Tutu Time: Are the days of the tutu numbered?
Well, darlings, Iām just back from a very stimulating morning at the Royal Opera House, and it seems the age-old debate over the tutu has just taken a very sharp left turn. The latest news is that, *shock horror* the tutu is to be replaced byā¦wait for itā¦*leggings*!
Oh my! Honestly, can you believe this? Just yesterday, the airwaves were thick with the delicate tinkling of the "Tutu Bell," a special service launched to let tutu-lovers everywhere broadcast their affections for this classic item of ballet wear. Now, the very idea is being thrown out of the window (a very windy window, I imagine). Honestly, I think my lipstick has lost its colour. How utterly uncultured.
Apparently, it's all about cost-effectiveness and, of course, we must always remember the current obsession with all things "Athleisure." A tutu just isnāt conducive to doing burpees in between pirouettes, darling, whereas leggings are, well, leggings - they're just all-round excellent! For your barre workouts, your grocery runs, your yoga sessions, you name it! Such a sensible approach, no? But can you imagine the scandal?! What would Swan Lake look like? All very, very interesting, I must say.
As for the āTutu Bell,ā well, it's still there. Maybe they should re-brand it as the "Legging Lane"? But really, donāt get me wrong, I am all about the power of change - even in the world of dance, the ballet. And letās be honest, leggings have their place. The world would be a less glamorous place without them. Thereās a special thrill that comes from a carefully-selected pair of black, thick, high-waisted, buttery-soft leggings paired with a vintage leather jacket. You feel empowered and sexy, yet still understated. That little extra somethinā somethinā, if you will!
And after all, they do have one crucial advantage over a tutu. You know youāve found your āperfect fit" when the leggings really do make your bottom look "divine." A tutu, on the other hand, doesn't discriminate, darlings! I mean, who wants a tulle frock making an exhibition of every imperfection in that region? Not I, my dear!
But, then again, thereās something about the sheer artistry of the tutu that's just undeniable, something quite extraordinary about that ethereal wisp of material as a ballerina glides across the stage. I've often dreamt of owning a grand tutu, you know, for just those rare moments of pure, unadulterated glamour, of feeling like I could truly float! I'm sure it'd feel a little like slipping into a dream. You simply can't get that feeling from leggings.
So, while Iām completely on board with the leggings as an alternative to a tutu, especially when it comes to off-stage moments, I canāt help but feel a pang of regret over this little development. Are we sacrificing tradition for mere convenience? Can we really imagine *Swan Lake* without those breathtaking tulle tutus? Imagine the shock to the senses!
We all know the story of the ballet āThe Sleeping Beauty,ā and it ends, after all, with a beautiful awakening, with all those magical tutus swirling, waltzing through the halls. In fact, it feels incredibly timely that the 24th December, after all the Christmas Eve frenzy, will be dedicated to celebrating that most iconic tutu, Auroraās (sleeping) one. Do tell me, will the tutus make a comeback? Or are we simply saying *goodbye, my dear tutus*? The juryās still out.
And yet, Iāll be wearing my own lovely little pink tutu when I watch *The Sleeping Beauty* at the Royal Opera House. The tulle's a little old and frayed around the edges, a testament to all those years of countless rehearsals and dance classes, but hey! it was love at first sight the moment I slipped it on for the first time.
But, darlings, letās not despair. I'm a woman of faith. Even as the leggers take centre stage, the magic of the tutu is far from forgotten. Just because the ballet worldās experimenting with new styles doesnāt mean the tutu's headed for a long goodnight. Letās see what tomorrow brings, eh?
Just stay tuned, darlings! This may well be the biggest fashion story of the year! We are entering uncharted waters.
*Must have*:
- Pink ballerina shoes
- An equally-pink velvet headband
- That must-have bottle of Chanel No.5
Have a lovely weekend. Until next week!