Tutu Tuesday 1137

Tutu Tuesday in Burton upon Trent: A Whirlwind of Style and Substance #tututuesday Ah, Burton upon Trent. It's a charming little town, brimming with history and hidden gems. But on this particular Tuesday, it was a different kind of magic in the air. You see, dear readers, today was Tutu Tuesday. It wasn't just about twirling and pirouettes, although there was plenty of that (believe me!). This was a celebration of the tutu, the undisputed queen of dancewear, in all its glory. As a ballerina who lives and breathes this fabulous garment, I simply couldn't resist the allure. So, I set out on a mission: to explore Burton upon Trent's hidden tutu potential. From the historic streets of the town centre to the picturesque canal side, I was determined to find the most creative and stylish tutus in the land (well, in Burton). First stop, the quaint little tea room, "The Teapot and Tiara". The atmosphere was just what I needed, filled with warm, vintage charm. The walls were adorned with vintage photographs of ballerinas, the air thick with the aroma of freshly baked cakes. The owner, a woman with a twinkle in her eye and a passion for all things feminine, informed me that her daughter was a budding ballerina, and this was her special place. She pointed towards a beautiful corner decorated with pastel-coloured tulle – a little ballerina's dreamland. I saw a sweet pink tutu with an elegant floral pattern. "Just perfect for a tiny princess," she said with a smile. I felt a wave of nostalgic happiness - it was a reminder that ballet starts small and grows with every dream and leap. From there, my tutu-filled journey led me to the town’s art gallery. Imagine my delight at seeing the stunning "Tutu Tapestry". The artist had skillfully weaved colourful tulle ribbons into a dramatic work of art depicting a ballerina poised in a classic arabesque. It was both artistic and emotive, conveying the elegance and artistry of ballet in a unique way. I learned that this artwork was a collaboration with a local dance academy, each student contributing their favourite colours. The next stop, the heart of the town, where the independent boutiques lined the charming cobblestone streets. This was where my search became more thrilling, more like a treasure hunt! It wasn't easy to find tutus here, but when I did… Oh my! One boutique was a delightful haven for the bold and glamorous. In their window, displayed with great pride, was a shimmering silver tutu adorned with dazzling diamantes. "Modern and daring" said the owner, with a playful twinkle in her eye, as I gazed upon the dramatic piece. He explained how the material was a bespoke blend of silks and synthetic fabric, "lighter than air but robust enough for every spin." It certainly felt like the ideal costume for a star on the grandest of stages! The contrast between this flamboyant tutu and the simple pink confection earlier in the day made me think, there is a tutu for everyone, regardless of age, style or passion. Further down the street, I stumbled upon a quirky vintage shop, filled with vintage clothing and retro trinkets. To my delight, nestled amongst the 70s bell bottoms and 80s shoulder pads, was a treasure: a vintage pink tulle tutu. It was a vision in pastel perfection, its worn but delicate tulle a testament to time and dance. I envisioned this beautiful tutu, its story untold, twirling in the grand ballrooms of bygone eras, reminding me that the allure of the tutu is timeless. My afternoon wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the historic Burton Brewery. As a true ballet lover, I know that the dance demands strength and stamina. So, what better way to reward myself after all the twirling than with a locally-brewed craft beer? As I enjoyed a pint, the brewery staff, with a genuine sense of pride, explained the brewing process and history. Their enthusiasm, the way they discussed each stage with precision and dedication reminded me of the passion and discipline required by dancers, and of course the many layers in our craft. But Tutu Tuesday was not just about exploration, it was about community. It was a day where locals and visitors alike embraced the fun of this creative, lighthearted celebration. From street entertainers performing graceful ballet routines, to families twirling in their homemade tutus in the park, it was a joy to see smiles and laughter fill the streets. Even the local bakers had jumped on board with 'Tutu Treats': cupcakes, cakes, and cookies all decorated with delightful tutu motifs. I especially loved a set of delicate meringue cookies shaped like ballerinas, topped with edible diamonds! A beautiful display of sugary creativity and a clear indicator that this event, despite its modest start, had a very real sense of community and was growing. One group I spotted gathered near the canal, was particularly impressive: a group of young girls from the local dance academy, dressed in vibrant coloured tutus, were practicing for an upcoming performance. It was heartwarming to see these young hopefuls with their infectious energy, and I couldn’t resist a little pirouette of my own to show my appreciation. My adventure through Burton upon Trent was more than just a delightful detour from my usual routine. It was a reminder that beauty, creativity and joy can be found in the most unexpected places. And it was proof that even a simple garment, like the tutu, can ignite imaginations and bring communities together in a way that nothing else can. It was truly a celebration of individuality, community spirit, and, of course, the love for ballet. But the magic didn’t end there. As the sun began to set, I headed back to my home in the nearby city. On the way, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's journey and it felt like I was swept away by a kaleidoscope of tulle. Each tutu, in its own unique way, embodied something different. The pink tutu was a reminder of innocence, the vintage tutu of history, the silver one was pure extravagance and the local creations exemplified a sense of community. I also remembered a post on social media I'd read earlier in the week about #tututuesday. It started as a simple idea, an online trend that encouraged people to post photos of themselves in tutus. What began as a fun way to celebrate a beloved garment had blossomed into a global community, with people sharing their stories, experiences and passion for the art of dance. So, to all those who danced in the streets, adorned themselves with sparkling tulle, and shared their passion for this special garment on social media, thank you. Tutu Tuesday is a testament to the fact that life is short, so let’s dance while we can. As the day came to a close, I felt a renewed sense of appreciation for the timeless beauty and creative possibilities of the tutu. It was a reminder that this humble piece of clothing can truly spark joy, creativity and inspire a whole new wave of Tutu Tuesdays in every corner of the world. A final note for my readers, be sure to check out my blog! I'll be sharing even more photos from my Burton upon Trent adventure, with details about the local boutiques, cafes, and attractions I encountered on this fantastic #tututuesday