Tutu Tuesday in Reading, Pennsylvania: A Whirlwind of Tulle & Style
Hey #tututuesday lovers! Itâs your girl, Amelia here, ready to spill the tea (and maybe some tulle) about all things dance in the magical land of Reading, Pennsylvania. Now, before you picture me pirouetting through a quaint town square (although, that sounds pretty dreamy!), Iâm actually based in Philly. But you know what they say â âWhen in ReadingâŚâ and âTutu Tuesday!â Well, thatâs precisely how I found myself dancing my way through this historical gem, celebrating all things ballet, Tutu Tuesday style.
First off, I gotta say, the #tututuesday scene here is as vibrant as the Berks County wildflowers in springtime. The Pennsylvania Balletâs influence radiates throughout the area, bringing an undeniable appreciation for classical and modern dance styles, and that was totally reflected in my experience.
My first stop was at The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and lemme tell ya, it's the place to be if you're searching for a hidden artistic treasure! The moment I stepped through the door, the vibe was intoxicatingâthink industrial chic meets vintage charm, with the sweet smell of creativity in the air. And trust me, my inner art lover (and tutu enthusiast!) was completely in awe. This hub boasts studios and workshops for all sorts of art forms â including dance! I even spotted some budding dancers in their tutus, taking ballet classes, ready to channel their inner ballerina!
To top it off, the staff at GoggleWorks was like, so welcoming! They gave me the lowdown on local dance scene, and let me in on a secretâa #tututuesday tradition no less! Every Tuesday, the GoggleWorks hosts an "Open Dance Night." The invitation's open to dancers of all styles and levels, to just come, hang out, and groove. Think impromptu performances, live music, and a bunch of amazing, talented people in the community. Itâs like a ballet class with a dash of a bohemian party!
Speaking of traditions, itâs time I talk about the tutu! And in Reading, the tutu is everything! For starters, you gotta understand, a "Reading tutu" has a vibe all its own. The classics are definitely there, with classic romantic styles like the layered, tulle, puffy skirts, but weâre talking a modern twist here, and a bit more edgier, think street-chic tutu style!
- Modern Take on Classics: Weâre seeing the classics â think the "Tutu du Jour," the iconic short and fluffy ballet tutu, styled up in fresh new waysâwith edgy fishnets, funky tights, a touch of color, and maybe some sequins to top it off.
- Street Style-Ready: But thatâs not all! Think of those flowy, contemporary tutu skirts, you know, the ones that look like a beautiful cloud of tulle, paired up with oversized tees and graphic sweatshirts.
- Upcycled Twirls: Letâs get eco-conscious â there's a new generation of âre-invented" tutus too. Youâre seeing upcycled designs created with scraps and upcycled materials, bringing a little eco-chic into the ballet scene, one dazzling swirl at a time!
And to my fellow tutu enthusiasts, just listen: you canât just wear a tutu without doing the #tututuesday tangoâa lilâ dance for the soul, or at least for Instagram. I spent a good chunk of my #tututuesday day just twirling and frolicking through Reading with my best #tututuesday friend. Now, we may have gotten some funny looks, but seriously, who needs a ballroom when you can make Reading your runway?
Tutu-ific Tips: So, you wanna experience your very own #tututuesday in Reading, Pennsylvania, and dance like youâve never danced before? Here are my top tips:
- Get your twirl on: Sign up for a drop-in ballet class at a local studio, or even check out the ballet workshops and performances happening around town.
- Explore The GoggleWorks: Drop by The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Youâll have a blast exploring the workshops and maybe even join an âOpen Dance Night" for some seriously awesome #tututuesday vibes.
- Be inspired: Look to local boutiques and online shops in Reading for inspiration on the hottest tutus. Think edgy, creative, and totally customizable to match your style!
Readingâs full of hidden gems just waiting for you to discover them! Iâve barely scratched the surface of #tututuesday here. This town's full of stories waiting to be told and dance moves waiting to be unleashed.
Oh, and did I mention that Reading is absolutely chock-full of great places to grab a bite before, after, or in between your #tututuesday adventures? Seriously, their food sceneâs a foodieâs dream!
I can't wait to explore this city more. Until then, stay fierce, keep dancing, and spread that #tututuesday magic! Remember: The tutu is the only accessory you really need, no matter where your twirling takes you!