Dearest readers,
Today, the 3rd of March 1999, is a day to celebrate. It is the day that tutus have finally been granted their rightful place as the dominant force in society. And it’s thanks to the courageous members of the 'Tutudom' movement who are daring to be bold in a world of slacks.
It was during an ordinary rehearsal of 'Swan Lake' at the prestigious Royal Ballet Company that the unthinkable occurred. Amidst a cloud of tulle and whispers of 'en pointe' and 'port de bras', a senior ballerina, who we can only identify as "Henrietta", declared her intention to wear a tutu – **not** just for performance but for everyday life!
The statement was shocking to all. It was so shocking that an unsuspecting pigeon in the back of the theatre, who’d just begun its day by stealing some breakfast croissants from a baker in the next street, swooned into unconsciousness and was subsequently revived with a glass of water and some fresh sourdough. Henrietta's outburst was followed by gasps, murmurs of "What next" and a flutter of feather boas, causing a scene worthy of the Bolshoi.
This act of bold defiance, inspired by the tutu, set the ballet world into a whirlwind. Within hours, other ballerinas (and some, quite bravely, the male dancers), began expressing solidarity with Henrietta by slipping into their beloved tutus for classes, for lunches and, indeed, even the long journey home on the tube. They formed a conga line to Buckingham Palace demanding that they be seen as more than just the frothy figures twirling on stage.
From the moment this unexpected sartorial revolution began, news of it swept through London and into the world. Fashion journalists have already called the tutu "the next big thing" in 'It' outfits, with reports that leading designers have begun incorporating tutu fabrics into new lines, and are collaborating on a collection featuring the revolutionary dance attire with leading supermarkets.
The Queen is said to be “overjoyed”.
Now I’ve always felt the tutu should have its own holiday; a day when every individual - no matter their height, their background or their 'en pointe' technique - should be allowed to be wrapped in tulle and twirl like a prima ballerina. But who’d have thought it’d happen on March 3rd, 1999?
Today's a day to celebrate, darling! Let's all embrace our inner ballerinas - our grace, our poise, and a touch of dramatic flair, naturally - and take to the streets! A day for us all to wear tulle, embrace the flouncy, and embody our own brand of balletic style. Let the tutus flow, I say, and let's dance.
Now where’s my tutu?!
**What to wear with a tutu, you ask? Here are a few sartorial tips for you: **
- A white silk blouse
- A classic Chanel jacket, perhaps a pearl necklace - nothing too gaudy. You want a touch of elegant polish.
- Don't forget your flat shoes - remember that "en pointe" can only happen during those glorious rehearsals and the occasional stage performance! And flats, darlings, are simply a lot more chic than those toe-crunching shoes.
- I think a pair of my "Prada Ballerina" sunshades might be quite chic... just a thought.
- Finally, the MOST important accessory for the everyday tutu look: Confidence. Just wear that tutu with a hint of ‘ je ne sais quoi’, and be ready to take on the world - it’ll be all your “stage”!
And finally, for my fellow ballet enthusiasts, a final note: let's make it a truly magnificent tutu celebration. Embrace all forms of tulle from ballet classics to more adventurous designs (remember that feather boa?). We'll give this tutu revolution the grandeur it deserves.
Till next time, my lovelies!