Dunstable Does Tutu Tuesday

Oh my gosh, you guys, you won't believe the incredible scene at Dunstable's newest vintage store, 'Retro Revival' today! It was *Tutu Tuesday* and let me tell you, it was an explosion of tulle, sequins, and pure disco-tastic joy.

As a seasoned ballet dancer and dedicated #tututuesday enthusiast, I've seen my fair share of tutus - from the classic, pristine, billowing white of the traditional Swan Lake tutu to the more modern, sassy, and playful ones that we wear in contemporary ballets. But nothing quite compares to the utter and utter delight of *Tutu Tuesday* at Retro Revival.

Right from the get-go, I knew this was going to be something special. A dazzlingly pink vintage van emblazoned with the #tututuesday logo had pulled up outside the store, and from it spilled a troupe of giggling girls, all decked out in dazzling tutus - classic ballet, vintage, DIY - you name it, it was there! It was as though the actual fairies from a Shakespearean Midsummer Night’s Dream had arrived on the scene, only, in Dunstable, instead of mischievous spirits, they had *tutus*. And it was *fabulous*.

Stepping inside, I was met with a cacophony of laughter and music, a sensory overload of swirling fabrics, shimmering sequins, and dancing glitter, all topped off with a healthy dose of sparkly nail polish and enthusiastic 'hello's'. Forget those stuffy, boring tea parties of yore - this was an event brimming with infectious enthusiasm, unashamed creativity, and just the right dose of sassy confidence.

The owner, a bubbly woman with a wildly-styled pink bob (a true embodiment of all things fabulous), welcomed me in with a warm hug and a sparkly smile. “Grab a cupcake,” she said, handing me a delicious, miniature cupcake topped with edible glitter. "Pink or blue?” Obviously, there was no question - *pink* for me, a fellow *disco enthusiast*

"You'll never believe it, dear!" she added, with an intrigued gleam in her eyes. “This whole thing started with our beloved 'Disco Snail'."

“Disco Snail?”, I asked, genuinely curious.

She pointed to a stunning hand-painted ceramic snail with swirling patterns of hot pink, emerald green and gold glitter. It perched precariously atop a pile of retro sunglasses and shiny silver sequined cushions, the epicentre of a veritable shrine to all things vintage and fabulous.

“It just all started with the snail, really,” she went on to explain. "People just couldn't stop asking me about it! Everyone had their own little story to tell - 'He looks so mischievous!' or 'He's got my personality down pat' they'd say! ”

“And next thing I knew, everyone started dropping by wearing tutus, so I just thought, well, let’s make this a thing – every Tuesday, ‘Retro Revival’ gets a dose of *disco tutu* joy.”

As she spoke, I began to notice that *Disco Snail*, although a simple ceramic snail, seemed to exude a remarkable air of vibrancy and sass. He had a certain *Je ne sais quoi*, an indefinable aura of *tutu* that truly captivated and compelled. I had to admit, *Disco Snail* truly held the key to an unforgettable experience.

The highlight of the afternoon? Definitely the *Tutu Challenge*, where each person had to strut their best “disco-tutu” walk across a makeshift, pink-carpet catwalk, while the *Disco Snail*, acting as an unbiased ‘fashion critic’, gave his (her?) verdict. It was *pure* unadulterated fun – from the young girls in their frilly ‘baby’ tutus to a middle-aged woman, absolutely owning the runway with a vintage black sequined ensemble. It was pure *Tutu Tuesday* bliss!

As the day ended and I was getting ready to leave, I caught the owner looking lovingly at *Disco Snail*, the centrepiece of this delightful space. It seemed as if *Disco Snail* was more than a simple decorative piece - it was a symbol of the fun, whimsical, and frankly, *amazing* spirit of *Tutu Tuesday*.

Here’s the takeaway - if you’re in the mood to let loose, indulge in some serious vintage fashion fun, and most importantly, to unleash your inner *tutu-licious* spirit, don’t forget to head over to Retro Revival in Dunstable! And be sure to share your own ‘tutu Tuesday’ stories with #tututuesday and #discosnail, and don't forget your best ‘Disco Snail’ smile.

Here's my #tututuesday top picks!

  • The quintessential ballerina tutu! It's the ultimate classic – perfect for creating that ethereal ballerina look.
  • A modern, funky tutu in a bright color with sequins and embellishments. For when you want to bring a bold splash of individuality to your look.
  • A layered tutu. Think whimsical layers of sheer fabric, it’s so elegant and ethereal!
  • A tulle skirt tutu – it’s an easy and effortless way to add a hint of *tutu* flair to your look!

You go, girl!