Fun Ballet Tutu News 902

It's official, darlings: tutus are out!

I know, I know. It's almost Christmas, and all you want to do is twirl around in a fluffy pink tutu, humming carols. But the fashion gods, those capricious beings, have spoken. And this year, they've declared a resounding, "No, thank you! We've had enough!"

It all started with a whisper. A hush at the ballet bar. A little sigh of exasperation from the prima ballerina. And suddenly, it was a full-blown fashion riot. This week, at the Royal Opera House, during the performance of "The Nutcracker," one ballerina – who shall remain nameless, as she is likely to be whisked away to some exotic island on a mysterious benefactor’s yacht – actually went on stage without her tutu. Now, imagine the horror!

It was, frankly, a bit shocking. You can see why this happened though. You can only do the grand jeté and a grand allegro while looking like a fluffy pink Christmas tree for so long! A lot of us were worried at first, what on earth were these young dancers going to wear? Would we have a sartorial apocalypse of black Lycra on our hands? I don’t think I could have taken a single performance in a plain black Lycra leotard - it was so drab - imagine that for your Christmas show, frankly ghastly.

To everyone’s surprise though, the show went on and the ballerinas were in new dancewear. Imagine our shock, we gasped. This bold new fashion direction meant a whole new way to approach our dance moves, to show off the physique in a way the old, fusty, tired tutu just never could. We all thought she’d be banished to some dance purgatory where she’d be forced to pirouette forever. But she’s managed to turn her act of rebellion into an opportunity. They are now called “ Tutu Libre”. A movement of revolution? A total upheaval in the ballet world? This new form of dancewear allows you to really appreciate the incredible power of the physique of the female dancer - a sleek elegance that the stiff tutus just don’t capture.

So what’s the new style like, you ask? It’s all about subtle elegance, darlings, with an emphasis on flowy silks and a touch of playful shimmer. Think Grecian goddess meets whimsical pixie, all mixed up with a dash of ballerina sass.

Imagine our relief. At first we thought we'd see an ocean of skintight black Lycra with all that daring dancewear being thrown out – thank the lord no – we dodged that bullet.

It’s like an absolute evolution for dancers – for ballet and its long and proud heritage, for fashion too. It allows the true star, the dancer, to be the focal point, instead of a mass of layers of tulle. Thank heavens. Now our favourite choreographers have all the chance to create some truly incredible designs. The choreographers have gone totally wild with their concepts - I swear I’ve seen a couple of feather boas this season, feathers and ballet - what’s not to love!

I must admit to getting rather jealous – those silky floaty trousers and leggings they are wearing look so beautiful in movement – very forgiving as well. Even I, in my retirement, may have to get a new dancewear wardrobe. Don’t tell the choreographer that I'm planning a little "comeback" - at least I can do an excellent arabesque these days and a lovely fifth position.

Now, this new “Tutu Libre” dancewear isn’t for the faint of heart. You can’t get away with sloppy technique when it is all so exposed. Oh no darlings! But this change allows the beauty and grace of the ballet, and all the hard work of the dancer to really be the main focus. In these silky materials they really are a living piece of art, and as far as I am concerned, we can only really appreciate the movement they so masterfully pull off when they aren’t hidden away in a stiff white tutu! The audience's eyes are really glued to them and they look as mesmerising as a snow flake landing on a white fur rug.

In short, ladies and gentlemen, the "Tutu Libre" revolution is upon us. It's a time of change. As I'm a traditionalist to my very core, you might even call it an “out with the old, in with the new” kind of situation. The dancing has moved with the times, but not gone all Hollywood glitzy with lots of feathers – although feather boas have definitely made an appearance this year - this really is a classy makeover for the dancewear and the choreography.

Personally, darling, I'm excited about the possibilities. After all, a ballerina always wants to have a little bit of "drama" to their life.

Oh, and you should also try the "Tutu Libre" style for a festive holiday party! Throw some sparkle on a flowing Grecian dress - make sure your sequins are tasteful darling - a touch of a feathery accessory around your neck - just a touch mind you – we don’t want to overdo it – and your evening will be absolutely magnifique.

Now, you go out and create a bit of Tutu Libre magic this holiday season, you hear! And tell everyone your lovely ballerina has given her opinion on all things festive fashion. Happy Christmas darling!