It's #TutuTuesday, and you know what that means: Time to embrace the joy of a beautifully crafted, tulle-filled, symbol of graceful elegance – a Tutu! Here in Cramlington, the North East England gem, we have an enthusiastic group of passionate ballerinas who wouldn't dream of letting a Tuesday go by without a proper tutu appreciation session!
Now, we don't just pick any tutu on any day. Each Tuesday has a theme. For example, if we're practicing 'Swan Lake', a romantic Tutu-style from the 19th Century in soft pastel hues with layers of netting makes for a stunning ensemble. This type of tutu, also called the "Romantic Tutu," perfectly blends classical beauty with modern practicality. It flows freely, allowing a dancer to move with grace and express their emotions without feeling constricted.
We gather at the local Dance Academy (it's called "Dance Dream," but honestly it should be "Dance Paradise" because we all go absolutely crazy for tutus!), and share tutu love stories, from the grand debut of our favourite 'Giselle' to the simple, elegant lines of our everyday dance class tutus, in beautiful black satin with a touch of gold. The black tutu really allows your lines and extensions to pop! You can’t help but feel a bit of inner ‘prima ballerina’ shine through when you slip on a black tutu; It just screams ‘sophistication’.
You see, Tutu Tuesday is more than just a fashion moment. It's a reminder that dance and ballet is not just about hard work and sweat, it’s about feeling confident and elegant – and the perfect tutu can be a wonderful tool in achieving that.
This week’s Tutu Tuesday, we focused on “The Modern Tutu”. In its beautiful structure and streamlined simplicity, a modern tutu is a masterpiece of design. It often uses structured fabrics like pleather or leather for a modern and elegant aesthetic, sometimes combining them with traditional layers of tulle. These modern creations have moved beyond a purely romantic expression. They explore futurism, geometric shapes, and modern movements.
Some Tips for Tutu Tuesday:- A modern tutu doesn't have to be boring; it's about experimenting with a simple yet sophisticated design and choosing fabrics that you love and are comfortable in! You can add pops of colour and even bold, trendy details like a unique chain strap or a chunky black belt to enhance the modern style.
- You could choose a fitted short tutu to get your fashion-forward statement out! A shorter tutu adds some chic appeal, especially when you wear it with a statement piece, like a simple black shirt with a dramatic slit in the back or a sleek cropped jacket.
- Mix it up by pairing your modern tutu with contrasting pieces such as denim jacket or a classic black biker jacket for a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll vibe – and yes, that does include Tutu Tuesday!
- You’d be surprised what you can find in your local vintage stores! Sometimes, those beautiful tutus can be the ones that end up inspiring you the most for the creative vision of your next Tutu Tuesday look. I once found a 70s, full length pink tutu in a local shop – it’s now my pride and joy! I actually think tutus never really go out of fashion and that is what is so wonderful about them. A bit like jeans, there will always be a tutu style that will fit you.
Our Favourite Local Places to Shop for Tutus in Cramlington!
- **Cramlington Dance Supplies:** A reliable go-to for both beginners and advanced dancers, this shop has a beautiful range of ballet wear. It's especially amazing for its huge variety of tutus, from classic romantic tutus, perfect for rehearsals and performances, to trendy and modern tutus, great for fashion-forward styles. You could say it’s one of my favourite places in the world!
- **Dance Zone Cramlington:** An absolute treasure trove for all your dancing needs. You'll be spoilt for choice, with a fantastic selection of tutus to suit all styles, colours, and budgets! Their friendly team will offer helpful guidance to help you find your perfect tutu!
- **Vintage Threads:** Now, this one is my guilty pleasure! Vintage stores offer such an amazing array of beautiful and unique tutus, and with a touch of imagination, you can make a stunning Tutu Tuesday statement from your thrift store find. Plus, a pre-loved tutu is better for the planet and supports sustainability - which is always a bonus in my book.
** #tututuesday in Cramlington – A Great Place to Share Tutu Love!
What I love most about Tutu Tuesday is the sense of community and joy it creates – especially in our lovely town of Cramlington. It is a day to embrace your inner ballerina, experiment with styles, and connect with your fellow tutu lovers (and that's definitely something we're good at here in Cramlington).
So, next Tuesday, let’s gather at Dance Dream, take out our most splendid tutus and join our community of fellow dance enthusiasts for an inspiring and fabulous day. Embrace the freedom of self-expression through the elegance of a tutu – a symbol of timeless beauty, grace and confidence. Until next week!
#tututuesday #Cramlington