Philippe Lafeuille on TUTU: Dance Innovation at Peacock Theatre

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-28

Let's talk about something that's been buzzing in the dance world lately. You know how sometimes a production comes along that just feels different? That's the energy around TUTU at London's Peacock Theatre, and choreographer Philippe Lafeuille is at the heart of it all. I've been following Philippe's work for years, and there's always this raw, authentic quality to it. He doesn't just create steps - he builds worlds. With TUTU, he's pushing boundaries in ways that should make every dance professional sit up and take notice. ### What Makes TUTU Different So what's the big deal about this production? Well, it starts with the concept. The traditional ballet tutu becomes more than just a costume piece here. It transforms into a symbol, a character, a statement about dance itself. Philippe approaches it with this fascinating blend of reverence and rebellion. He's playing with expectations in the best possible way. You think you know what a tutu represents, but then he twists it, questions it, makes you see it fresh. It's that kind of creative courage that moves our art form forward. ### The Creative Process Behind the Movement When I think about choreography, I always come back to intention. Every movement should mean something, right? Philippe takes this to another level with TUTU. He's not just arranging bodies in space - he's telling a story about dance history, identity, and transformation. His process involves digging deep into what the tutu represents culturally and historically. Then he asks: How can we honor that while also breaking free from it? That tension between tradition and innovation creates some truly electric moments on stage. Here's what really stood out to me about his approach: - He treats the tutu as a living element, not just fabric - The movement vocabulary blends classical precision with contemporary freedom - There's this beautiful attention to how costume influences motion - Every dancer's individuality shines through the choreography ### Why This Matters for Dance Professionals Okay, so why should you care if you're running a studio or teaching classes? Because Philippe's work demonstrates something crucial: dance needs to evolve while respecting its roots. His approach offers lessons we can all apply. Think about your own teaching or choreography. Are you stuck in certain patterns? Could you take a familiar element - maybe a basic step or a common class exercise - and reimagine it? That's what Philippe does with the tutu, and the results are breathtaking. He once mentioned in an interview something that really stuck with me: "The tutu isn't just what dancers wear - it's what we carry." That idea of carrying tradition while creating something new? That's the sweet spot we're all aiming for. ### Bringing Innovation to Your Studio Now, I'm not saying you need to reinvent the tutu in your next recital. But Philippe's work reminds us that innovation doesn't mean abandoning everything that came before. It means looking at familiar things with fresh eyes. Maybe it's how you structure your classes. Perhaps it's the way you approach a standard technique. The point is to keep questioning, keep exploring. That's how we grow as artists and educators. The dance world needs more of this thoughtful experimentation. Productions like TUTU remind us that our art form is alive, changing, and full of possibilities we haven't even imagined yet. Philippe Lafeuille isn't just creating a show - he's starting a conversation about where dance goes next. And honestly, that's the kind of conversation worth having over coffee with fellow dance professionals. What traditions are you honoring in your work? What are you ready to reimagine? The answers might just transform your approach to dance.