Dover Does Tutu Tuesday
Alright, my lovelies, let's talk tutus! Dover, you may not be the most obvious location for a ballet dancer, but I’m here to say that the White Cliffs town has become a haven for Tutu Tuesday aficionados.
So what’s this Tutu Tuesday craze all about? Imagine this: Every Tuesday, women – and a growing number of men - from all walks of life decide to wear tutus. It's a spontaneous expression of self, a celebration of individuality, a burst of colour against the often-grey British weather, and it’s most certainly not for the faint-hearted! But that’s what makes it so amazing!
Let’s start with the origins. I can’t claim to have invented the concept, although it's now becoming associated with my blog, "Dancing in Dover", which is why my social media feed seems to explode with tutu pics on Tuesdays. I blame Instagram. The photo-sharing app has propelled Tutu Tuesday into the cultural consciousness of the internet, inspiring even the most reluctant tutu-wearer.
Speaking of Instagram… #Tututuesday has blown up! Hashtags are the lifeblood of the digital age, so I'm here to confess, my #tututuesday feed is where I spend a happy chunk of each Tuesday morning.
It's not just Instagram that's feeding the Tutu Tuesday trend though, the high street has caught on! Forget ballet shop stock rooms; now the likes of Topshop and Primark have cottoned onto the fact that women want tutus, not just for Halloween, but for work, for coffee mornings and even for the school run! My tutu wardrobe has expanded dramatically.
And who could forget the style aspect of #tututuesday. Think beyond the classic tutu styles: the perfectly pleated pale pink tutu that twirls and floats… Dover’s tutus run the gamut of colour, texture and fabric - they are playful and expressive - often daringly so - the statement piece of the Tutu Tuesday wardrobe!
- Classic ballerina tutus: Those ethereal tulle masterpieces are always a hit. Let's not forget, the beauty of a tutu lies in the ability to move with it. It’s not just the perfect party wear, but the garment that makes us feel most empowered. It embodies both grace and strength, something I’m all about! A simple tutu can say so much without speaking a word.
- Modern designs: From floral patterned cotton tutus to vibrant neon tutus with sequins or sparkly fabrics - even the classic white tulle has gone modern with neon touches!
- Upcycled tutus: Forget buying new! We have creative folks in Dover who’ve made the most fabulous upcycled creations out of anything imaginable, turning discarded ballet outfits into one-of-a-kind works of art! And let’s face it, the perfect #Tututuesday look needs to be eco-conscious!
What about Dover itself? A port town on the southeast coast of England, with history seeping out of its cobbled streets, it’s the perfect backdrop for the creative, bold and vibrant tutus! On a breezy day, the picturesque English Channel waves rolling on the shores only serve to enhance the ethereal qualities of a beautiful tulle creation.
What makes Dover the ideal home for Tutu Tuesday? It's the perfect marriage of tradition and modernity, history and hip. This blend gives the whole experience a uniquely refreshing, and dare I say, quite rebellious twist.
On any given Tuesday in Dover, it’s easy to see the spirit of Tutu Tuesday in the eyes of those rocking their own unique tutus:
- The office worker: You know the ones, they arrive with their power tutus – a sharp tailored tutu in a statement colour like deep red or black, or a tutu styled to perfectly complement the latest office outfit trends - all paired with chic stilettos!
- The Mum with a twinkle in her eye - they embrace the playfulness of #tututuesday - it’s a way to make a boring morning school run fun for everyone - not just the kids, even the adults feel the tutu love.
- The older women - I am always touched by their embrace of #tututuesday, some say they see the trend as a reminder of their youth. It’s a powerful statement of being free and enjoying life. I have a feeling that Tutu Tuesday gives them a real boost!
- The group of girlfriends - I have always found Dover girls to have a real affinity with a tutu - perhaps the chalk cliffs, the windswept landscape, the strong women of Dover's history - these elements make them confident and unafraid to experiment. #Tututuesday is the perfect expression of their confidence.
There’s something inherently optimistic about the tutu: a symbol of femininity and freedom, a garment that lets you play, embrace creativity and have some fun. It's also an antidote to the rigid formality of the world - which, we all need in a busy modern life. So if you want to feel empowered, liberated, joyful and yes, slightly whimsical, give it a go - there’s a #tututuesday for you!
But do let me know! Tag me @Dancing_Dover or share your story and style, post pics using the hashtag #Tututuesday and we’ll showcase the beautiful, empowering creativity of all our Dover tutus! See you there, Lovelies, until then… Keep dancing, keep shining and above all, keep Tutu-ing!