Tutu Tuesday in Bulwell: A Ballet Blogger's Adventure
It's Tutu Tuesday, and you know what that means! As a ballet dancer and blogger with a passion for all things tulle, I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate this iconic piece of dancewear into my everyday life. This week, my adventure led me to the charming town of Bulwell, Nottinghamshire.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Bulwell? Isn't that a bit…far out?" Well, let me tell you, this unassuming town has a secret: it's home to some surprisingly stylish individuals with an appreciation for all things pretty, including, yes, tutus. I decided to explore and see what kind of tutus the ladies of Bulwell were sporting, from the grand Victorian terraces to the modern shopping centres.
My journey started at the Bulwell Market. There, I encountered a delightful mix of locals, from the fresh-faced teens to the seasoned veterans of the market scene. I found myself in the midst of vibrant conversations, the aroma of fresh produce filling the air. To my surprise, many women had an eye for detail, accessorizing their market visits with charming accessories, from chunky knit cardigans to quirky earrings. However, I was on a mission – seeking a hint of tutu in the mix.
My first encounter came unexpectedly. A young woman in a floral sundress, carrying a basket filled with fruit, was holding a little girl, who, to my delight, had on a gorgeous, short, puffy tutu, adorned with tiny glitter dots – perfect for twirling in the aisle.
Her grandmother, beaming with pride, remarked, "She gets to wear her tutu every Tuesday, It’s her favourite dress and she's always so excited to spin around. It makes the shopping trip a whole lot more fun. She even spins her carrots around – I guess that makes it her 'tutu-spin' vegetable shop." I laughed – it was pure magic, watching this tiny ballerina whirl amongst the fresh vegetables.
This unexpected discovery spurred me on, making me more alert to the potential tutus that could be hiding amongst the local community. It's amazing how, when you start focusing on something specific, you begin to see it everywhere!
Later that afternoon, I strolled through the town centre, taking in the sights and sounds. While browsing the window displays, I came across a little vintage boutique, nestled between a bakery and a flower shop, its front window showcasing colourful dresses and scarves. This one had an irresistible air about it, and, on a hunch, I pushed the door open.
There, on the display rack, I spotted them: the perfect tutus. I'm not talking your usual, "straight-out-of-the-ballet-studio" tutus. This was vintage tulle – a delicate and romantic style. Imagine pastel hues, swirls of layers, and soft, ethereal silhouettes that evoked an air of bygone elegance, ready to be re-interpreted for a new generation.
The shop assistant, a kindly woman in her late fifties with a stylish pixie cut, was enthusiastic. She reminisced about her ballet days and explained her love of vintage, how she always incorporated these charming details into her everyday wardrobe. "My mother," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "told me I was a ballerina even when I was a tiny toddler. It's probably why I fell in love with all things vintage and tulle – It was my passion then and it's my passion now.” She proudly pointed out several options. “Tutu Tuesday is the perfect excuse to embrace your inner dancer. After all, you don't need to be on stage to enjoy the magic of the tutu.”
The boutique's owner, with her own touch of ballerina chic, was showcasing a unique collection of ballet shoes for everyday wear, not only for those looking for pointe shoes and leather ballet pumps. But the range went beyond – a fusion of ballet fashion for those who wanted a hint of that ballerina finesse without actually performing a pirouette. It's what made this small shop a little haven for ballerina-wannabes.
My exploration into Bulwell proved more inspiring than expected. And as my Tutu Tuesday in Bulwell came to a close, I couldn't help but smile. The spirit of tutu love wasn't just confined to the dance studio. I saw a town embracing its own form of tutu magic, celebrating its personal style and turning ordinary days into an occasion to celebrate the whimsical world of dance.
If you're looking for a touch of something special to add to your wardrobe, to infuse a bit of grace and sparkle into your everyday life, I highly recommend heading to Bulwell – or maybe just finding your own way to embrace your own personal style, because there's no right or wrong way to celebrate Tutu Tuesday. You can rock a traditional tutu, a vintage version, or even just a tulle-inspired skirt. The important thing is to have fun with it.
Tutu-Inspired Tips For Your Own Tutu Tuesday:
- Embrace the ballerina in you! You don’t have to be a ballerina to rock a tutu, don't worry! Confidence is key. Even a touch of tutu magic can turn heads. A little swirl of a skirt? Absolutely, embrace it.
- Mix it up! Go for a full-on tutu or embrace the vintage tulle in a dress, scarf, or a ribbon. There's a touch of magic in everything.
- Show off your personal style! Pair your tutu with bold colours, statement jewelry, a chunky knit jumper or a casual tee-shirt and jeans. Have fun and express yourself.
- Experiment with colours. If you’re new to the tutu game, why not embrace a black tulle skirt – a simple, elegant addition that works for many styles. You can pair it with anything!
- Use the tutu to make a statement. Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like a pastel tulle skirt on a grey day – It’s the little touch of unexpected magic you can introduce to any outfit.
- Keep it fun. Whether it’s the local park, your walk around the shops, or a spontaneous dance in the living room, embrace the twirls and have fun! The most important thing is to be yourself and rock your own Tutu Tuesday style!
Remember, #tututuesday is a celebration of dance, creativity, and a bit of whimsical fun. There are no boundaries. Don't be afraid to embrace your own style – it's your opportunity to shine!
Stay stylish, and don't forget to post your #tututuesday looks! I'll be sure to follow and share my favourite finds. Until next week!
#tututuesday #balletblogger #fashion #tullelove #bulwell #vintageballet #tutuinspired