Tutu Tuesday in Carshalton: A Dance Through the Decades
It's Tuesday, and you know what that means! It's Tutu Tuesday in Carshalton, the town that's steadily becoming a hub for dance enthusiasts like myself. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Tutus in Carshalton? That sounds a little, shall we say, unconventional." But trust me, the town has an unexpected allure for the fashionably inclined and tutu-obsessed (me, for instance!), especially on Tuesdays.
Every Tuesday, the quaint high street is alive with the rhythm of dancers and the twirl of tutus. The "Tutu Tuesdays" tradition started, if I recall correctly, a couple of years ago. The town council, brilliant bunch they are, saw the potential in merging community events with our shared love for dance - especially our lovely tutus. So, the streets of Carshalton transform into a swirling ballet, bringing tutus in every colour and style to life.
Today, the weather's been rather unpredictable (typical British weather, right?), a tad nippy but thankfully no rain. My chosen ensemble for this particular Tutu Tuesday is my new "Giselle"-inspired, romantic tutu from that gorgeous boutique tucked away on Church Street. Think flowing chiffon, delicate ruffles, and that off-white hue that screams "swan lake," a bit more ethereal, less princess-like.
The street performers have started to gather, their individual tutus each showcasing a distinct vibe - there's the graceful fluidity of the contemporary tutu with its flowing, unstructured layers, the powerful, architectural shape of a classic tutu with it's structured tiers and tiers of tulle, a hint of a playful tutu with it's cute puffed-up skirt, and then a captivating tutu for the younger dancers with its short, simple form. And let's not forget the variety of colours – bold and vibrant hues against soft pastel shades.
We gather for our warm-up. There’s a bit of friendly competition, naturally, everyone’s trying to achieve that perfect plié and graceful arabesque. It's an unspoken agreement, you see - a tutu on a Tuesday transforms us all, temporarily, into ballerinas, a chance to step outside our everyday lives and twirl into the realm of art, fashion, and community spirit.
Today's Tutu Tuesday lineup includes an interesting mix: A couple of street ballet dancers have set up their stages with classic melodies and choreographies that never fail to transport me to the world of ballet. The "Let's Dance" dance studio is doing a free intro workshop on jazz fusion. You can almost hear the rhythm bouncing from their doors. It’s like the beat is drumming under the ground - it’s quite hypnotic, even as I practice my grand jeté nearby. And right behind them is "The Little Ballroom", offering waltz lessons. The elegance and fluidity of ballroom dance, with its rich history of courtly balls and social gatherings, fits right in, don't you think?
A new addition to Tutu Tuesday this year is “The Tutu Swap”. Now, who wouldn't love a chance to refresh their tutu collection for just a pound or two? A good swap usually includes classic, romantic, and even vintage styles. I picked up this delightful blue, frilly number with tulle that is just too precious to pass up.
Let's talk food. Food on Tutu Tuesdays is a whole experience. Think artisan bakeries serving delectable éclairs, dainty macarons and mini cheesecakes, and the local coffee shop on High Street with its exquisite latte art. And because every dancer needs to fuel those moves, there’s also "The Vegan Vegan," a new vegan eatery on Market Street. I’ve been eyeing their vegan macarons and pastries - they look just as delicious as the real deal.
The atmosphere is lively. People gather in groups discussing choreography, comparing tutu styles, or simply taking a break to catch up over a cuppa. Some sit at cafes, observing the dance routines from the side. As always, there’s a real mix of personalities - there are ballet veterans and ballet newbies, serious dance enthusiasts, and curious bystanders who’ve just been drawn in by the atmosphere.
There’s an underlying, gentle competitiveness in the air - you know, a light-hearted jostle for who gets to execute the most perfect grand jeté (I confess, I'm more than slightly competitive myself! A girl’s got to be a little bit vain in a tutu).
Later, as the sun begins its descent, and a magical golden hue falls across the town, the dancers take to the street, their twirls weaving a tapestry of graceful movement. I see the children's smiles as they mimic the steps from their favourite dance teacher. There’s a spark in their eyes - they've already caught the tutu bug.
The town square has become a ballet haven, where everyone is encouraged to twirl, leap, and dance freely. A talented DJ spins a collection of tunes ranging from classic ballet pieces to contemporary remixes, adding an electric energy to the scene. I’ve found myself jumping in to the spontaneous flash mobs, sharing laughs with my fellow dancers.
In this environment of joyful celebration, Tutu Tuesdays are a delightful blend of artistry and community spirit. Every Tuesday, Carshalton reminds me why I fell in love with the magic of dance.
If you're ever in the area on a Tuesday, make sure to check out the tutu festivities. It's a reminder that no matter where you come from, there's always a little bit of the ballerina inside each and every one of us.
Just remember - a tutu can transform any Tuesday into a celebration of artistry and community!
Until next Tuesday! #tututuesday #carshalton #tutus