Tutu Tuesday in Northampton #tututuesday
So, my darlings, it’s Tutu Tuesday! As a proud resident of Northampton (it's got way more charm than people think, really!) and a passionate ballet dancer, I couldn't resist celebrating this whimsical day in style.
I’ve been doing some research, you know, getting my research on, because there are some seriously fantastic things to know about tutus, Did you know that tutus have been a thing for ages, well, almost 150 years?! The very first ballet tutus, oh, they were called the ‘Romantic tutu’ or the ‘Bell’ style tutu. I love those, the way they float with layers and layers of fabric - dreamlike. Think a bell, but made from the softest silk. You could easily float away, honestly!
But the really iconic one is what we all think of first. You know, the ones the big-name ballerinas dance in, the ones everyone screams at when they come twirling on to the stage at the Bolshoi or Covent Garden, you get my drift! They call those the ‘Classical Tutu’ or the ‘Paganini’ style, and they’re basically what they did to the Romantic tutu: shrunk it down and shaped it into a tight little number, all flouncy and full, with a lovely fitted bodice. It’s super elegant and adds that element of theatrical glamour.
That little bit of glamour’s exactly what the lovely people of Northampton were feeling on this fine Tutu Tuesday, and boy, was it fun. It was such a sweet morning – there was a buzz in the air, you could feel it in the breeze and the sunshine – the perfect weather for tutus to truly be their magnificent selves.
First stop: the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. Imagine a building so full of fascinating history and, right in the heart of it, all the most magnificent tutus you can imagine - from those Romantic layers to the full classical pouffes – everything was there to gaze at, from vintage tutus in glass cases to even replicas on mannequins. This wasn’t just a glimpse; it was a proper historical dive, understanding how these amazing little works of art – let’s be honest, they are works of art – have evolved over time. Who knew all these stories lay beneath a single tutu?
I spotted so many fantastic designs; it’s crazy what a bit of material can achieve. One tutu was almost completely made up of flowers – literally sewn in place – a floral symphony on a dancer's body. I even saw a shimmering, holographic tutu that was making all kinds of kaleidoscope reflections. Honestly, mind-blowing! That one made me feel like I’d fallen into a fairytale. We all took photos (it’s like it’s illegal to visit the museum without them!) - and my darling, what Instagram moments these were.
From there, I danced on down to The Royal & Derngate Theatre. The very walls of that theatre seemed to buzz with tutu magic, you know? It’s so full of energy, that place - I bet the ghost of Dame Judi Dench or Laurence Olivier pops in occasionally and goes ‘what the heck, is that tutu still on?'. I couldn’t help myself, I did a little impromptu twirl at the front, got a few snaps. What better place to flaunt your love of tutus?! It just screamed, "I love tutus, this is what I’m about, take that you wonderful building! You, me, and my Tutu forever! " and it felt good to scream it into the universe! A little piece of that Tutu Tuesday magic landed in that beautiful old building.
But for my grand finale, my grand crescendo, for the real cherry on the cake, my #tututuesday adventure ended in style, darling. You know the amazing shops we have in town, don’t you? It's a little pocket of fantastic vintage and boutiques – my favourite, The Dressing Room, I think. They even have an online shop which I often peruse to find interesting pieces for ballet costumes – very useful when you're a busy girl!
I spotted this most incredible collection of vintage tutus - we're talking actual 1960s, early 1970s tutu's. It wasn’t the perfectly stiff, ballerina look, you know, but soft and swirly, a kind of ethereal princess-ness. And the fabrics! Velvets, silks, metallic threads – every color under the sun – it was truly something else. You’d think it came straight out of a 70s movie set, or better yet, the most extravagant costume design sketch! Of course, my pockets wouldn't handle such magnificent treats (unless I had sold my entire wardrobe!) so I took snaps, videos even! The owner of the shop, darling man he is, told me he's had dancers come in and find amazing costumes, even for the stage! It’s all in there – vintage elegance is back with a bang.
Let me tell you, #tututuesday in Northampton is absolutely one for the books. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try and make it a regular thing! It’s just the perfect excuse for a bit of playful fashion, a pinch of whimsy, a dose of theatrical magic. So grab a tutu, throw on your biggest smile, and let’s dance into a Tutu Tuesday filled with joy and glitter. And don’t forget, when in doubt, wear more tulle!
Here are my top tutu picks for your very own #tututuesday:
- Romantic tutu: Layers of soft silk will make you feel like you’re dancing in a dream. Think Audrey Hepburn.
- Classical tutu: Elegant and full, this is the ultimate ballerinas tutu, super sparkly and ready to wow.
- Layered tutu: Great for any level, comfy and bouncy and a bit playful. They’ve really come back into their own, actually! The younger ballerinas, at my local dance school anyway, are really into them.
- Vintage tutu: I think it’s obvious by now - if you love a unique look, these have got it. Try Etsy or vintage stores – you never know what treasure you’ll unearth!
- Tutu with a twist: Don’t be afraid to be bold and expressive – add your own personal flair to your tutu. If I was braver (maybe someday!), I’d have gone for an electric blue sequinned tutu to bring that true rockstar edge to the day. I saw one somewhere that would have been perfect, but sadly didn't own it at the time. You can even find t-shirt style tutus for a modern look!
So my loves, don’t let fear get in your way. Just try on your Tutu – even if it's just for a day and for your very own instagram. And share those fabulous photos – tag me in it, because #tututuesday just needs to become a thing! It's got real potential, don’t you think? Let’s give Northampton (or any town you live in!) the dose of tutu-love it deserves. Dance it, darling. Dance it all!