So, fellow tutu enthusiasts, it’s #tututuesday and I’m in Didcot. Yes, you heard right – Didcot. This unassuming town in Oxfordshire isn’t exactly renowned for its fashion prowess. You'd be forgiven for thinking it’s all about power stations and grey skies, right? But, oh dear readers, let me tell you, it’s a hidden gem for any true tutu lover! I mean, I can't resist a good #tututuesday and honestly, every single day feels like #tututuesday to me, even if I am not wearing a tutu, which sometimes, sadly, happens. So, let me tell you how my #tututuesday adventures unfolded, from the unexpected tutu-tastic streets of Didcot to an epic ballet showdown (the coffee shop battle, that is).
Now, my trip was a total surprise – my friend Jess insisted we take a day trip to visit her aunt, who, as it turns out, has a shop called "The Sewing Corner." She mentioned a "massive" tutu collection, so how could I resist? The anticipation was killer, even more so when I spotted Jess's excited glint in her eye - I knew this was going to be a day to remember!
We reached the shop, and my first thought was "this is the most unassuming little place I've ever seen!" It was tiny, sandwiched between a hair salon and a locksmith, but stepping inside, I felt like I’d landed in Narnia. Or maybe a ballet wonderland, honestly, it was the ultimate #tututuesday vibe, except with an amazing vintage-inspired vibe.
The owner, Auntie Mildred – let's just say she looked exactly like a friendly, slightly eccentric Grandma, complete with a knitted cardigan and an array of sparkling costume jewellery – greeted us with a warm smile. As Jess was grabbing a cuppa, I was diving headfirst into a mountain of tulle. Honestly, the selection was absolutely bonkers. Fluffy pink tutus, bold crimson ones, even a silver metallic number. I could've stayed in that little shop for hours, just getting lost in the history of each garment.
Now, Auntie Mildred has the most amazing backstory – turns out she used to be a professional dancer! Can you imagine? The queen of tutu herself!
Apparently, Didcot, in all its non-fashion-forward glory, was the original location for some epic local ballet events – Didcot had its own amateur ballet company back in the day! Honestly, what an epic #tututuesday story to be unearthed in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Auntie Mildred shared her fond memories with such infectious passion – it was like being whisked back in time to an era where tutus ruled supreme.
She showed me an antique catalogue full of these fabulous #tututuesday outfits from that time - some of them were mind blowing, I mean think - feathered bustles! Not to mention the massive fluffy ballet shoes and feather boas! There were these stunning pastel shades of pink and sage - just gorgeous!
Auntie Mildred was a walking archive, explaining each tutu's history, the designers, the ballet troupes who had graced the Didcot stage in their glorious twirls. She also mentioned that she'd used her own collection for the shows - imagine her performing with those massive feather boas! There was something incredibly powerful and inspiring about listening to these tales from a bygone era of ballet glory in a tiny town in Oxfordshire.
I also spotted one classic tutu - a little, ivory one with these perfectly pleated tiers and a simple silk waistband. Apparently it was a showpiece tutu made by a young dressmaker - and he even wrote a letter to his wife describing how hard he worked on that tutu and how happy he felt when it went to its new owner. It’s one of those stories that gives me goosebumps every time - it reminds me that passion, creativity and even #tututuesday has the power to unite us, even in the most unexpected of places like Didcot.
But it was time for lunch. My friend Jess suggested a cafe called "The Ballet Shoe" - and trust me when I say - that name alone was enough to get me jumping! Apparently, this place is a hidden gem among the locals for its homely atmosphere and yummy, homemade pies, which in this little cafe in Didcot felt incredibly charming.
I couldn't resist having a go at an Instagram reel outside the cafe - a full twirl in my cute white ballerina skirt which I'd been carrying with me for the #tututuesday occasion. It was the ultimate #tututuesday post. I have to admit, Didcot was turning out to be way more charming than I'd ever imagined.
But the real highlight came with our lunch - the cafe owner told us all about a "Tutu Tuesday" tradition they had - a yearly fundraiser in the local church hall, where the money raised went to charity. Honestly, we got so caught up chatting about everything tutu and everything ballet. The cafe was buzzing - I was amazed how a place like Didcot, even had a #tututuesday event - let alone the passion that resonated from those present to be able to sustain something like this year after year -
My journey into the world of #tututuesday in Didcot was far more than I expected, Didcot and #tututuesday just seemed to mesh perfectly It made me realise that every place, every town, has a hidden story. And the most unlikely places can house a surprising passion - and maybe that's exactly what Didcot is - a town full of unseen, unrealized #tututuesday magic waiting to be discovered!
So, if you’re looking for a new #tututuesday adventure - ditch the fashion capitals for a while and head to Didcot, a town that has surprised me, a town where a vintage shop in a quiet street led me to rediscover the true spirit of #tututuesday . You never know - it might just spark your imagination too!
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