Tutu Tuesday 1034

Tutu Tuesday in Highbury: A Whirlwind of Romance and Dance So, it's Tutu Tuesday in Highbury, and the air is positively buzzing with the energy of twirling tutus and graceful moves! I’m currently perched on a bench in the heart of Highbury Village, feeling every bit the Parisian ballerina - minus the tragic love life, of course. But there’s something incredibly charming about the way Highbury embraces the world of dance, especially on a Tuesday. Today, it's a rainbow of colours that sets the scene, a riot of pink, peach, baby blue, and shimmering gold tutus - a spectacle fit for a grand ballet, except it's playing out on the streets of Highbury, amidst the quaint cafes and boutique shops. The vibrant energy is infectious! And there's just something so liberating about slipping into a tutu! Maybe it’s the freedom of movement, the whisper of tulle against your skin, the sense of elegance and effortless grace that it instantly evokes - all the while remaining practical for a stroll down the high street, or a quick run to the local grocery store. Let’s face it, there’s not a single outfit that instantly brings a touch of magic and whimsy like a perfectly styled tutu. Tutu Tuesday: An ode to dance and style The origin of Tutu Tuesday, if you’re wondering, is something of a legend! They say it all started a couple of years ago, when a young ballerina, quite shy, quite beautiful, by the name of Isabelle, was overcome with a fit of inspiration during a coffee break at The Cafe Rouge. Having recently bought a vibrant pink, feathered, classical tutu online, she felt a strong urge to share its enchantment. So, on a whim, she wore the tutu to work. What happened next, well, that’s history now! Isabelle’s colleague, a fashion-savvy friend named Beatrice, instantly adored the idea of a Tutu Tuesday – a whimsical celebration of dance and fashion. Together, they started a hashtag, #tututuesday, to share photos and videos of people donning their tutus - no matter their dance backgrounds! From seasoned professionals to amateur enthusiasts and, as it turned out, the odd passerby, Tutu Tuesday caught on quickly. It’s been a regular event ever since, a testament to the allure of tutus, dance and fashion combined. I first encountered this sartorial celebration during a visit to my cousin, Chloe, in Highbury last summer. Chloe, you see, is one of the leading members of The Highbury Tutus Society, a local club for Tutu enthusiasts, a diverse group of ladies and gentlemen dedicated to promoting the art of wearing tutus. You should see the tutu styles! We're not talking your traditional pointe shoe classical tutu here – although there’s a definite appreciation for that traditional look in this corner of London! Here in Highbury, they're all about taking inspiration from various genres - ballet, modern dance, jazz, contemporary - and even throwing in a pinch of theatre and fashion inspiration. Think flamboyant tutu skirts in vibrant colors and striking fabrics, or simple and chic tutus - often fashioned by local seamstresses with bespoke fabrics - complete with intricate embellishments and handmade touches that perfectly reflect the quirky personality of Highbury itself! I’ll admit, the tutu craze hasn't caught on quite as much in the dance halls of New York or Paris, where it all began for me, but it definitely adds a vibrant, quirky flair to the usual Parisian or New York scene. The way Highbury embraced the spirit of Tutu Tuesday is a truly delightful blend of creativity, individuality and sheer, lighthearted fun. There's a strong emphasis on individuality here! It's about expressing yourself - and letting the tutu tell your unique story, just like I'm trying to do right now as I tap away on my laptop! Tutu Tuesday - a look into the lives of tutu-clad highbury dwellers As I soak up the ambiance of Highbury, there’s something truly beautiful about witnessing the community that unfolds on Tutu Tuesday - friends catching up, families enjoying each other's company, couples laughing, sharing their unique styles, and creating memories - all infused with a dash of whimsical ballet charm! You could almost hear a symphony playing out in the vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and fabrics. There’s a young woman gracefully strolling down the High Street, wearing a vibrant lime green tutu and a perfectly paired blush pink tweed jacket. I’m admiring her perfectly executed bun, a classic Parisian style effortlessly combined with a modern sensibility! Then there’s a gaggle of girlfriends gathered outside the newly opened bistro, The Tulle Tavern, each wearing an ensemble of the most delicate, ethereal tulle, and each adding their unique flare. There’s an element of rebellion to it, an independence to this trend, but a shared connection at its core. And let’s not forget the gentleman. Yes, they too, are in on the Tutu Tuesday action, and I'll have to confess, the gents have their style game mastered too! I’m especially fond of this chap who just stepped out of the cafe, dressed to impress. He’s sporting a grey suit, a pair of Italian loafers and an impeccably designed black and silver tutu made by a local, independent designer. He even has matching silver cufflinks. Now that's my kinda gent. Across the street, there’s a couple dressed to impress, their playful ensembles perfectly capturing the spirit of this whimsical tradition. I hear the gentle melody of a violin emanating from a nearby store, its music weaving seamlessly into the ambience of the day. A Tutu Tuesday reflection It’s days like this, on a sunny Tuesday in Highbury, that I truly understand why I love being a dancer. Sure, the dance world can be tough at times, especially in a fast-paced, demanding environment. But today, all that fades away, it’s like a dream come to life! There’s a magic to the way these ladies, gentlemen and families embrace dance and style, adding a touch of joy and beauty to their everyday lives. It's moments like these, with a sprinkle of magic, that makes me realise why we all need to find our Tutu Tuesday - whatever it might be. It's that thing that allows you to break out of the everyday monotony, express your individual style, and make everyday life a little bit more extraordinary. A call for your Tutu Tuesday experiences - share the story! So, whether you're dancing professionally, indulging in the occasional twirl, or just discovering your own inner dancer - let me know about your Tutu Tuesdays by leaving a comment on this post or tagging your pictures with #tututuesday! Let's celebrate the fun, creativity, and sheer joy of the world of dance, one tutu at a time! This is where you’ll find me, right here in Highbury. Come join me! I promise it’ll be a tutu delight. See you on Tuesday, and until then, happy dancing!