Tutu Tuesday 101

Tutu Tuesday in Boston: A whirl of tulle and grace

It’s Tuesday, which means one thing in the ballet world: #Tututuesday! This weekly tradition, started by yours truly, has taken the internet by storm. Every Tuesday, dancers and ballet lovers from around the globe post pics of themselves in their most fabulous tutus, celebrating the elegance and artistry of this iconic piece of dancewear. So, let’s take a little trip down to the cobbled streets of Boston and see what’s going on.

First off, a little fashion history. Did you know that the tutu actually came about by accident? In the 1800s, when romantic ballet emerged, Marie Taglioni famously performed La Sylphide. But rather than wearing the traditional full skirt, she chose a much shorter, lighter one which flowed around her with grace. It was an instant sensation! This innovation transformed the way dancers looked on stage, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a more ethereal quality. This is what we know today as the "Romantic tutu". It was a revolution in dancewear, paving the way for the evolution of different tutu styles, including the "Classical tutu", "The Pointe tutu", the “American tutu”, the "Bell tutu", and so on. Each style has its own unique characteristic and aesthetic that embodies the style and theme of the ballet being performed.

Today, I was at The Boston Ballet for their #Tututuesday celebration, a vibrant hub for the most stylish tutu wearers!

• I spied a young ballerina wearing a beautifully crafted white "Romantic tutu". Its lightness and simplicity, enhanced the romanticism and emotion of her movement.
• Meanwhile, a veteran dancer rocked a traditional "Classical tutu". With layers upon layers of tulle and intricate embroidery, this tutu had a more grand and dramatic presence.
• One of my favourites had to be a vibrant "American tutu" that embraced the contemporary trends with an unconventional, more comfortable style, whilst still capturing the magic of ballet.
• And finally, the sheer exuberance and joy of #Tututuesday in Boston was perfectly captured by a group of dancers showcasing the captivating and dramatic flair of the “Bell tutu”. The bells jingled as they moved gracefully in this intricate design.

Beyond the style, there’s something about the tulle, it brings a sense of excitement and joy to everyone! It's no wonder that even everyday folks have jumped on board this playful trend. And this Tuesday in Boston was proof. The streets of the city were buzzing with dancers, even local cafe workers took a moment to spin, whilst office workers were seen wearing their tutus proudly, bringing the essence of ballet to their working day.

From a casual ballerina bun to a sophisticated, elaborate hairstyle, each dancer was showcasing their personality and individual style. I even saw one ballerina wearing her #Tututuesday attire to a dinner date, because as we know: It's never too early or too late to show your appreciation for this beautiful form of art and, let's be honest: We could all do with more twirling in our lives, right?

So next #Tututuesday, dust off your best tutu (you can even find them at thrift stores or sew your own) and unleash your inner dancer. After all, fashion is a form of self-expression. What’s more, remember to share your #tututuesday adventures using the hashtags: #tututuesday #ballet #boston!