Birmingham: Tutu Tuesday and the Triumph of Tulle
Ah, Birmingham, my home city, always buzzing with life, even on a Tuesday. But this Tuesday was extra special, as you'll see, because it was Tutu Tuesday! Now, I'm a ballet dancer and blogger, and let's just say, tulle is my love language. So, seeing a city embracing tutus, well, it was like a pirouette of joy straight to my heart.
If you're picturing stiff, old-fashioned tutus, banish that image! Think "ballet meets street style". The variety was spectacular. I saw fluffy, layered tutus in neon hues that were practically begging for a dance floor. Others were a more understated elegance, in delicate pastel shades and airy chiffon, like wisps of clouds floating past. There were even those funky, asymmetric designs that took the traditional and twisted it, making them practically sculptural! It was a true feast for the eyes.
Let me tell you, walking down New Street with tutus twirling around every corner felt like I was in a musical, except with more vintage fashion stores and less break-dancing. It was so inspiring. Some people embraced the theme with a wholehearted embrace - complete tutus, ballerina buns, and even pointe shoes. Others just dabbled with a touch of tulle, whether it was a sparkly tutu scarf draped over their shoulder or a delicate tutu headband. It was all about playing with the idea and embracing the joy of a little bit of flair!
So, how did I play my part in this joyous celebration? Naturally, I put on my fanciest tutu. It was a classic romantic design, a pale blush with delicate pleats and an intricate embroidered waistband. It wasn't too much, just a hint of magic. It paired perfectly with my trusty vintage leather jacket and knee-high boots – a perfect demonstration of how to incorporate tutus into your everyday wardrobe. It’s all about mixing and matching, finding your style within the theme.
But it wasn’t just about the fashion. It was a celebration of individuality. Everyone seemed to have their own way of rocking their tutu, expressing themselves, and just having a good time. And there was so much laughter, so much positivity, it felt like the entire city was taking a collective twirl together.
I also saw a lot of people wearing t-shirts with tutu-related slogans – "Tutus for Life," "Twirl With Confidence," "You Can't Stop Us, We're Tuting!" Those were great! It showed a deeper meaning of tutu. It’s a reminder to be bold, be you, and dance to your own beat. A real #tutuinspiration.
And let's not forget the little ones. The tutus they were wearing! I swear, their eyes were shining as bright as the sparkles on their tutus. One girl I saw had her fluffy tutu swirling around as she ran after her dad, who was trying to chase down a runaway balloon. It was such a picture of childhood joy and it melted my heart.
By the way, a quick shout-out to the fabulous people at the Birmingham Royal Ballet, who organized a Tutu Tuesday Pop Up – a mini performance and Q&A right there on New Street. I got to meet some of the dancers after the performance, and their passion was so infectious. And there was the whole team from "Birmingham Fashion Week," who did a fantastic job of styling local women in amazing tutu outfits, reminding everyone that you don’t have to be a dancer to rock this trend.
Why it worked:
- It was simple, fun and inclusive – everyone can join in! Even people who weren’t sure what to do with a tutu had a great time.
- It celebrated individuality - everyone got to choose their style, and that made it unique. There was no one "right" way to participate.
- It made Birmingham feel like a stage – a place where the everyday was elevated into something special and exciting. The energy was unbelievable!
The takeaway:
As a ballet dancer, I love the fact that #Tututuesday helped showcase how beautiful, dynamic and wearable balletwear can be. But more importantly, it’s about joy, expression, and coming together as a city. Tutu Tuesday gave Birmingham a little sprinkle of magic, and I can't wait for the next one.
To end on a fitting note – here are some #tututuesday inspired quotes that I’ve picked up from the streets, that sum up the day beautifully:
- "It’s all about feeling like a princess for a day!"
- "You can never have too much tulle!"
- "Even my cat loved my tutu. But that doesn’t mean I want it sleeping on my pillow."
- "Tutu much fun? Never!"
- "Life is a stage. And you gotta have the right outfit. Like this tutu!"
So, there you have it. Birmingham's #Tututuesday. It’s proof that even on a Tuesday, you can embrace life with a little sparkle and twirl.