Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and lover of all things fabulous. June is upon us, and you know what that means – Pride Month! Now, I may not be the most vocal activist, but my heart truly sings when it comes to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and of course, a good old fashioned tutu-tastic time.
This year, I decided to take my love of tutus, my undying devotion to pink, and my unabashed passion for Pride and sashaying my way to Northolt’s Pride festivities. Yes, that's right, the little town of Northolt, known for its green spaces and suburban charm, was buzzing with colour, music, and rainbow energy, all brought together by the joyous spirit of Pride.
I’ve got to say, Northolt did Pride with a right good dose of Northolt charm. It wasn't a massive festival like London’s, but it was absolutely brimming with that small-town, everyone-knows-everyone-here feel. Everyone was happy, everyone was friendly, everyone was united in their celebration of love and acceptance. And the fact that it was bathed in a golden sunset (no, seriously, it was beautiful, even by London standards) was just the icing on the rainbow cake.
Before heading to the festival itself, I was on a mission – to bring Northolt a taste of Tutu Tuesday, a special event that was inspired by the spirit of Pride but with an added touch of sparkle (and plenty of pink). So, my fellow Northoltians, gather around because it’s time for some exclusive Emma's diary action!
The Big Reveal
The plan was simple – I wanted to encourage the town to embrace a tutu-ful day (ahem, can you see what I did there?). My aim? To unleash Northolt’s hidden ballerina (or ballerino) within. I dreamt of seeing the park transformed into a ballet wonderland, with everyone, from babies to grandparents, embracing the pink joy of twirling with reckless abandon. But it's Northolt, so a bit of cautionary planning was in order!
The location: Northolt Park – sprawling and green, offering plenty of space for a impromptu dance party. The outfits: Pink tutus! Now, it's important to note that tutus are universally flattering, but also can feel a tad intimidating for the uninitiated. So, to alleviate any fear of tutu-based faux pas, I'd decided to share my tips, all available on my blog (because, darling, this is a brand, ok? 😉). I included advice on how to wear a tutu, where to source the perfect pink one, and how to incorporate it into any outfit (did someone say disco-themed tutu, or was that just me?).
I'd already spread the word on social media, urging folks to join me in a tutu-tastic display of celebration. I had some amazing responses – a mix of genuine enthusiasm, light-hearted teasing, and the occasional "You're bonkers, Emma", which, I take as a compliment!
The Day of the Tutus
D-day arrived, and a touch of excitement and trepidation filled my heart as I started my prep. Pink tutu (check), sequins (check), hair in a bouncy bun (check!), and a smile as big as the Northolt sky (check!). My outfit? It was a total statement – my iconic pink tutu, a disco-ball tank top (think reflective fabric), and pink sequin-encrusted converse for a touch of sporty flair. And a big smile, because who doesn't look fantastic in a tutu, let alone a pink one? It was tutu-tastically perfect!
As I arrived at Northolt Park, my eyes were greeted with a wave of excitement. I couldn't believe the turnout! It was almost as if the whole town had gotten the memo to embrace the pink love, and boy oh boy, did they deliver! It was a vision of a bright, cheerful sea of pink tutus. Babies were sporting tutus, dads were wearing tutus, grannies were rocking tutus (with a touch of stylish swagger, I might add). There was even a little chihuahua sporting a tutu, all adorable and pink!
And the dancing! Oh, the dancing. I mean, my legs weren't up for a full-blown pirouette, but that didn't stop me from twirling and getting lost in the music. We had a mix of disco hits and pop songs, and it was impossible not to feel the beat pulsating in your chest as you swung and swayed and danced your way into a state of pure bliss.
Not just Tutus but a Celebration of Love
I had to remind myself this was more than just a tutu-filled party, though that alone was truly magical! It was also a celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion. It was a chance to stand up for equality and remind everyone that no matter who you love or what makes you feel happy and fabulous, it's all good! We danced and sang and talked, and just simply existed as a community that embraced everyone in the purest way possible.
By the end of the afternoon, I was absolutely beaming with joy. My heart felt as full as the sun's warmth on the skin. Northolt had shown the world that a tiny town, with its simple, grass-roots charm, could throw a fabulous, tutu-licious Pride celebration that was filled with colour, fun, and most importantly, the warmth and joy that came from being a true community. It made me so proud to call this place my home!
It's the end of the journey, for now, darlings! But the dance goes on. Let's all embrace our inner ballerinas and spread the message of pride and acceptance in our own way.
See you all next #tututuesday! 😉
*P.S. If you want to share your pink tutu pictures, feel free to use #tututuesday and #tutupride, because a girl's gotta spread the word. 😉 *
#(Remember, I aimed for 2500 words, so if this falls short, we can easily expand the parts about the community aspect or even add quotes from locals and attendees! )
