Happy Tutu Day!

Today is 02/02/2024.

In other words, it is 2/2... Two/Two...

And as dancers have affectionately termed it... "Tutu day!" Yes, it is also Ground Hog's day, so Punxsutawney Phil deserves his moment and an honorable mention. We hear he did not see his shadow, so spring will be upon us shortly!

...But back to Tutu Day! Tutus come in a variety of colors and all shapes and sizes from the romantic length tutu to the "pancake" tutu. In honor of tutu day, we asked ChatGPT to write us a poem about the tutu. We thought the results might brighten your day, so without further ado we give you...

An Ode to the Tutu:

Cowritten with ChatGPT

"In layers spun of dreams, in twirls divine, Tutus dance with grace, in every line.

A ballerina's companion, steadfast and true, From pastel to vibrant hues, they imbue.

In timeless elegance, they softly sway, A symphony of colors in the ballet's display.

Classic or modern, they adapt with ease, Tutus, the epitome of grace and tease.

With or without tiaras, they hold their own, Adorning dancers in a regal tone.

Their whispers in motion, a story they tell, Of dreams chased and tales they compel.

So here's to the tutu, a dancer's delight, In every pirouette, in every flight.

From stage to heart, they'll forever enchant, A symbol of elegance, in each balletic chant."

In honor of tutu day, I went on a short walk down memory lane. The photos below span well over a decade... nearly 15 years. The earliest photo is me as a student in Houston Ballet Academy around 15 years old (in a white leotard and tutu against the gray photography backdrop). The most recent photos are some of the other white tutu captures (from the top center image to the ones dancing on water with reflections below). Note: There is NO way I would currently fit into all of the tutus shown below, and I am ok with that. I share these images to 1) celebrate tutus and 2) to share a word of encouragement. The tutu is meant to fit the dancer... The dancer should not be made to fit the tutu. This applies to regular clothes as well. How often do we find ourselves wanting to fit into clothes that we used to wear rather than honoring and accepting where our bodies are today? The clothes are meant to fit the human... The human should not be made to fit the clothes.

Bodies are designed to fluctuate... To experience change and adapt. Instead of celebrating this remarkable reality and honoring this beautiful capability, we often feel shame for bodily changes. Sadly, modern day clothing is not helping. Clothing used to be designed to honor bodily changes and adapt with them. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, people used to own fewer clothes. Every piece had to be able to grow and/or shrink with you. Once upon a time, clothing was secured with adjustable laces and ties (far more forgiving!) rather than fixed buttons and zippers. So next time you are struggling with body image or the fit of your clothes, keep in mind that the clothes are meant to fit and serve the human. Resist the temptation to think it is the other way around.

Are body image and adjusting to bodily changes something you have struggled with? Our Élève and Maestro Toolboxes have a gift just for you: Check out the "Three Good Things" Challenge. Visit our Toolbox page to download your free gifts today, and let's shift our mindset and perspective together!