Tutu Tuesday in Stratford: A Dance Through Time
Well, darlings, it's another glorious Tuesday, and you know what that means… it’s **#tututuesday**! It's been a while since I've done a proper #tututuesday post, what with rehearsals for our upcoming performance of Swan Lake keeping me busy. I do feel like a swan at the moment though, all graceful movements and soft fluttering, so I think it's time to dive back into the world of tutus. Especially since, we all know, it's the best day of the week for tulle!
And where better to celebrate than right here in Stratford-upon-Avon, my little haven of all things artistic? This charming town is famous for its history and theatre, but there’s an equally captivating sartorial scene bubbling beneath the surface.
We were having a backstage chat last night at the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Merchant of Venice - and they did a spectacular job with the costuming, by the way, with the most glorious Elizabethan ensembles - when the subject of #tututuesday came up.
And just like that, I realised Stratford is practically a mecca for #tututuesday enthusiasts, and I'm here to take you on a whirl through some of the top spots for tutu fans.
Whirl through Time: The Classic Tutu in the Royal Shakespeare Company's Costume and Wardrobe Dept.
"Whirl through Time", the Royal Shakespeare Company's current exhibition showcasing 400 years of theatrical costume, was the first stop on our tutu tour.
As we've all seen in classic ballets like *Swan Lake* and *Giselle*, tutus often take a romantic, traditional form – the *romantic* and *classic* styles with tiers of ruched and gathered fabric flowing outwards to form the quintessential bell-shaped silhouette.
And there, at the RSC Costume and Wardrobe Dept., nestled amongst Shakespearean doublets and Elizabethan farthingales, is a classic white tutu of undeniable elegance – the romantic form you'd expect from a quintessential Swan Queen.
With its layers of carefully chosen white tulle creating a billowing effect, I got caught up in its historical weight.
Fashion Forward Tutu on Henley Street
Now, it's not just the classics that excite me, and Stratford knows how to deliver on the latest trends too! If you're after something more avant-garde, pop down Henley Street. Stratford has a charming and trendy selection of independent boutiques brimming with quirky pieces, but it's the fabulous 'Stratford Boutique' I found tucked in near the Avon River, that had the perfect contemporary tutu for me. Forget your classical, traditional tutu - this one was a daring take on modern, everyday fashion, incorporating a striking neon colour to bring that much-needed splash of drama. The colour blocked tiers are a modern approach to the ballet classic - the perfect tutu to inject a dose of color and excitement into your day. With a light, almost weightless fabric, a bold, confident, colourful tutu for modern everyday life was my takeaway!
Modern Tutus: Stratford Boutique & Tutu Dance at The Arden
Okay, it's not just Stratford Boutique rocking the contemporary tutu vibes - this is a whole cultural movement. If you want a tutu for your #tututuesday celebration but aren’t sure about committing to full-blown ballerina chic head on over to The Arden which is part theatre part modern dance venue (how brilliant is this! theatre and dance! The best of both worlds!). They offer some pretty cool tutu-based dance classes – I'm already eyeing the modern ballet tutu they've incorporated into the design.
Here at The Arden, the #tututuesday look isn't confined to your usual princess silhouette – it's a mix of modern dance techniques and tutu-infused fashion, as much a symbol of rebellion as classical grace. The #tututuesday in Stratford-upon-Avon can mean modern ballet, urban contemporary, and experimental fusion classes that move, grooving to contemporary soundtracks – we’re talking everything from electro-pop to soulful electronica. So cool!
The Arden's resident ballet tutor – who’s one of the most talented contemporary choreographers in the region told me “Contemporary Ballet" isn't just a dancing style - it’s a form of storytelling, a dialogue about what it means to move in the 21st century.
That really resonated with me. We’re dancing, exploring our stories, through every twist and turn of our tutus and it's beautiful."
The Tutu Tale
And, as much as we like the idea of the classic ballerina look in its timeless glory, Stratford knows how to tell a tutu tale. The local historian I was speaking to pointed me in the direction of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collection, which spans centuries of dress, clothing and performance wear and features a number of beautifully curated tutus in their permanent collections - both original stage wear and beautiful reimagined pieces.
The historical impact of the tutu on Shakespeare's plays, for example can’t be overstated - you have to remember the iconic imagery of the stage at the time and what kind of gowns and ensembles were worn during his productions, especially *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, for example, which inspired, if not launched the trend, the whole movement of ballerinas and ballet.
So, it seems to me, there is a tutu story to tell everywhere, if you just take the time to look closely!
More than Just A Skirt You know me – always an advocate for more than just what the tutu *looks* like. This is Stratford we're talking about - the town is overflowing with talented and dedicated artists who use tutus not only for fashion - but also to tell powerful and beautiful stories through movement and performance. From contemporary dancers to historical fashion experts we got the whole spectrum in Stratford – and this #tututuesday has taught me the tutú is way more than a costume – it’s a symbol of creativity, expression, and innovation! And we all have a story to tell through the tulle!
Where To Go For Your #tututuesday Moment
Stratford-upon-Avon is the perfect town for getting into the spirit of #tututuesday –
Here are a few of my personal favorite picks:
Final Word
Well darlings, there you have it - a #tututuesday in Stratford. I hope you have enjoyed a little insight into why Stratford is a tutu haven for both classic and modern fashion fans! There's so much to explore here – I’ve barely scratched the surface. If you’re ever looking for inspiration or a reason to step out in your own #tututuesday fashions take a trip to Stratford and be inspired by its culture. As a reminder:
RSC Costume and Wardrobe Department, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford Boutique, Stratford-Upon-Avon,
The Arden, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Emily x