Tutu Tuesday in Basildon: #tututuesday
Well, folks, it's Tuesday, which means it's officially #tututuesday and I am here to bring you all the latest from the wonderful world of tulle. As a professional ballet dancer (yes, even we have days off!), I'm also a big fan of the timeless elegance of a well-constructed tutu and a big believer in spreading the tutu love.
This week, my Tutu Tuesday adventures took me to Basildon. Now, I know what you're thinking: Basildon? The Essex town not known for its high fashion? Well, dear readers, you'd be surprised! My mission was to explore the hidden tutu gems that this bustling town has to offer and trust me, there were some hidden treasures!
My first stop was at the quaint little shop "Threads & Twirls". Now, "quaint" might not be the first word that comes to mind when describing a shop crammed with fabrics, trims, and all manner of sewing essentials but trust me, "quaint" it is! Run by the most charming lady, whose passion for textiles was only rivalled by her infectious laugh, Threads & Twirls was a tutu wonderland. I even got to pick the brains of the shop owner who had been making tutus for local theatre companies for years!
Turns out the demand for tutus in Basildon isn't limited to theatre groups. It's not just for ballerinas; I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly shocked by the number of everyday women (who looked like they could handle a barre class just as well as I can) who popped in, looking for something fabulous and fluffy for their evenings out or just for a cheeky dose of tulle-related confidence! The demand was huge for every tutu style imaginable, with variations on a classic. We were talking:
- **The traditional Romantic Tutu:** This tutu is the quintessential tutu for all dancers; it's delicate and flowing, with layers of soft tulle gathered to create a full and airy look. Perfect for portraying a graceful and ethereal character like Giselle.
- **The Classical Tutu:** With its graceful and elegant appearance, the Classical Tutu is an epitome of grace. Constructed with a slightly shorter, circular layer of netting held on a stiffened crinoline or a layer of net fabric for fullness. Its graceful structure allows for a lot of freedom of movement and is the type I’ve worn many times during rehearsals and in front of audiences!
- **The Modern Tutu:** These innovative tutu designs are made of innovative fabrics, with daring and dramatic lines.
- **The Tutu à la Française:** Characterised by its multiple tiers of tulle that are sewn to a wire or stiffening for support, offering the ultimate poofy princess vibe. Perfect for making a dramatic and extravagant statement.
- **The Pixie Tutu:** If a playful and spirited vibe is what you're after, this little ditty will have you dancing your way through the day.
- **The Swan Lake Tutu:** A testament to tradition. The iconic white tutu, it signifies purity, grace, and transformation, the kind you see in all those iconic Swan Lake performances. There is also a dramatic Black Swan look, typically using darker feathers and tulle and with a bolder attitude.
But it wasn’t all tulle and twirls in Basildon; no, not at all. To keep the #tututuesday mood high, we decided to branch out, and the next stop was "Cafe Ballet". This adorable cafe has got to be the most fabulous place in town! From their pink and white checkered floor tiles to their selection of homemade pastries that were actually so delicious, the owners had nailed the tutu-themed cafe experience. I have to confess I did have one of those amazing pastries! They’re even in partnership with Threads & Twirls offering a selection of tutus to purchase. It’s like being able to pick your perfect tutu and then relax with a sweet treat… now what's not to love about that?
One of the best things about Cafe Ballet is the vibe it creates: a truly inclusive and welcoming space. While sipping my cappucino I overheard a conversation between a few ladies of a certain age who had been meeting there each week for years to celebrate "Tutu Tuesday" – how perfect! In the afternoon sunshine and between bursts of laughter and chatter they shared tips on where to find the best tulle in the county, swapped stories about their favourite dance classes and bonded over their shared love for the world of dance.
As I left Basildon, my tutu heart felt full of warmth and inspiration. This little Essex town was proving to be more than just a place of hidden tulle treasures - it's a reminder that the magic of the tutu can be found anywhere. I'd go so far as to say there was something special and heartwarming about the tutu spirit that emanates from Basildon.
And remember: you don't have to be a dancer to embrace Tutu Tuesday. You just have to be ready to spread the joy of this whimsical, fabulous and fun piece of dance history! This Tuesday and every Tuesday, wherever you are, put on your best tutu, your favourite tutu, the one that makes you feel confident and free and get twirling!
Follow my journey #tututuesday