Tutu Tuesday in Guiseley: A Whirlwind of Dance and Fashion
It’s a truth universally acknowledged, that a ballerina in possession of a tutu must be in want of a good old-fashioned twirl! This is the core philosophy of my little corner of the internet, where we celebrate everything tutus, and this week, it was time to head to Guiseley, a delightful town nestled in the heart of Yorkshire.
My social media feeds were positively exploding with #tututuesday posts this week and seeing the enthusiasm, my fellow tutu-enthusiasts were inspiring, to say the least. It made me want to shout from the rooftops "Yes, it's Tutu Tuesday, people! Embrace the tulle!" - and boy, did we embrace the tulle.
We had everything from the classic, tiered and voluminous, ballerina-worthy romantic tulle tutus - the kind with multiple layers that float and dance with you when you twirl (think Sleeping Beauty's Aurora), to the sassy, shorter, and edgier contemporary tutus that give a nod to street fashion with their asymmetric shapes and bold colours (imagine a fiery Carmen in the Spanish setting, if you will). Then we had some wonderful tutus in between, like the sassy and cute pencil tutus and some stunning pastel-hued, frilly tutus - perfect for tea parties or waltzing in a beautiful summer garden.
We didn’t just limit ourselves to the conventional colours, either. Sure, we saw plenty of pristine whites and ethereal blacks, but there were bursts of colours everywhere you looked: sunshine yellows, jewel-toned emerald greens, fire engine reds, and shimmering pinks. One particularly brave soul even sported a silver sequined tutu that shimmered in the late-afternoon sun - like a tiny disco ball twirling in the street.
Guiseley truly rose to the occasion. We took over the town, twirling and twirling and spreading our infectious joy through every corner. Imagine, if you will, a little Victorian square, now bursting with tutus, laughter, and the rhythmic whoosh of tulle skirts in the gentle breeze. Our whimsical joy seemed to lift the spirits of even the most stoic shoppers. We definitely had heads turning and we were making those "tutues" the centre of attention for sure!
And the highlights?
- A gorgeous group of Guiseley ladies, dressed in pink pencil tutus with elegant pastel dresses and fascinators, had people stopping to take photos of their adorable twirling ensemble.
- A couple, both donning black tutus, were twirling in sync with the music coming out of a shop's stereo - they really had everyone enchanted!
- A bunch of school girls in navy blue pencil tutus were laughing as they pretended to be ballerinas in the Town Square, so cute!
Now, you’re probably thinking: "Why? Why do we wear tutus?" Well, I'm here to tell you it's not just about dance. It’s a statement. A statement of empowerment, joy, and unbridled creativity. Tutus, with their flourish and fullness, scream confidence and dare you to twirl without a care in the world! Plus, it's a wonderful opportunity to showcase some individuality with fun personal styling. Whether you're rocking sparkly accessories, a quirky handbag or a bright bold lipstick - it is the perfect platform for experimenting with your style.
I also wanted to point out the fantastic feeling of inclusivity in this wonderful event. People of all ages, sizes and backgrounds were involved, and the shared smiles were a truly touching thing to experience. Whether it was a five-year-old girl dancing on her tiptoes or an eighty-year-old gentleman having a playful twirl with his granddaughter, there was something truly special about how Tutuesday brought everyone together.
So, dear readers, take my advice. Grab your tutu (or make your own – this was one of the most fun DIY tasks!) and join us for the next #Tutuesday event. You won’t regret it. It’s the perfect recipe for fun, creativity, and spreading a little joy throughout your day.
As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over Guiseley, I realized it was time to wrap up our whirlwind of twirling. However, the warmth of laughter and the joyous twirls continued in my heart for long after our event ended. It truly is more than just dancing; it is a celebration of life, laughter and just letting yourself be free. And, you know what? That's truly wonderful.