It started with a ballet outfit when DD was four.

Having done ballet aged three in a pink tutu, DD’s ballet school declared that four-year-old ballerinas must wear white. Out went the pink leotard, the pink tutu, the pink socks and even the pink leather ballet shoes (onto which I’d hand-sewn the elastic straps – spare a moment, please, for my pain). In came a white ensemble made from spun gold and angel breath – well, you would think that, given how much it cost – and, into the dressing-up box went the pink outfit.

From the drawer of discarded uniforms: one dance kit and one leotard

A term later, DD gave up ballet. To be fair, she’s not a natural. Into the uniform drawer went the white outfit.

Then DD took up gymnastics. I think this was the year of the London Olympics. She really enjoyed watching the gymnasts. After about…