Tutu and Ballet News

Darling, gather 'round for a bit of a tea and tittle-tattle. What have we got in the news this fine 20th of September 1996? Oh my, I’m not even sure where to begin with this gem, but you know me, darling. Let's dive right in!

First things first. Tut tut tut - I simply cannot get over the tutu scandal rocking the ballet world right now. Now I understand this might sound a little silly. After all, tutus are, let's be honest, just skirts - fluffy ones - and, I'll admit, when you’re wearing them as a little ballerina, you can feel pretty invincible, but all of a sudden they are centre stage in a fray so big even *Downton Abbey* is looking on with bated breath.

Now here's the tea. Some of these ballet companies - we're not naming any names here darlings but if I was whispering in your ear, it'd sound an awful lot like *The Royal Ballet,* or possibly the *Paris Opera Ballet,* just maybe, - they’re making some drastic moves with tutus.

Let's just say the ones you remember with the puffy tulle that billowed just so during a pirouette? Well, those are now firmly relegated to the dustbins of ballet history, just like those hair-raising shoulder pads of the 1980s, a real vintage vibe. So much *Gone With The Wind* you could hardly move your arms!

It seems that a certain amount of "minimalism" is taking centre stage. Now darling, don’t misunderstand me. It is a total *faux pas* to mistake "minimal" for "basic". Oh no darling. This is art, not a supermarket special - these tutus are crafted for the modern ballet queen by the absolute finest designers.

But here’s where it gets all dramatic - some dancers simply aren't having it. "What will people think?", they gasp. "Without our puff - our statement - how will they know we’re professional ballet dancers?". Well, my dears, here’s the rub. The new minimal tutus are all about clean, contemporary lines, think the kind of look the supermodels are all about but with the *je ne sais quoi* of a ballerina, of course, a touch of elegance with the ultimate femininity.

You see some are seeing this shift as almost "undressed", and some ballet critics are crying "scandal". Why would anyone want to hide the divine perfection of a ballerina in such an unforgiving garment? Honestly, it’s such a good point. Why would you hide it in a way that shows nothing off!

Oh dear, darling, you must tell me what you think - it is a veritable “to be or not to be” kind of conundrum for sure. But in all this drama, one thing is for certain: ballet will forever be a stage for style, a constant battle between fashion and the classics. You’ll have to keep your eye out for all this to be unravelled at the end of September.

So there we are darlings. As always, I think the jury is still out - is this trend just a flash in the pan? Time will tell but it certainly has given us a lot to talk about - and darling, you know me, you've got to keep your eyes on what's trending, the latest designs and, dare I say it, what's happening behind the scenes in the world of ballet. Don't think for one minute that tutus will just fade into the background. The battle continues and for those of us who just love the drama and glamour it just adds to the excitement.

Now darling, have a lovely afternoon. Keep those tutu tales coming in, there's much more to report. Enjoy the gossip and I'll catch you up again soon!

And by the way darlings - if you do decide to try this "minimalist look", well - I must warn you. If you're going to rock it you have to have killer moves and impeccable technique. Otherwise darling - *a big tut tut to you*, darling.

Until next time.