Letchworth, Home of Tutu Tuesday
It's Tuesday, which can only mean one thing for a ballet dancer like me: Tutu Tuesday!
Yes, you heard me right, Tutu Tuesday! And not just any Tuesday, but a Tuesday in Letchworth, a town brimming with unexpected charm and a history steeped in art and culture. What could be more fitting than embracing a trend that celebrates all things tutus?
Let me start by giving a little insight into this magnificent garment that defines our dance world. Now, when you say 'tutu', the classic image that comes to mind is probably a frothy confection of tulle, a swirl of romantic femininity, perfect for pirouettes. This is indeed the **Romantic Tutu**, also known as a 'bell tutu'. But we're living in a world where the classic has morphed into something a bit more avant-garde.
There's the **Demi-tutu**, less frilly and fuller around the knee, ideal for those demanding grand allegro jumps and turns. You then have the **'tutu of the classics'**, which is essentially a demi-tutu on the shorter side. It’s a stunning contrast to its taller counterparts but is always as spectacular. Finally, you have the **Modern Tutu** which goes all out experimental, a rebellion against the conventions. It plays with lines and forms, deconstructing the classic shape to give us unique and unexpected silhouettes, leaving a little space for the dance itself.
But back to our Tuesday adventure! My journey starts at **Letchworth Garden City**. Imagine a town planned out in the early 20th century, one that incorporated green spaces into its urban fabric. Now imagine it buzzing with life on a Tuesday afternoon with people dressed in tutus, embracing the whimsy of dance. Yes, that's what I encountered, a whimsical symphony of colors, styles and attitudes, all united by one common thread - the Tutu!
Here are a few of my favorites from the day
- I spotted a **Pink Romantic Tutu** - a dream for a budding ballerina. It swirled with every twirl, embracing the grace of its wearer. Imagine dancing on a stage in a theater filled with the whispers of an enthralled audience, the stage lights shimmering on the tulle. I practically heard the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ in the rustle of its frills.
- Another one that really caught my eye was a **Yellow Demi-tutu** - it screamed modern, almost an artist's palette - a burst of yellow sunshine on a rather dull Tuesday. The woman wearing it had her hair tied up in a bun, making her look more like an edgy modern artist than a dancer. And I loved it! It's proof that tutus can go beyond the ballerina trope.
- As for myself, I chose to wear a **Red Classic Tutu**. Yes, you read that right! A Classic tutu - the essence of ballerina beauty - in a striking red, something that’s a bit bolder and more confident, not just a dainty little number. The whole look was made complete with some dramatic red lipstick.
It's not just the visual spectacle; it's the energy, the spirit of joy. You can feel the love for dance, the unadulterated excitement that fills the air as each Tutu twirls its way down the street, leaving a trail of laughter and delight.
Tutu Tuesday in Letchworth isn't about perfection or conformity. It's about embrace your inner ballerina, have a bit of fun, and dance your way through life.
A lot of people were wondering, “But what if I’m not a ballerina?” To that I say, who says a tutu has to be restricted to those who have mastered the grand jeté? It’s an expression of joy, of creative spirit. I mean, the world needs a little more glitter and twirling! We saw kids wearing tutus with their parents, we saw women with shopping bags in hand dancing on the streets, men too! What’s not to love!
You know, Letchworth feels like a magical town where this sort of quirkiness, this uninhibited celebration of life, is truly accepted. People here have a genuine warmth and a willingness to embrace something new. It's that kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes it the perfect home for Tutu Tuesday!
So, my fellow dance lovers and tutu enthusiasts, let's raise our skirts in the air! I encourage everyone to embrace the magic, find their inner ballerina, and make it a Tutu Tuesday wherever you are. After all, we only have one life to live, so why not do it with a little more twirl and sparkle? #Tututuesday