Whitley Bay's Tutu Tuesday: A Celebration of All Things Ballet!
It's Tuesday, which means one thing and one thing only – **Tutu Tuesday**! And where better to celebrate this most fabulous of ballet traditions than in the seaside town of Whitley Bay? The air is buzzing with excitement, the seagulls are squawking their approval, and the town's iconic pier is bathed in the glorious sunshine. The only thing missing is... a whole lot of tutus, of course!
Now, I’m not talking about just any old tutus. Think sparkling, floaty, beautifully crafted works of art, crafted with delicate tulle and painstakingly embellished with intricate sequins and dazzling diamante. Imagine delicate ruffles, layered with silk ribbons, swirling around legs as they leap and twirl. The very essence of elegance and femininity, embodying the grace and beauty of classical ballet.
Whitley Bay's Tutu Tuesday isn't just about the visual spectacle – although, let's be honest, that's a pretty big draw. It's a chance to celebrate all things ballet: from the demanding physicality of the art form, the captivating stories woven in dance, and the raw passion that each performance demands. For this is the day when dancers of all ages, shapes, and sizes – seasoned professionals and excited newcomers – embrace their love of ballet and step out into the world wearing the ultimate symbol of their passion: the Tutu!
Just as each ballerina has their own unique style, so does each tutu. Whether it’s the classic "Romantic" tutu – featuring a billowing cloud of tulle – or a more contemporary “Pancake" style, boasting layers of pleated fabric – each tutu embodies its own spirit. And on Whitley Bay's Tutu Tuesday, there’s something for every taste.
From the traditional white tutus of the classic ballets, to the bolder hues and experimental designs of contemporary ballet companies, there's an entire spectrum of styles on show. One might spot a ballerina in a striking red tutu, its bright color symbolising fire and passion, while another might be swirling in a ethereal tutu of celestial blues and star-studded accents.
I'm a sucker for a good tulle pouffe, myself – you know, the ones that are literally bustling with layers and layers of the stuff, just begging to be twirled. They’re like the embodiment of ballet itself – fluffy, dramatic, and oh-so-fun to move in.
What really makes Whitley Bay's Tutu Tuesday stand out from the crowd, though, is the infectious energy. You see giggles and excitement from those who have come dressed in tutus of their own, whether they’re seasoned professionals, aspiring dancers, or even the occasional enthusiastic bystander.
The streets are alive with chatter, “Isn’t your tutu gorgeous?” “Look at that incredible swirl!”, “Where did you get your pointe shoes?" and everyone's all smiles and goodwill. There’s a real sense of community, with everyone celebrating their love for the art form.
Of course, there are Tutu Tuesday activities aplenty. Workshops on ballet technique and “tutu styling" at the local dance studio, “Tutu Teas" at the cafe on the seafront, and, naturally, plenty of performances – both amateur and professional – all hosted throughout the town.
For those new to the magic of Tutu Tuesday, there's nothing to fear! Come prepared to be dazzled by the sheer beauty of the ballet and the infectious energy that Whitley Bay puts on display each week. Be sure to come decked out in your favourite Tutu, if you dare! And if you don’t happen to have one ready, no worries. Grab some tulle, sequins and your imagination and start creating! After all, anything goes on #Tututuesday!
Whitley Bay's Tutu Tuesday – a weekly celebration of dance, of joy, of expression. It's the one day of the week when anyone and everyone can embrace the ballerina inside, even if only for an afternoon.
I’ve already marked next Tuesday on my calendar. Are you? See you at Whitley Bay!
Top tips for making the most of your Tutu Tuesday experience:
- Embrace the tutu – Whether it's your own grand creation, a vintage treasure you found in a charity shop, or even just a ribbon tied around a dress, make it your own!
- Take photos. Lots of them! Tutu Tuesday is a photographer's dream, especially at sunset, when the golden light catches all that twirling tulle. But remember, this is about celebration and fun, not a photoshoot competition.
- Share the love. Spread the joy! If you're on social media, don't forget to tag #tututuesday and share your photos for the world to see.
- Stay in touch – Make sure to follow your favourite dance studios, companies, and ballet stars online for all the latest Tutu Tuesday news!
- Don’t be shy! It's ok if you don't have perfect dance skills – in fact, it's what makes it so much fun. Grab your friends, go for a walk, have a cuppa in a tutu. It’s all about the atmosphere of this special day.