Tutu Tuesday in Chelmsford: A Whirlwind of Fashion and Flourishes
It's Tuesday, which means it's time for my weekly dose of Tutu Tuesday inspiration! As a ballet dancer and blogger, there's nothing I love more than celebrating the elegance and artistry of tutus, and today's spotlight is shining brightly on Chelmsford, Essex. Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty of the tutus!
For the past few years, #Tututuesday has been my excuse to go full-on ballerina. Every week I put on a different tutu and then I go about my day. Some days it's at work (it makes answering emails infinitely more interesting), other days it's on a date, others still, it's at the ballet barre. Wherever life takes me, #Tututuesday always comes along for the ride!
Chelmsford, a town renowned for its blend of historical charm and contemporary dynamism, turned out to be the perfect backdrop for my tutu-centric adventures. There’s an electric energy in the air. The bustling streets, the historic architecture, and the vibrant community all contribute to the unique vibe of Chelmsford. I felt my steps become lighter, my heart filled with anticipation. This town wasn’t just another location – it was a stage for the ballerina within.
I began my Chelmsford odyssey at the Chelmsford Museum, a fascinating place that showcases the town's rich history. It’s so easy to forget that these buildings have seen a lot – and so have their residents! In a town so rich in culture and history, my tutu, a classic romantic, or "petit" tutu with tiers of soft tulle, felt absolutely fitting. Its lightness, combined with the delicate elegance of the layers of tulle, felt like an homage to the past while celebrating the present. I can almost see those layers swirling across a stage back in the 1920s and the 1930s and feel the excitement that those early ballerinas must have felt!
With a little bit of graceful waltzing in the Chelmsford Museum, it was time to explore the town centre. Now, if the museum was about historical grace, then Chelmsford's High Street is the embodiment of modern hustle. I felt inspired by its vibrancy and chose a playful, "contemporary" tutu with an asymmetric design. You see, contemporary ballet takes the art of classical dance and sends it off on a voyage of discovery - much like the contemporary energy of the town’s high street.
My favourite shop in the centre is "Chelmsford Vintage Boutique" – what a treasure trove! This independent shop is filled with pieces that just beg to be worn on the streets. The shop owner was just lovely – a fashion enthusiast in her own right. She was even thrilled with my tutu, remarking that the tutu perfectly captured the eclectic vintage style of her collection. We chatted for ages. I always like to get a new perspective on things - even fashion! I learnt a few fashion hacks that are definitely making their way onto my blog!
As the afternoon stretched out, so did my quest for tutus – or more precisely, for a tutu for the lovely late afternoon light. You know that soft golden light? And a light breeze ruffles the edges of a skirt? And a sunbeam lights a face like a halo? I went in search of something classic and I settled for a graceful and simple "long tutu", its single layer of delicate netting rippling slightly as I danced down the High Street, past Chelmsford’s grand Victorian buildings. They call this part of town "The Old Town" - what a glorious place for a long, swirling skirt like this!
And how could my Chelmsford tutu odyssey end without an excursion to the Chelmsford City Racecourse? It wasn’t the most likely of places for tutu wear, but there’s always time to be creative. With a gentle breeze in the air, it was the perfect time to embrace my #Tututuesday spirit. Here I donned a "character" tutu, its swirling, multi-layered tulle perfect for the whimsy of the racecourse and the atmosphere of anticipation for a horse race.
It turns out, Chelmsford embraces its eccentricities! As I twirled beneath the clear blue sky at the Chelmsford City Racecourse, I spotted a group of fellow horse racing enthusiasts looking at me and one young girl, her eyes wide with awe, came running towards me. She'd seen my "character" tutu and wanted a picture with me! She must have known the story behind this flamboyant tutu because she said “I always wear my costume on days I go to my favourite clubs! But not in the middle of the day – at night time!” I told her to keep chasing her dreams - maybe one day she'd be twirling around a real race track – just like me!
Tutu Tuesday is always a celebration of individuality, creativity, and pure joy! In Chelmsford, this sentiment took on an even more magical hue. The vibrant community, the historic charm, and the unique energy of the town - they all conspired to make Tutu Tuesday truly unforgettable! It’s not every day you get to wear a tutu in a town full of fashion, culture and community!
My #Tututuesday advice? It's not just about the tutu. It's about the attitude! Own it! Celebrate your individuality! Don’t be afraid to step out of the ordinary! Even in the heart of Essex, my twirling journey showed me that Chelmsford, a town bursting with life and creativity, was the perfect place to wear my tutu and embrace all that Tutu Tuesday stood for!
Here's to many more Tutu Tuesdays, in Chelmsford and beyond!
And if you want more #Tututuesday fun, I’m always looking for inspiration! Tweet me your #tututuesday pics! I'd love to see you embracing the world in all its glory!