Tutu Tuesday in Leicester: A Whirlwind of Frills and Fancy Feet

So, fellow ballet bunnies and fashionistas, grab your feather boas and get ready to twirl, because it’s Tutu Tuesday in Leicester, and the city is buzzing with tulle-tastic energy! It’s a day when even the most casual of coffee shop patrons feel a twinge of inspiration to leap over the counter, grab a croissant, and pirouette into the afternoon sun.

Today, I'm not just your average ballet blogger, I'm a veritable sartorial spy, undercover in the heart of Leicester, to report back on all things Tutu Tuesday. From the delicate layers of a classic Romantic tutu to the bold, billowing skirts of a modern contemporary tutu, it’s a kaleidoscope of tutus galore. It’s like stepping into a dream where every step is a plié, every conversation a graceful adagio, and every cappuccino is perfectly brewed with a side of twirls.

For me, a Tutu Tuesday isn’t just about tutus – it’s about embracing a certain energy, a lightness of spirit that allows us to let loose, have fun, and, most importantly, feel empowered by our inner ballerina. It’s the perfect excuse to add a touch of whimsy to your everyday wardrobe. Whether you're rocking a tutu-inspired outfit with a fabulous frilled skirt or just a splash of pink on your nails, embrace the magic of the day.

Today, in Leicester, there’s a delightful, infectious joy in the air, and I have a sneaking suspicion it’s because of the #tututuesday vibe. Even the pigeons seem to be doing their own pigeon ballet on the pavement, and the local shops are overflowing with ballerina-themed merchandise, from adorable miniature tutus for your little ones to quirky "Tutu Tuesday" mugs for your morning tea.

It’s not just a celebration of the tutus, it’s a celebration of all things ballet. As a fellow dancer, seeing the passion for dance in every corner of the city makes my heart flutter. We have dancers of all ages getting into the spirit, whether they're strutting their stuff at the local ballet school, or just a Mum taking her kids to the park. I even saw a bloke walking down the high street sporting a fabulous tutu over his trousers! A real champion of Tutu Tuesday. It seems that the love for dance knows no age, gender, or… well, clothing choice, really.

Now, I’m all about showcasing the perfect Tutu Tuesday look, and this isn’t just about sporting a sparkly tutu in public. It’s about taking inspiration from the world of dance, letting your imagination run wild, and channeling your inner graceful ballerina. I think of Tutu Tuesday as a celebration of self-expression, and it doesn't matter if your tutu is made of tulle, a patterned dress or even a pair of super cute polka dot socks – you can celebrate with flair! You are a masterpiece in motion.

Here are some of my top Tutu Tuesday styling tips, designed to take you from tutu newbie to a true dance fashion icon:

  • Think pastels and pinks: Embrace the elegance of the ballet with soft pinks, pretty pastels, and shimmering metallics. Think ballerina buns and beautiful floral patterns.
  • Layers of tulle and tulle accessories: For the ultimate tutu experience, embrace the graceful flow of layered tulle skirts. Add tulle ribbon to your hair or a playful tulle scarf to your bag. It's a chic and understated way to embrace the day.
  • Twirling silhouettes: Don't forget the importance of a dance-worthy silhouette! A-line dresses, flowy skirts, or even a loose-fitting jumpsuit will help you glide through the day in a chic and confident manner.
  • Ballet-inspired shoes: It's a tutu day, so make sure your footwear matches the occasion. Pointy ballet flats, sleek slingbacks, or even a pair of ballet slippers with your favourite denim will add a touch of graceful sophistication to your look. You can even break out the satiny pumps!

Today in Leicester, you can spot a spectrum of styles from those classic, airy Romantic tutus favoured for romantic ballets, like the iconic tutu for Giselle or the sweet ballet for Swan Lake, to the shorter tutus that create a contemporary elegance – imagine the intricate tutus seen in the piece “La Bayadere”. There’s the flowing lines of a soft-bodied, lightweight classical tutu or the more elaborate pannier tutus with layered flounces - the tutus that graced the ballerinas in ballets like the Nutcracker or La Sylphide.

Each tutu speaks to a different era of ballet, but all share the same passion – the love for ballet. It's really quite amazing.

And I have to say, the fashion crowd is truly showing off their tutu inspiration. The colour combinations have been spectacular, and there's been no shortage of frills and feathers. It's truly heartwarming to see so many people, regardless of their dance backgrounds, taking part. And the thing is, I've felt completely welcomed and comfortable wearing a cute, layered, pastel tulle skirt (think fairytale!), a chic ballet-inspired outfit and even rocking my dance slippers with an amazing pastel-hued A-line skirt and a little ballet bun, I'm a natural, after all.

Tutu Tuesday is all about a chance to add some personality and flair to your wardrobe, whether you choose to go for a full-on ballerina vibe or just add a hint of it with a tulle scarf or a tutu-inspired pair of earrings, the key is to embrace your individuality, experiment with your style, and have fun with it!

So, to all my fellow dancers, fashion lovers, and tutu enthusiasts – happy Tutu Tuesday! May your day be filled with graceful steps, happy spins, and lots of smiles.

Follow me on Instagram for more fashion-forward #tututuesday styling tips – see you there!

#tututuesday #Leicester