Tutu Tuesday 1220

Welling's Tutu Tuesday: A Day of Whimsy and Sparkle

As a seasoned ballet dancer, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to incorporate my love for tutus into my everyday life. So when I heard whispers of a "Tutu Tuesday" happening in Welling, I knew I had to be there. It wasn't just the promise of tulle and tutus, but the prospect of a community embracing the joy of movement and dance that truly called to me.

Welling, for those unfamiliar, is a charming town in Kent. You might not think of it as the heart of fashion, but it's certainly become a hub for tutu lovers. As I walked through the bustling streets, the sight of tutus in all shapes and sizes caught my eye – from the classic romantic styles of pale pink and powder blue to vibrant contemporary pieces adorned with intricate embellishments. There were even tutus crafted with bold prints, adding a splash of personality and whimsy. And the energy was contagious. Smiles were abundant, and there was an unspoken sense of camaraderie amongst those sporting tutus.

My day began at the "Tutu Workshop," held in a charming local dance studio. The workshop was filled with young dancers (and a few seasoned ones like myself) who were keen on creating their own mini tutus. With an abundance of tulle, sequins, and other dazzling accessories, the room buzzed with creative energy. The instructor, a bubbly and energetic woman, guided us through the basics of tulle manipulation. Within minutes, we were transforming scraps of fabric into delightful little tutus – a testament to the simplicity of fashion. This activity was so much fun. I loved that we all came together with zero experience and could make a little tutu that would look fabulous on us. We’ll definitely have to get a ‘make your own tutu’ class going on in South London, I think there’d be a lot of takers. The best part? Everyone left feeling a little bit more glamorous. My creation – a bold emerald green mini tutu with a sequin-covered belt – has a new place of honor in my wardrobe.

Next up was the "Tutu Parade." And what a sight it was! Hundreds of locals, young and old, poured onto Welling High Street. The atmosphere was festive and joyful. Everyone was buzzing with energy as they weaved and swirled in their own personalized styles. You had grandmothers strutting their stuff in traditional pastel pink, mums showing off a fierce red mini, and toddlers skipping alongside with their tutus made from tin foil and balloons! It really was such a wonderfully inspiring spectacle. It really reinforced the message that tutu's can be anything you want, an expression of personal style, regardless of your age.

Later that afternoon, there was a 'Tutu-Themed Dance Competition.' It was amazing to see so much creativity on display – from ballet routines with playful interpretations of traditional styles, to contemporary fusion pieces showcasing graceful movements and unique costumes. Some dancers even channeled their inner ‘black swan’ and took inspiration from more dramatic costume themes, but everyone really brought a great level of skill to the competition, regardless of whether they won. There was one young dancer, around ten years old, who gave a truly captivating performance of "Swan Lake." She stole the show, bringing the spirit of classic dance with such conviction – it was truly mesmerising. Her expression and performance were beautiful, she just oozed pure stage presence and reminded me of why I fell in love with ballet. She was a definite favourite, I'm not surprised that she came away with the grand prize. And, the best part of it all was, everyone, from the contestants to the spectators, was enjoying themselves immensely. Dance can be a deeply personal thing. A form of expression that connects you to yourself and the world around you.

To wrap up the festivities, we had a fantastic "Tutu Picnic" in Welling Park. It was the perfect place to mingle with other Tutu enthusiasts, enjoy delicious snacks and, of course, showcase our beautiful tutus! I had a lovely conversation with a young mum, she explained that she hadn't touched a tutu since she was a child but this was a chance for her to take it back up, in fact, she was making her own tutus now – she was quite the skilled seamstress! Seeing a mum embracing her own sense of fun and femininity was truly wonderful.

This day was much more than a celebration of tutus, it was a day about spreading happiness, creating a sense of community and allowing people to feel comfortable expressing their unique and creative spirits. I had the time of my life at Tutu Tuesday, Welling. And it's certainly given me some creative ideas to try out myself - perhaps a pink tutu with polka dots? A floral print one that goes with a flowy sundress? There are so many exciting possibilities.

Whether you're a seasoned ballet dancer like me or a tutu novice, there's something about the tutu that inspires a sense of joy and whimsy. There's a power in these frilly and fluffy garments – they are the ultimate expression of a child-like sense of fun and it’s all about pushing creative boundaries. That’s why Welling's Tutu Tuesday is an initiative that I’m really happy to support. You never know when an act of fashion can bring people together. I really urge you to make tutu’s a part of your everyday style – embrace your inner ‘ballerina’ and get twirling. It might be the best part of your day!

• Don’t worry if you’re not a dancer. Embrace your creativity, create something that expresses your style! A bright orange mini tutu would be great. Or try something super sparkly with a disco-tastic vibe.
• For those of you who don’t have time to sew (or a fear of the sewing machine) I love finding pre-made ones online. Ebay and Etsy are really good resources, and I’m seeing more independent designers popping up all the time.
• Don’t be afraid to be bold. Think tutus for every season, for every event. Why not wear it to a wedding, a birthday or even to work on a Friday? (Make sure your office allows a little fun!
• Remember – tutu’s aren’t for one specific occasion – wear them wherever, whenever.
• Join in on the #tututuesday hashtag. Share your fabulous pics and spread the tutu love!

Now that I'm back in South London, I can't help but think about how we can bring this contagious spirit of creativity and playfulness to our community. Welling's Tutu Tuesday has definitely inspired me to do just that! So watch this space, my South Londoners, because we’re going to have a tutu extravaganza of our own. I already have plans in motion!

So, grab your tutus, friends, and let’s spread a little magic with #Tututuesday! And, for those who have already had the experience – I’d love to hear your stories and how you feel about this amazing day in Welling.