Tutu Tuesday in Basildon - #tututuesday
So, the big day finally arrived – Tutu Tuesday in Basildon! My excitement was on par with the amount of sequins I’d managed to attach to my blush-pink, ultra-fluffy tutu this morning – it was going to be a glorious, tutu-tastic extravaganza.
For those who don’t know, #tututuesday is a weekly celebration of the ballerina's staple: the tutu. This fabulous phenomenon was started by a fellow dancer on Instagram who, like me, felt we needed a weekly excuse to twirl around in our best, pointiest shoes. It’s not all tutus though – you can rock the #tututuesday theme with tutu inspired attire like sparkly skirts or tutus made out of everything from tulle to fabric scraps and tin foil (yes, I’ve seen it, and it was fab!). It’s all about celebrating dance, creativity, and yes, even a touch of the silly, too.
And who could forget the #discosnail – the ultimate Tutu Tuesday mascot! This mythical being – with its swirling, silver shell and endless supply of glitter – embodies everything great about this Tuesday tradition: glamour, fun, and pure, unadulterated fabulousness.
My look for this special Tuesday started with the perfect tutu - a pink, fluffy one I'd sourced at a vintage shop downtown – the fluffier, the better. For some reason, it just screams *disco princess*! I added a matching pink headband, glitter eyeshadow (obvs!), and even went the whole hog and put pink rhinestones on my fingertips - my fingers now felt ready to tap my way to Basildon’s Tutu Tuesday haven!
The #tututuesday Line Up
Basildon has a bustling community and you could see the Tutu Tuesday excitement brewing. The Basildon Arts Centre was the go-to destination, as this year's line-up boasted some spectacular acts. It was all a bit more low key and less traditional ballet, but definitely fun and *fabulous*. The list of acts included: * The infamous Basildon Buskers – this group are known for their musical eclecticism. Expect anything from jazz hands and a rousing rendition of *You Should Be Dancing* (my personal favorite, of course!), to impromptu choreographed tap dances - this was going to be entertaining. * **The Glittering Glimmer Troupe**: It seems that the glitter is going to be strong with this one – all of the troupe members had gone all out and incorporated sparkly tutus into their designs – expect dazzling, showstopping tutus from classic white to shimmering gold - this was going to be glittery and amazing!
* The ever popular **“Disco Dancers from the 80’s”.** The age of big hair, even bigger tutus, and lots of bright pink leg warmers are back.
And as if that wasn't enough to keep us all on our toes, there was also a **free ballet class.** So grab your own leotards (black always works!) and your ballet shoes (pink ones, of course!), and let's have a good time with some fabulous and slightly awkward but oh-so-much-fun moves. It all kicks off at the community center right after we say **”Tutu Tuesday is here!!**” (followed, of course, by an ear-splitting cheer!).
**Basildon's Tutu Tuesday: The Big Day **
So I made my way to the center – a giant swirl of tutus in every color of the rainbow - just what we had hoped for! It was clear that everyone was really getting in the spirit, embracing the sheer joyous silliness of this Tuesday event. The *Disco Dancers from the 80's* were already setting the scene by blasting classic disco tunes on their vintage sound system - what a great sight! And I gotta say - the whole *vintage disco aesthetic* really works with tutus - it's pure fabulousness - they knew exactly what they were doing. Even the guys - in all their sartorial glory - weren't afraid to break out some moves and have a giggle!
The center's auditorium had been transformed into a tutu wonderland with the sound of *Stayin’ Alive* pulsating around us. This is where we watched a couple of performances. * I couldn't help but burst out laughing as I saw the Basildon Buskers’ rendition of *I Will Survive* – that tap dance was gold. And it wasn't just the performers who were bringing their A-game – the audience was right in there, singing, dancing, and enjoying every single minute. The energy in the auditorium was electric.
* And, of course, there was the *Glittering Glimmer Troupe*. Their outfits were everything you could hope for from a #tututuesday event – sparkling, glamorous, and utterly unique. And their dance routine was no less spectacular - they used every move they had to really get that dazzling sparkle in full effect
* Next was **“Ballet Basics for Beginners.”** Let me just say, it wasn’t so easy in ballet shoes - all of the newbies who wanted to be involved needed all the guidance they could get – it was hard not to laugh as a gaggle of us, trying our best, fumbled around. There was a fair amount of flailing - especially with a little bit too much giggling going on (a few “accidentally” kicked others in the back – it was glorious!
Tutu Tuesday After-Party
Later, the energy didn’t stop in the center. The after-party was held in the town hall. There were snacks – pink frosting on every cake (again – the pink, it’s important for me) – the food and drink - was just what I needed after a full day of dancing. But this wasn’t any old party - no sir. This party was a *glitter-tastic, sparkly, fabulous* #tututuesday extravaganza and the DJ was spinning classics - a great mix of funk, soul and disco that had everyone on the dance floor - no matter the age or skill set (dancing was clearly *not* required - there was a lot of swinging arms going on but with so much fun, I couldn’t judge). I could still spot people dancing, a little bit awkward, a lot of fun, and all enjoying this fantastic and completely crazy Tuesday tribute to all things tutu. We danced the night away, fuelled by sugary treats and a never-ending supply of prosecco – or was that pink lemonade? (details are hazy, but it was awesome) The #discosnail would definitely be proud of this group.
It wasn’t just about the tutus. It was a wonderful way to come together, get lost in the moment, and let out a bit of our inner child. The energy and creativity – well it was phenomenal. The vibe? Well it was infectious - so many brightly dressed dancers, giggling, and being totally joyous! If this is what a *disco* snail’s paradise looks like – sign me up!
The After Thoughts - #tututuesday and the Future of Dance
Basildon is a community – and Tutu Tuesday brought out the best of that – people came together for a reason, to celebrate and dance – and in the world of social media, everyone needs something they can relate to and take part in - a bit of a release valve in what seems like a crazy world, filled with chaos and uncertainty. What I loved the most about #tututuesday in Basildon is that this event is *everyone* – not just dancers or those interested in the classical arts - I know many would just go for a few snacks, drinks and a chance to be surrounded by glitter! But no matter the reason, people came together, got dressed up, embraced a bit of whimsy and celebrated something, which makes life that much more exciting - and what’s wrong with that, right?!
So that was my experience – what a memorable, fun-filled night in the beautiful, glittery and, of course, #tututuesday! It made me so happy to see such passion for the dance and for the creativity of dance (even the bad moves!) - all that twirling, spinning and sparkling - It’s something I know will definitely stick with me. And now, it's on to next week. I can’t wait to see what #tututuesday brings – if it’s anything like the events of this week it's gonna be fabulous and full of sparkle - Basildon take note: the #tututuesday queen is back - ready to celebrate the joy of the tutu, and maybe even wear that pink leotard… .