Tutu Tuesday in Bishops Stortford: A whirlwind of tulle and twirls
Itâs Tuesday, and you know what that means â itâs Tutu Tuesday in Bishops Stortford! A day dedicated to all things twirly, fluffy, and ballet-inspired. And trust me, this town knows how to celebrate it. This week, however, it's taken on an even greater meaning.
This year, my Tutu Tuesday adventure began in the quaint town square. Now, anyone who knows Bishops Stortford will know this isn't your typical "big city" affair â it's charm and character lie in the historic architecture and the welcoming vibe that permeates every cobblestone. And today, this quintessential English town transformed into a haven for all things tutu!
I, being a ballet dancer by day and a fashion blogger by night, decided to take this Tutu Tuesday to the next level. Forget the plain, stereotypical tutus that everyone knows, because I wanted to showcase the modern interpretation of this iconic dancewear. This wasnât your typical âswan lakeâ or 'sleeping beauty' princess ballerina outfit. This was a fusion of ballet and high fashion, ready for the street!
First, the shops in the town centre had gone wild. It was incredible, really. I felt like I'd stepped into a sartorial wonderland. Even the cafes were joining in, offering a 'Tutu Tuesday' special on their lattes and croissants! I stopped by the 'The Tea Room' for a delightful lavender latte - and they even had these cute mini-tutues decorating the cafĂ©! And there it was - a delicate 'Buttercupâ Tutu by one local artisan adorning the door frame! This had to be the most whimsical Iâd ever seen it. The delicate, golden hue of the tutu was stunning against the shop's red door, like a beacon of the Tutu Tuesday spirit.
Next, I headed to a local charity shop for the 'Thrifted Tutu Challenge.' We had to make the most creative look using vintage finds and add a touch of Tutu magic! I found an old sequinned dress and draped a classic tulle skirt from a âDon't Stop Believinâ' concert over it, added a pop of color with my red beret and a touch of elegance with my trusty velvet Mary Janes. People were stopping me everywhere! I even saw some ladies wearing handmade flower-crown headbands adorned with mini tutus - so creative!
In the afternoon, there was a special pop-up Tutu Workshop in the local library, where everyone was welcome. We learned some basic ballet poses and had a go at crafting a little fabric flower. The atmosphere was full of laughter, camaraderie and a love for the graceful art of ballet - which made it all the more enchanting!
Later, in the town's market square, a ballet company, âThe Stortford Swans," gave an amazing performance - the 'Tutu Tuesday Spectacular'! The music resonated throughout the square - âClair de Luneâ, followed by an array of musical snippets â 'Swan Lake', 'Coppelia', 'The Nutcracker', and âThe Sleeping Beauty.â It truly felt like I was part of the ballet itself â almost an added extra! They had dancers from various disciplines, not just classical, and their 'modern-dance' routine was just fantastic! A group of dancers in all black and bright crimson tutus took my breath away, with a piece inspired by contemporary art and modern dance, which made me realize the flexibility of the tutu beyond its traditional form! It felt raw, powerful, and utterly captivating.
What I loved about this âTutu Tuesdayâ was its inclusivity - a community of people all enjoying this joyful spirit! This was no longer a traditional, 'ballerinas-only' day, it felt inclusive, diverse, and refreshingly authentic - something you wonât find at London's Fashion Week, no sir!
After a day filled with twirling, chatting, and creative fun, the evening arrived. A sense of joyful exhaustion washed over me, but this is the magic of Tutu Tuesday! It truly brings the community together, itâs about embracing the silly, the beautiful, and the power of the humble tutu â no matter what style.
Tutu Tuesday has proven to be much more than a fashion day. Itâs about community, creative expression and an affirmation of your inner grace and your joy, your twirly, fun self. You see, there is a lot to learn from a tutu - how it flows with the movement of the body, and how its lightweight design reflects elegance, simplicity, and the power of effortless expression - itâs an outfit that reminds you to be confident and enjoy life!
As the evening lights glowed in Bishops Stortford, the twinkling fairy lights draped across the shop fronts seemed to dance in rhythm with the spirit of Tutu Tuesday. The whole experience left me with a feeling of sheer joy, which made me remember how important it is to embrace the things that make you smile. Even if they come with a bit of tulle!
So, whether youâre a seasoned ballerina or simply someone who enjoys the art of fun, make sure to pencil in Tutu Tuesday into your calendar! The magic that happens in this little town, with a whole lot of twirling and creativity, is a sight to behold.
Until next weekâs Tutu Tuesday, bishops Stortford!
P.S. Here are some of my favorite things that popped up during todayâs Tutu Tuesday celebrations - feel free to check them out!:
- Tutu Styles on Display:
- Buttercup Tutus: These delicate tutus are crafted with a delicate, golden hue that exudes ethereal beauty. Think of a graceful, golden flower unfurling on a spring morning. If youâre looking for a sophisticated yet whimsically romantic touch, a buttercup tutu is an ideal choice.
- Modern Dance Tutus: Gone are the days of traditional tutus! Now, weâre seeing modern twists with innovative designs and edgy accents. If you love expressing yourself with a more modern flair, these daring pieces are just what you need to make a statement on the dance floor and even beyond!
- Vintage Ballet Tutus: Who doesn't love a little bit of vintage flair? These tutus take us on a journey through time with heirloom-like qualities. These are great to wear for a special event. Or maybe even create a beautiful costume with.
- Creative Tutus: Think fabric flower arrangements and DIY alterations, upcycled fabrics, and modern twists! The sky's the limit in terms of personalizing your own, statement-making, 'one of a kindâ tutu.
- Fun Activities:
- Tutu Workshop: These workshops were a perfect chance for people to explore their creative sides and embrace a shared love for ballet.
- Thrifted Tutu Challenge: An exciting, community-driven challenge that encourages us to rethink what âtutuâ actually means - It was about finding an element in each individual piece that screams âTutuâ
- Tutu Tuesday Spectacular: This showcased incredible dance performances by talented dancers. And made us realize how versatile tutus can be!
- Remember the hashtag: #tututuesday
I canât wait for next weekâs Tutu Tuesday.