TUTU – A DELIGHTFUL DANCE PARODY: TUTUS? FOR DANCE? GROUNDBREAKING!

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

I jumped, not as elegantly as a dancer but there was a level of finesse I won’t lie, at the chance to go and watch TUTU which was described to be a comedic and celebratory dance show. What really sold it was the part of the pitch where it was revealed to an all male ensemble. Men in Tutus? How did they know….had I manifested this in one of my vivid daydreams? Turns out I hadn’t and it was in fact choreographed by the brilliant Philippe Lafeuille. More of him later, but spoiler alert, he’s fabulous just like this show! 

The performance doesn’t take itself too seriously, blending incredible technical skill with a playful sense of humor that makes it accessible to all audiences.It offers a fresh perspective on traditional ballet and other dance forms, shattering stereotypes in the most flamboyant and fun way possible. Now, I am not a dance expert but I know that dancing ‘En pointe’ take an insane level of training and skill and is usually reserved for the Ballet femmes, so getting to witness men do this was truly a sight to behold. Kudos to the dancers for doing it, I was in awe. Now, I know I said this was a show that didn’t take itself too seriously, and it didn’t..from the second that the curtain rose and we were greeted with the Tulle posterior’s of the ensemble, I knew it truly is something special. 

The six male dancers, each equally talented and versatile, navigate a whimsical world of dance, seamlessly transitioning from classical ballet to hip-hop and beyond. Whether they were parodying Swan Lake (an audience favourite) with surprising grace whilst dressed in hilarious tulle swan costumes wiggling their Tulle tail feathers or performing a sensual tango with muscular male legs but very feminine high heels (Kudos to you lads, the women and drag queens in the audience truly understood the skill required there) it was just joyful moment after joyful moment.  The TV and movie hommarges with the dancers tackling the absurdity of Strictly Come Dancing  and Dirty Dancing with delightful awkwardness, were marvellous and their comedic timing is impeccable.

Lafeuille’s choreography is inventive and full of surprises, with each scene bringing a new twist. One minute, a bare-chested dancer is performing an impossibly graceful pointe solo, and the next, the entire cast is mimicking rhythmic gymnastics in a way that has the audience in stitches. The Flamenco sequence had me and the lady behind in the audience howling. It was all so skillful but oh so laugh out loud funny at the same time. 

The show thrives on these unexpected contrasts, making it not just a homage to dance but also a satire that embraces its own ridiculousness with charm and wit. It also gives a very strong nod to the skills of female dancers, highlighting just how much work these queens put into their performances to make it look oh so easy. 

The six dancers in TUTU—Marc Behra, David Guasgua, Julien Mercier, Kamil Pawel Jasinski, Vincent Simon, and Vincenzo Veneruso—are each dynamic performers who bring something distinct to the show. Not only were they next level dancers but fantastic actors…and clown acting to boot which is one of the hardest skills to master as a performer…making people laugh, without speaking? Very hard to do, my friends. 

The costume design by Corinne Petitpierre is equally imaginative, from the iconic tutus to more eccentric outfits that suit the show’s playful tone. Whether decked out in feathers, frills, or sparkly leotards, the dancers fully embody each character they portray, creating moments of pure visual joy. The lighting and sound, crafted by Dominique Mabileau and Antisten respectively, add another layer to the experience, guiding the audience through the performance’s many tonal shifts.

TUTU is more than just a spoof of the dance world—it’s a loving, high-energy tribute that celebrates its diversity while poking fun at its occasional pretentiousness. The show’s parody of more than 40 iconic dance characters and styles keeps the audience engaged, never quite knowing what might come next.

If a newcomer to the world of dance, you’ll find TUTU to be the perfect introduction. It’s lighthearted yet showcases the athleticism and artistry of its performers, making it a true delight for dance novices and aficionados alike. For those who are well-versed in the genre, the show offers clever in-jokes and smart commentary on the world of ballet and contemporary dance, but with a sense of humor that makes it universally entertaining. I know this as the dancers sitting behind me were nearly in tears at some parts and I overheard a few of the professional dancers explaining to their novice friends some of the jokes. 

The ending also made me cry tears of joy as I was having a really bad day when I went to see this. The audience engagement from Philippe Lafeuille who helped us get ‘Tutu-fied’ literally gave me life, dear reader. I’ve found myself having little moments over the past few days where I’ve remembered his words and managed to find joy and a smile out of tricky situations (whilst also hearing ballet music in my mind) and for a show, I think that is truly remarkable and what makes Tutu extremely special indeed. 

TUTU is a whirlwind of creativity, humour, and exceptional talent. After ten years of touring, it continues to captivate audiences around the world, and it’s easy to see why.

Great for everyone, including children and extremely grumpy people. 

WEBSITE

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Photo Credit: Michel Cavalca

COMPANY

Choreography/Artistic Director Philippe Lafeuille
Assistant Choreographer Flavie Hennion
Dancers Marc Behra, David Guasgua, Julien Mercier, Kamil Pawel Jasinski, Vincent Simon, Vincenzo Veneruso, Corinne Barbara

Technical Director Armand Coutant
Light Creation Dominique Mabileau assisted by Guillaume Tesson
Sound Creation Antisten

Costume Design Corinne Petitpierre assisted by Anne Tesson
Light Technician Nicolas Bulteau
Stage Manager Anne Lamarque
Dresser Cléo Palau
Company Manager Xavier Morelle