Tutu Tuesday in Abingdon: A Day of Whimsy and Whirl

So, darling, let's talk about Abingdon. This delightful little town, tucked away in Oxfordshire, has a charm all of its own. Quaint cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and a bustling market square…but it's more than just picture-perfect. It’s the heart of #tututuesday.

I have to admit, it was a serendipitous discovery. On a recent visit to Abingdon for some antiquing – you never know what treasures you might stumble upon in those antique shops, do you? – I popped into the local cafe for a spot of afternoon tea. That's when I saw them. A gaggle of lovely ladies, all clad in the most gloriously varied tutus. From billowing Romantic-style tutus in soft pastels to sharp and geometric tutus in vibrant primary colors. It was like a ballet performance in the making, but instead of a grand stage, it was the heart of the town square.

This was Tutu Tuesday, Abingdon-style. And let me tell you, it was something special.

Now, before you raise an eyebrow and think, " tutus? really?", hear me out. It's not just about the tutu itself. It’s about celebrating the spirit of creativity, individuality, and – yes, dare I say it? – fun. And it’s about challenging those "dress codes" that tell you to be "serious" or "professional" every single day. It’s a little bit of escapism and a little bit of ballet magic. And let's face it, we could all do with a little more ballet magic in our lives.

Abingdon has embraced this playful idea wholeheartedly. And not just by those wonderfully dressed ladies who gather in the town square, but by the local shop owners who have embraced the spirit of the day, dressing their windows with a touch of ballet, putting on special "Tutu Tuesday" offers, and hosting impromptu dance lessons in their stores. You wouldn't believe the sight of Abingdon's butcher wearing a tutu. Absolutely brilliant.

I've danced all my life. The classic tutu, that "floating, billowing” confection, was part of my world. My favorites? Well, the ones that were like light, wispy clouds and those crafted with sparkly tulle. They simply mesmerized the audiences. But now, the "Tutu Tuesday" in Abingdon is teaching me a new lesson: that the power of the tutu doesn’t stop with the grand stages and grand productions.

The real power of the tutu is that it can make us laugh, it can make us feel good, and it can spark the creativity within us. And this is something we all need, especially in these unpredictable times. It just reminds us that we don't have to be serious all the time. We don’t need to be afraid of a little fun and frivolity.

So, the next time you’re looking for a day of whimsical adventure, make your way to Abingdon on Tutu Tuesday. It’s a truly charming experience.

Here’s my top 5 Tutu Tuesday Tips in Abingdon:

  • Pick out your favorite tutu - the "ballet tutu", a layered and dramatic tutu. It’s great if you like a real princess look. Or a “short tutu”, that looks like a fluffy and delicate ballerina skirt - more playful.
  • Hit the cafes. Most cafes in town have delicious "Tutu Tuesday" themed treats.
  • Get a taste of Abingdon - try out one of their traditional pubs - a true quintessential English experience. A charming pub and some great real ale (like Abbot Ale or Fuller's London Porter) - simply sublime!
  • Embrace the local art – you'll be amazed at what the quirky artists around Abingdon are putting out. From vibrant contemporary artwork to beautifully crafted jewelry, Abingdon is a hidden gem.
  • And don't be shy - just like everyone else, enjoy a spin in the market square. You might even be offered to take part in an impromptu dance lesson! And for a tutu lover - what can be better than a little dance on Tutu Tuesday!

Follow me on social media for the latest updates from #tututuesday!

More on Tutu Tuesday:

The movement is growing - it's about empowering each other to "wear your tutu" (literally and figuratively). It's about expressing our personalities through the unique lens of dance - a way to celebrate ourselves. It even goes beyond Tutus, as the focus on #tututuesday is to highlight the magic of dance and its power to connect people and to inspire joy and creativity. The next Tutu Tuesday – it’s gonna be one you won’t want to miss.

Don’t forget, if you do visit Abingdon on Tutu Tuesday, make sure to share your photos using #tututuesday!