Braintree Goes Tutu Tuesday: A Ballet Blogger's Perspective So, Braintree, you've officially reached peak tutu. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. This past Tuesday was a sight to behold - a veritable sea of tulle, silk, and feather boas descended upon our beloved town. And it wasn’t just the shops sporting the latest tutu-inspired designs. No, my dear readers, the **#tututuesday** phenomenon hit Braintree hard and fast, with ordinary citizens and even the local council getting involved! Where did it all begin? I suspect the internet, of course! This viral sensation started as a whimsical suggestion on a local social media group and blossomed into something spectacular, I reckon it was the power of our collective love for ballet and that yearning for a little bit of frivolity.
I’m no fashionista, not in the true sense, but when it comes to tutus, I’m practically an expert. Years of pirouetting, fouettés, and grand jetés have given me an eagle eye for the perfect tutu. Believe me, my dears, the Braintree turnout did not disappoint! Let’s take a trip through some of the standout tutus: * **The Classic Romantic:** Ah, the romantic tutu. So beautifully timeless with its layers of soft, gauzy tulle cascading over the legs. A real statement piece! The silhouette is simple, ethereal, and effortless. Braintree had a lovely selection, with the perfect shade of peach and ivory. They were a classic delight and made me long for those romantic ballet roles, with a touch of nostalgia, if you know what I mean! * **The Victorian Elegance:** A nod to the ballet history, this tutu features tiered, ruched layers, the romantic elegance of this tutu with a modern edge - something very fitting for Braintree's current style scene. It was like stepping onto a ballet stage back in time! * **The Modern and Dramatic:** Oh, what drama! Some of the modern tutus I saw had these dramatic layers of tulle cascading down the skirt like a swirling cloud of brilliance. They were definitely modern pieces, not the traditional image of tutus. And yet, it's something I could imagine dancing in! There were bold pops of colour - teal, crimson, black - so striking and absolutely stunning.
The thing that really moved me? The joy. Seeing children twirling in the town square with tutus they’d designed and sewn themselves - how heart-warming! Their creativity was a sight to behold and truly the heart and soul of #tututuesday. There was something so inspiring about the kids' joy. Their excitement reminded us adults to embrace a little bit of silliness, to find joy in simple pleasures. Of course, no #tututuesday in Braintree would be complete without a little touch of sophistication. The town's leading boutique had the ultimate display, showcasing tutus by established designers with modern elements: think sharp cuts, bold colors, and unique embellishments. But the classic tulle remains. And you can't have a tutu-themed event without the music. The local library organised a classical music concert with some well-loved excerpts of ballets, and oh my! A little bit of "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker" on a sunny afternoon really got everyone moving! If this sounds like a dream come true for you, my friends, then fear not! This isn’t a one-off event! It's official - **#tututuesday** is becoming a monthly affair. Braintree has already set a date for next month. With the amount of support it received from the town, it was no surprise!

I'll admit, I had to grab a few tutus from the local shops. It's not easy to resist a little ballet fashion, after all. And let's be honest, a classic, romantic, or a dramatic tutu is a fantastic accessory to throw in your luggage for holiday getaways. And, for the next #tututuesday, I think it's going to be an elegant Victorian for me. Braintree is well on its way to becoming the tutu capital of Essex! What are your thoughts on #tututuesday? Do share!