Tutu Tuesday in Gateshead: A Celebration of Dance and Fashion

Tutu Tuesday has been a highlight in my week ever since I first started dancing. It’s not just about the adorable tutu, it's about the freedom, the joy, and the feeling of absolute magic that comes with slipping into a beautiful, floaty creation that lets me move freely and express myself. This Tuesday, the magic landed right here in Gateshead, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.

It all began at the Gateshead Central Library, where they hosted a fantastic ‘Tutu Tuesday’ event for families and budding young dancers. As I approached the library, a sea of pink and white greeted me, the unmistakable colour of tutus, both traditional and contemporary, worn by young and old alike.

The atmosphere was buzzing, and I couldn’t wait to soak it all in. I was particularly intrigued by the diversity of tutus on display. There were classic, romantic tutus in pristine white with delicate layers, as well as those bold and playful tutus with multicoloured stripes, ruffles and layers, some even embellished with sequins and feathers.

What made the event so special was the infectious energy. It was clear to me that everyone there shared a passion for dance, for expressing themselves through movement, and for having a great time doing it. The library was transformed into a mini-ballet studio with creative activities and a workshop, designed to teach young dancers about the different styles of dance and tutus.

As I walked around, I caught glimpses of budding ballerinas practicing their pirouettes, young boys jumping with exuberance in their own “Tutu Tuesday” style, and even granddads rocking a tutu with a grin. What I found really interesting were the modern tutus made from recycled materials, reminding us to be mindful and conscious of the environment, which is so important, and totally on-trend in today’s world!

Here's a quick glimpse of what caught my eye:

  • A bright fuchsia tutu made with upcycled fabric, shimmering like a cloud of happiness.
  • A simple but striking white tutu crafted from a vintage ballet slipper, beautifully echoing the history of the art form.
  • A mischievous, swirling, multicoloured creation reminiscent of a whirlwind of colour and creativity.

And who could forget the delightful treats? The library had prepared a lovely selection of cake pops decorated like mini ballerina tutus, and delicious fairy cakes. The sweet delights perfectly complemented the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. What's better than cake pops shaped like a tutu with a little coffee after a dance session?! The combination is pure bliss.

As the day unfolded, the library filled with the joyful chatter of children, the melodic sounds of dance music, and the occasional excited giggle of someone who just couldn’t resist striking a pose. And of course, the ‘Tutu Tuesday’ event wasn’t complete without a fantastic, interactive, ballet workshop!

A professional ballet dancer took to the floor, leading children and their parents in a series of fun, easy-to-learn dance moves. As I watched them move with grace and joy, I felt my own love for dance come rushing back. What a fantastic way to inspire young dancers to step onto the dance floor and embrace their passion for dance! And of course, as I was looking for the perfect way to end the day, I decided to purchase a gorgeous black tutu, beautifully adorned with lace. The tutu's romantic silhouette perfectly mirrored my own style and personality. Black, after all, is my go-to colour. Black always feels bold and chic and it really shows off your confidence on the dance floor.

There are so many things about tutu styles and how we adapt and use them nowadays that I wanted to share. They really are such a huge part of our culture - not just in dance, but fashion, in media. It’s amazing how the styles and looks have evolved too! Let me know which style you’d go for:

  • The Romantic Tutu (The Classic: always a favourite - beautiful in its simplicity and timeless elegance).
  • The Whimsical Tutu (Playful and full of colour and detail)
  • The Contemporary Tutu (Often incorporates interesting fabrics and textures and pushing boundaries!)

As the evening descended, it was clear to me that “Tutu Tuesday” in Gateshead had created memories for everyone. We’d laughed, learned and celebrated the joy of dance. It's wonderful to witness this shared love for dance in a setting so vibrant and full of life, especially on a day like Tutu Tuesday. You could just feel the infectious energy. #TutuTuesday

I highly recommend participating in the next “Tutu Tuesday” in Gateshead. You won’t regret it, believe me. It's such a delightful way to discover a little bit of magic in the everyday. This experience was so incredibly heartwarming and filled with pure happiness! Just remember, sometimes you don’t have to wait for a special day to slip on your tutu and dance. Any day is a good day to express your creativity and find the joy in movement.