Tutu Tuesday in Bloxwich #tututuesday
Okay, Bloxwich, you might be thinking, "Tutus? In Bloxwich?" and I get it. This isn't exactly the first place that springs to mind when you think "ballet." But trust me, darling, things are about to get a whole lot more *je ne sais quoi*.
This past Tuesday, the streets of Bloxwich (yes, Bloxwich!) were transformed into a Parisian catwalk thanks to the launch of #TutuTuesday - a campaign dreamt up by none other than yours truly, your resident ballerina and fashion aficionado.
Now, you might be thinking, "Why Bloxwich?" and "Why tutus?" and "How does this all even work?"
Let me tell you.
See, for too long, the idea of ballet and fashion, and *especially* tutus, has been stuck in this stuffy, elitist bubble. But that's just not true. The magic of ballet is meant to be shared, to be celebrated, to be accessible to *everyone*! And you know what else is accessible? The awesome, unbridled joy of expressing yourself through clothes.
So, I took matters into my own hands, because, let's face it, this world needs more tutu power, more confidence, more *savoir-faire*, and more *sparkle*!
Bloxwich has become a little haven for tutu enthusiasts, from the hardcore dancers to the fashion-forward crowd. You know, the kind of people who think tutus are a *totally* valid wardrobe staple. Because they are! Think of the colour! Think of the movement! Think of the twirling possibilities! The joy on everyone's faces as they realised they could channel their inner ballerina, however subtle or outlandish they chose, was truly inspiring.
Here's how it all went down:
- I organised a pop-up tutu boutique right in the heart of Bloxwich, where everyone could have a go at trying on different styles. From the traditional single-layered classic tulle skirt tutu, which, let's be honest, is an iconic and timeless beauty, to the playful, multi-layered, almost fairytale-esque tutus perfect for twirling around like a true fairy princess.
- We had workshops and demonstrations on how to style a tutu, for any occasion. Remember, ladies, there is a tutu out there for every look. Imagine, a stunning black tutu paired with a classic black top for a chic evening out! A powder blue tutu, worn with a crisp white T-shirt and white trainers, creating a fabulously breezy summer day look!
- We encouraged people to post their Tutu Tuesday snaps, tagging me and using #tututuesday. The idea? To show everyone how a tutu can be a totally fabulous fashion choice, no matter what your style or how much you love ballet.
Oh, the tutus we saw. I mean, there were tutus galore, each unique and expressive in its own way! Imagine seeing a vibrant, orange tutu worn with a pair of high-heeled boots and a leather jacket! It was just fabulous. And we were *especially* happy to see people experimenting with colour – pink tutus, purple tutus, even silver ones!
Some came rocking classic, elegant looks, with tutus flowing around their ankles like a ballerina's dream. But others embraced the bold and daring – tutus as bright as rainbows, tutus with edgy, punk rock touches. It was amazing to witness such a diverse spectrum of style, all united by one thing: a love of the tutu.
This is exactly what #TutuTuesday is all about - making ballet and fashion accessible for *everyone* – in a world that can be rather stuffy, let’s all let our personalities shine, even through tutus!
And, just to prove how fabulously wearable tutus actually are, here are some of my favourite Tutu Tuesday snaps:
- @MissFashionista4life looked so chic rocking a black tutu with a fitted white T-shirt, some funky trainers and a biker jacket, for a total fashion-forward and yet still comfortably cool look.
- @BloxwichBoy proved that guys can rock tutus too! His vibrant green tutu and funky striped top was a total statement piece that brought some serious joy to my feed.
- @NannaJean2023 made a statement in a pink tutu. At 87 years old, she embraced the whole tutu movement, a complete style icon with her elegant grey hair and fabulous attitude. Her photo became my favourite: “I haven’t worn a tutu since I was 14!” she wrote, "it was a fantastic feeling, thank you!” she beamed!
- @MrSmith78 went with a traditional ballet style with a single layer white tutu and a white dress shirt – it looked dapper and sophisticated.
- @PinkBlossom truly embodies #TutuTuesday with a super pink tutu worn with a fluffy pink coat, a cute headband, and sparkly accessories.
- @DanceMummy decided to dress up with a full ballet ensemble, including leotard and pointe shoes, creating an effortless but completely captivating and stylish look.
I think Bloxwich has officially claimed the tutu as its own. People here have truly embraced #TutuTuesday. And for those of you who haven't seen a Bloxwich Tutu Tuesday in action yet – *get ready*. I'm only just getting started! Next Tuesday, we'll be stepping up the glam with a tutu workshop on using colourful makeup to create a dramatic ballet-inspired eye look!
Oh, and of course, there’ll be more tutu styles on show – because a good outfit should never be left to chance.
I hope the future holds more magical tutu-wearing adventures - watch this space.