Tutu Tuesday in Ramsgate: A Day for Dancing, Divas, and Delicious Delights
As a seasoned ballerina, my love for tutus is well-documented. And I’m not just talking about the classic, romantic tutu – I’m talking about all their different styles! From the elegant romantic tutu with its billowing layers of tulle to the shorter, more practical "American" tutu, every style of tutu holds a special place in my heart. Every dancer has their preference; for me, the tutu needs to allow me to move freely but still capture the romantic spirit of ballet. It’s the pinnacle of ballet fashion!
So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the #tututuesday hashtag. This global movement, born on social media, celebrates the majestic, flamboyant world of tutus. It encourages dancers and fashion enthusiasts to wear their tutus, or tutu-inspired clothing, on Tuesdays, whether it’s a full-length, professional-style tutu, or just a tutu-style skirt or a sparkly top. Every bit of tulle is encouraged.
Now, I may be based in London, but I always find myself drawn to the charming coastal town of Ramsgate. I've been on several holiday breaks there, and every time I’m swept away by its old-world charm and quaint seaside character. So when the chance arose to spread the joy of #tututuesday to Ramsgate, I couldn't resist.
The weather was glorious. Ramsgate's famous harbour sparkled with sunshine, and a gentle sea breeze carried the sweet smell of saltwater and freshly baked pastries. A perfect backdrop for a day of ballet and fashion!
To start my #tututuesday day in style, I donned a soft blush pink romantic tutu, a vibrant coral, flowing, crepe top and delicate pink ballerina flats. Feeling every bit the elegant dancer, I sauntered to the centre of Ramsgate's main square, a bustling hub of life, brimming with visitors and locals alike.
I wasn’t disappointed. Ramsgate embraced the #tututuesday movement with open arms! Locals were out in force, showcasing their love for the tutus, and I soon found myself surrounded by other dancers and ballet enthusiasts from the town. We shared stories, posed for photos, and admired each other's outfits. We had a blast, I swear every second was filled with sunshine and tulle!
One particularly memorable encounter was with a group of teenage girls. They were clad in neon-coloured tutu skirts and oversized tees, their faces alight with joy as they demonstrated their impressive dance moves. Their enthusiasm was infectious. And of course, there was the older woman with her fluffy white tutu, a perfect nod to the timeless, whimsical side of ballet. We chatted for ages about our love of the stage, how tutu styles have changed over the years, and the beauty of classical ballet.
The spirit of #tututuesday in Ramsgate didn’t stop there. There were tutu-themed decorations everywhere! Local cafes offered #tututuesday deals, bakeries produced tutu-inspired pastries, and shopkeepers had cleverly arranged their displays featuring tulle and feathers.
One bakery had created beautiful raspberry swirls and mini croissants with the icing on top making the unmistakable shape of a classic romantic tutu! My Instagram followers were treated to photos of the stunning cake art, the happy faces, and the beautiful backdrops Ramsgate offered.
The day culminated in a special dance workshop for kids at the Ramsgate Arts Centre. There were happy tears as parents watched their little ones master pirouettes in tutus with vibrant colours and tulle swirling around them. The smiles of the kids as they embraced the joy of dance were priceless!
So what does the success of #tututuesday in Ramsgate mean? Well, I believe that tutus, with their historical links to grace, creativity and pure delight, are more relevant than ever! We have to celebrate our artistic selves, embrace the whimsical, and maybe even have a bit of fun with fashion!
If you’re thinking of joining in with #tututuesday here are a few things to remember.
- Don't be afraid to express yourself. Your style of tutu is totally your own.
- Have fun with it. Don't take it too seriously - unless it's an actual ballet rehearsal. The main aim is to be playful and enjoy your outfit!
- Be respectful. Embrace your local community and connect with people around you who love the magic of tulle, and don't be afraid to say hello!
- Share the joy. Capture the moment. It’s perfect for the gram - those tutu twirls! #tututuesday #Ramsgate #balletfashion #tullelife
Until next week, I'll be pirouette-ing and twirling in my #tututuesday wardrobe!