Tutu Tuesday in Darwen: A Whirlwind of Frills and Feathers
Ah, Darwen. A charming Lancashire town with a certain quirky charm, much like my love affair with tutus. This Tuesday, the cobbled streets were abuzz with a particular kind of excitement – it was #TutuTuesday!
The idea, of course, is to don a tutu (no matter your age or dance experience) and embrace the twirling, the fluff, the sheer joy of a good old fashioned pirouette. Now, Darwen is a town that truly embodies this spirit. Think classic pubs with a hearty pie and pint, bustling markets with a lively mix of local vendors, and of course, a surprising dedication to ballet – a passion that comes alive on #TutuTuesday.
Now, you might think, a tutu in Darwen? Really? But that’s precisely what makes it so endearing. A ballet dancer with a professional-grade tutu (think stiff, classic tulle and a touch of sequins) looks a little out of place next to a grandmother sporting a rainbow-colored, feather-boa-trimmed creation that's straight out of a carnival. This is Darwen at its best – a beautiful collision of traditions, quirks, and a good dose of delightful absurdity.
The morning started at the iconic Market Square, which was abuzz with a mix of the usual Wednesday market stalls and an explosion of tulle. Think of it as a fashion parade, albeit with a touch of grace, and some of the most delightful tutus I’ve seen outside the stage! The classic "Romantic" style tutus, which I consider the quintessential dancer’s tutu, were in full force, with their romantic, graceful lines and a billow of layers. However, it was the "Neoclassical" styles, with their daring and sculptural silhouette, that really caught my eye. Some were even layered over denim for a touch of whimsical street style.
You couldn't walk five steps without encountering a tutu. The bakery offered a special #TutuTuesday promo of 'Twirl and Toffee' donuts, which, as a sugar fiend and a ballerina, I promptly indulged in. And the pub down the street, The Griffin, had transformed into a ‘Tea with Tutu’ cafe offering dainty finger sandwiches and teacakes, with the unmistakable scent of rosewater perfume lingering in the air.
Throughout the day, the tutu movement extended beyond the Market Square. A group of children twirled around the local library with their pink, glittery, knee-length tutus while their parents indulged in a pot of tea in the cafe attached. A group of young lads was spotted, somewhat awkwardly yet with good spirit, attempting a grand jete outside a vintage clothes shop – their attempt was met with roars of laughter and genuine admiration from the local folk, an unexpected reminder of that shared childhood joy of leaping, swirling, and spinning.
The real magic, however, started after lunchtime. As the light began to fade, the local theatre group 'Darwen's Dance Collective’ (the absolute best, if I may add) organized a free, outdoor 'Tutu Dance Party' in the park. The music was eclectic, spanning from classical tunes to upbeat disco beats. A little girl, maybe five or six, in a bright yellow, bouncy tutu, stood centre stage, taking it all in. She danced with uninhibited joy, oblivious to the watching crowd, with an energy that truly brought the entire town together.
But it wasn’t all about twirling and frivolity. There was a genuine warmth, a sense of community that extended beyond the fancy dresses and feathered headbands. The whole thing, this #TutuTuesday celebration, had a tangible and refreshing feel to it. A reminder that life is for the taking, that sometimes a splash of joy and absurdity is all we need. In that moment, under a sky awash with vibrant colours, it seemed like every heart in Darwen was beating to the rhythm of a collective ‘twirl’.
As the day drew to a close and the sun cast its golden hue over the cobbled streets, it became apparent – Darwen has officially established its place in the global #TutuTuesday movement. And who knew, a tutu-clad day out in the market square, amidst a charming mix of Lancashire hospitality and twirling tulle, could leave you with a smile on your face and a skip in your step. After all, some days you need a touch of fairy dust, a sprinkle of magic, and a little reminder of that unbridled joy of dancing - that’s the Darwen way!
Why You Should Add #TutuTuesday to your Calendar
- It's fun! Obviously! And in this day and age, who doesn’t need a little lighthearted joy.
- It's empowering. Tutus are not just for ballerinas, they're a symbol of creativity, confidence, and freedom.
- It's for everyone! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, a tutu is a great conversation starter and a surefire way to spread a little bit of cheer.
So next time you’re looking for an unusual, fun, and feel-good day out, ditch the stuffy suits and stiff collars and embrace the joyful chaos of #TutuTuesday. I guarantee it will leave you smiling! And as always, feel free to leave a comment below with your own #TutuTuesday tales - we love hearing about your adventures.
Happy twirling,
Elsie (or as my friends in Darwen like to call me - the Tutu Queen of the Lancashire!)