Tutu Tuesday in Stirling, South Australia: A Whirlwind of Frills and Feathers
Gâday, fashionistas! Itâs your girl, Chloe, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday. Today, weâre taking a trip to Stirling, South Australia, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of gum leaves and the rhythmic tap, tap, tap of dancing feet. I'm not talking about the Adelaide Festival here - oh no, weâre talking Tutu Tuesday, a movement thatâs taking the world, or at least our little corner of it, by storm.
Now, I know what youâre thinking. âTutus? In Stirling? Whatâs going on?â Let me tell you, this charming little town, nestled in the Adelaide Hills, is overflowing with tutu-loving ladies (and a few gents!) who have embraced the whimsy and the beauty of this iconic dancewear piece. Whether it's a classic romantic tutu, a playful and short 'baby' tutu, a sleek modern piece, or the kind of voluminous multi-layered tutu that takes up a whole room (we've got those too, folks), Stirling is proving that a tutu is more than just an item of dancewear, itâs a statement, an expression, a chance to twirl into your happiest self!
And Stirlingâs got some of the cutest, quirkiest, and most charming shops that celebrate this playful spirit. This week I popped into âFrocktails,â where owner, the wonderful Mrs. Fitzgibbon, is a treasure trove of all things feminine, especially tutus, and gave me a delightful lesson on the various tutu styles and their fascinating histories. Who knew, for example, that the Romantic era with its layers and lace had a huge influence on tutu design, as opposed to the classic tutus we associate with ballerinas and the modern period, with its streamlined aesthetic!
And thereâs âWhimsy Whirlsâ, run by a former ballet dancer, who, in a complete switch from the usual career path, makes tutus from scratch - everything from a basic single-layered practice tutu to magnificent stageworthy pieces with the most delicate, intricate beading and ruffles imaginable. (Think of those big, layered ballerina tutus for your grand opening and everyoneâs heads will be turned - guaranteed! ). Just be sure to check in with her, her waiting list can be long!
The streets of Stirling are buzzing with creativity, and I think a good part of it stems from a renewed sense of pride in Australian Ballet. With so much focus now on supporting local artistry and craftsmanship, tutu making seems to be making a comeback! Now that's what I call a renaissance!
My advice? Get yourself down to Stirling. There's something magical happening in this beautiful town, and if you're lucky, you might just catch a spontaneous impromptu "Tutu Tuesday" flash mob! Now THAT's an Instagram moment, if you ask me.
Hereâs a few ideas for your own Tutu Tuesday fun in Stirling, South Australia:
- Take a dance class. The Adelaide Ballet Studios (yes, Adelaide itself is only about 45 minutes away) is running a beginnerâs adult ballet program.
- Visit the local shops - check out those tutu options - or even buy a sewing machine and give DIY tutu creation a go!
- Host your own "Tutu Tea" party. (You could even create a DIY photo booth â how cute is a backdrop of vintage pointe shoes with sparkling sequined tutus?!).
- Start a âTutu Tuesdayâ tradition for you and your friends and film your own fun (but safe!) Tutu Tuesday twirls!
Don't forget to share your Stirling tutu moments on Instagram using #TutuTuesday and let's show the world just how fabulous our little corner of the globe is! And stay tuned, fashionistas, because next week weâre taking our Tutu Tuesday adventures to a different Aussie town. You wonât want to miss it!
Until next time, keep twirling!