By Emma, The Dancing Diva
Hey everyone, it’s Emma here, and oh my goodness, what a weekend! Stratford-upon-Avon absolutely sparkled under a pink tutu-tinted sky, and you know who helped create that gorgeous, glitter-bomb effect? This girl, right here. 😉
June Pride is always a whirlwind of emotions, a joyous explosion of colour and celebration, and this year, it was especially special. We’re not talking subtle, understated rainbow flags here – this was full-on, disco-ball-reflecting, glitter-storm, T-U-T-U-tastic joy.
So how did I get involved in all this fabulousness? Well, my dear readers, you know me: pink tutu fanatic and eternal optimist. This year, I decided to embrace the whole Pride in Your Pinks concept with gusto. It’s a message close to my heart – after all, who better than a ballerina to celebrate colour, expression, and freedom of movement, right?
I envisioned a tutu symphony, a shimmering wave of pink across Stratford’s streets. My goal? To create a wave of joy and acceptance that would wash over the town.
It all started on Tuesday – that's #TutuTuesday for those who don't know! - with my #PinkTutuPride challenge. The idea was simple: everyone, no matter their background, age, or skill level, could join the fun by rocking their very own pink tutu. Whether it was a shimmering tulle confection, a comfy cotton creation, or even a strategically-placed feather boa… the aim was to celebrate with style.
And Stratford embraced the challenge. My inbox was bursting with photos: kids twirling in oversized pink tutus, mums in their favourite pink ballet skirts, grandads sporting a pink feather boa with a wink, couples twirling in perfect pink harmony, even some dogs sporting little pink bows! It was pure, unadulterated happiness captured in photographs, and I couldn’t have been more delighted.
Then came Saturday – the heart of Stratford Pride. It was as if the town itself had transformed. Shops decked out in rainbows, flags fluttering in the wind, and a vibrant parade overflowing with joyful, proud individuals – and let me tell you, the pink tutus were out in force!
We had a "Tutu Spotting" contest, with a delicious cupcake prize going to the person who could find the most people rocking their pink tutus throughout the day. (Don't worry, there were plenty of colourful and quirky costumes on show too – rainbows of joy indeed!)
We had our own mini-tutu-themed workshop where we taught everyone basic ballet moves - with a bit of a sassy disco twist. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents, dressed in their pink attire, danced their hearts out, making mistakes, laughing and encouraging each other – and it was magical.
We even had our own ‘Tutu-tastic’ performance at the end of the day – a vibrant medley of classic ballet moves mixed with some fun, contemporary choreography. Our cast of talented tutu-wearers, from aspiring dancers to seasoned ballet veterans, took to the stage and stole the show. We danced for acceptance, for love, and for the right to celebrate who we are.
And I'll tell you something, the feeling of sharing that stage, surrounded by so many radiant people in pink, was incredible. It wasn’t just about the tutu itself, although the twirling possibilities were undeniably fun! It was about a feeling, an attitude, a powerful wave of joy that washes over you when you’re surrounded by people celebrating their own individual truth and authenticity.
It was also an affirmation that it's perfectly acceptable to embrace a little bit of sparkly, girly whimsy - even in 2024. A pink tutu can be more than a costume. It can be a symbol of personal expression, a badge of courage, a call for freedom and acceptance. It can even be a source of giggles, laughter, and shared joy.
I'll never forget the sense of joy and acceptance I felt that day. Seeing everyone come together, from all walks of life, celebrating, supporting, and simply enjoying each other’s company in their most fabulous, pink-tutu-fied selves was truly heartwarming.
This is what Pride is all about. It’s not just about a month of rainbow flags, although they’re definitely fun and important. It’s about creating a world where everyone can express themselves freely and authentically, where we celebrate diversity and accept each other with open arms – and yes, maybe a bit of twirling too.
So thank you, Stratford. You gave me a weekend I won’t ever forget. Let’s keep that pink tutu glow alive throughout the year, celebrating love, kindness, and individuality every step of the way.
And remember, my fellow tutu enthusiasts:
- It’s always #TutuTuesday.
- Be your fabulous self.
- And let’s twirl with pride!
Much love and twirls,
Emma.
The Dancing Diva
@DancingEmma on all the socials
