, but it’s this obsession with the "color" and the constant play on colour combinations and patterns, that is bordering on insanity. Perhaps, this "pink renaissance" is just another theatrical and fashion-conscious statement by the Royal Ballet, aiming to capture the attention of younger audiences, maybe even spark some “TikTok dance challenges” with the latest trends. Maybe it's a calculated move to inject a bit of millennial madness into the otherwise refined and elegant world of ballet, who knows! All I know is that the tutus are definitely in a class of their own!
Here are some highlights of the "Pink Renaissance":
- The principal ballerina, otherwise known for her impeccable sense of style and understated grace, was seen wearing a tulle tutu that looked like it came straight from a child's birthday party. "Oh darling, I'm having visions of cotton candy," was her excuse. And you know what? I can't disagree!
- The leading male dancer is now a vision in white! A fluffy white leotard and a white tutu that only Baryshnikov would have dared to wear. The ensemble is making the world swoon (with horror)!
- Apparently, the director of the ballet, known for his conservative tastes, has threatened to wear a full-on pink, sequined unitard, if the performances don't live up to the expectations. And by that he means, if those tutu’s don’t fly and those leotards don’t sparkle!
- A few other dance companies around the world are jumping on this trend and launching their own, colour-centric dance performance productions. The first one has been named "Blackout" with a bold ensemble of completely black costumes! Oh, how the tables turn, darling!
The jury is still out on whether this pink frenzy is here to stay, but it’s a definite eye-opener, a theatrical statement, and an attempt at experimentation, so, for that we must commend these bold souls! And who knows, maybe by the next premiere the Royal Ballet will embrace a rainbow of tutus and dance a dazzling multi-coloured show that is sure to blow the audiences away!