Tutu Tuesday 1167

Tutu Tuesday in Barking: Where Ballet Meets the Unexpected

Alright, darlings, let’s talk #tututuesday! This isn’t just another day, it's a glorious celebration of twirling, tulle, and the power of a well-chosen pointe shoe. And today, we're taking our tutus to the streets, not just the stage. I mean, where better to experience a bit of unexpected tutu-ness than Barking, East London?

I'll be honest, Barking hasn't always been known for its fashionable side. But hear me out. It's the juxtaposition, the clash of old and new, classic and street that truly makes this little corner of London so...well, *interesting*. There's a certain edge here, a gritty vibe that pairs surprisingly well with the sheer grace and beauty of a tutu.

So, with my trusty camera in hand, my favourite tutu, a romantic white one with layers upon layers of netting, and my trusty pair of Converse (ballet shoes, my loves, are for the studio, you know!), I embarked on a #tututuesday adventure through the heart of Barking. And boy, oh boy, was it a wild ride!

First stop? The Barking Market, a bustling hub of life and laughter. This is where you can find anything and everything - from fresh produce to bargain-bin treasures to street food vendors cooking up a storm. Now, I’m all about ballet-inspired street style, but let's be honest, wearing a tutu amidst the cacophony of market life took some guts.

And how did the Barking Market embrace the tulle? You'd be surprised. The locals - bless their cotton socks - were surprisingly intrigued! There were curious glances, friendly smiles, and even a few enthusiastic compliments from stall owners. A kind baker with a cheeky grin even gave me a free croissant, complimenting my "stylish dancewear." What’s more, it's a testament to the embracing nature of Barking’s diverse community - and maybe, just maybe, they secretly harbour a soft spot for twirling tulle!

Speaking of soft spots, a visit to Barking Abbey, the town’s historical gem, was a must. I found myself feeling a strange sense of connection wearing my tutu here. This ancient building holds centuries of history within its walls - it's been a Benedictine monastery, a church, and even a World War II bomb shelter. And against the backdrop of all this grandeur, the softness and fragility of a tutu seemed to somehow resonate, making it feel even more meaningful.

The day wouldn’t have been complete without a trip to The Barking Riverside, a stunning riverside walk where the Thames winds its way past a park, complete with a gorgeous Victorian waterworks pumping station and a stunning piece of contemporary public art. The contrast was magical! A classical white tutu juxtaposed against a backdrop of brickwork and graffiti, the Thames lapping gently at the shore… a picture perfect moment! Honestly, it reminded me why I love ballet so much. It’s about the art of contrasting extremes - grace against the gritty, strength against the fragility, the dance against the real world. And this juxtaposition is something that Barking embodies so perfectly.

Let's get to the details: What about those #tututuesday tutu styles I spotted today? The day definitely inspired a few new tutu outfit ideas!

The Streetwear Ballerina: A fusion of style and attitude. Think: a classic black tutu with layers of chiffon and tulle, teamed with ripped denim jeans, bold hoop earrings, and a fitted leather jacket.

The Vintage Muse: A throwback to the romantic era of classical ballet. My absolute fave! A dreamy, romantic tulle tutu in soft pastels, maybe even with a floral crown, paired with vintage inspired heels (I'm thinking white kitten heels!), for a whimsical touch.

The Urban Goddess: A fearless blend of high fashion and edgy urban style. This could be a bold colour block tutu with layers of shimmering fabrics, a structured fitted blazer or jacket, and chunky platforms for an effortlessly stylish edge.

But let’s be real: My favorite thing about #tututuesday? It's not just about the outfits, it's about the people. Every single time I step out into the world in my tutu, I encounter someone who shares my love for dance, for creativity, for pushing boundaries. I even had a conversation with an elderly woman who said, “My grandmother took me to the ballet in my youth,” and suddenly this woman with decades on her shoulders felt so close to me! The shared stories, the warm embraces, the playful smiles – those are the memories that will stay with me forever.

I guess what I’m trying to say is - Barking has my heart! It’s an unassuming little town that packs a powerful punch! There’s beauty in unexpected places, if you just know where to look - or, where to twirl! You know the saying, “Find your joy.” And today, my friends, my joy was found in Barking! #tututuesday!

Things to note in Barking!

• The Barking Market: The vibrant heart of Barking, this sprawling market is home to fresh produce, bargain finds, and an incredible array of street food. It’s also home to friendly locals eager to chat with a ballerina - in a tutu!
• Barking Abbey: This historic gem stands proud amidst the bustling streets. Step back in time and explore its long history and beauty - don’t be afraid to pose in your tutu amongst these historical walls!
• The Barking Riverside: The perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy photo op! This peaceful stretch of waterfront will be your ideal backdrop to channel the graceful side of street-style dancing in your tutu.
• The Barking Food Scene: From Indian to Asian, Italian, Ethiopian and everything in between - this little town is a food lover’s dream. A full-belly equals fuller, more graceful twirling (I promise! ).
• Barking Arts Theatre: Home to a range of performing arts - including ballet! Who better to catch a show with than your ballet bestie?!

I know I've said it before, but seriously, why wait for Tuesday? The world is your stage. Embrace #tututuesday every day - if not, well at least give your closet tutu a little twirl for good luck and maybe you'll feel as fab as I do.