Tutu Tuesday in Darwin, Northern Territory #tututuesday
G'day darlings! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another instalment of #tututuesday, and today we're bringing the tutus to the tropics. As you know, Darwin is a city of vibrancy, colour and life – a real melting pot of cultures and, most importantly, a home for serious tutu lovers! (Who knew that the Northern Territory was such a hotbed of tutu aficionados?).
Now, while my usual tutu Tuesday's tend to feature elegant tulle creations fit for the Sydney Opera House, Darwin demands a different style, something that breathes just as freely as this incredible city. So, say hello to the "Troppo Tutu", my own invention for these humid climes. It's still a classic, you know, all swirling layers and perfect proportions but... lighter, airier and just a little bit bolder in design, just like Darwin! Imagine classic pastels but splashed with a fiery touch of coral or the deep turquoise of the Timor Sea. Maybe a splash of red gum foliage – that colour pops beautifully against a sunset backdrop (a sunset here is like nowhere else on the planet!). The "Troppo Tutu" also uses softer tulle, because the humidity just clings to that stiff stuff and let's be honest, this girl ain't looking to become a human marshmallow, no matter how beautiful a swan she may look.
It's funny, Darwin is not exactly the hub for ballet. Sure, the dance studios are scattered all around the place but there are no major ballet schools here. And that's perfectly fine by me, Darwin isn't about conforming to what the mainstream might expect from ballet. It's about exploring the art, feeling free and owning the stage - and owning your look. If that means dancing to "Funkytown" in a turquoise tulle explosion with a pineapple garnish and a big grin, then go for it! Here, tutus are a celebration of self-expression, individuality, and hey, a touch of whimsical fun! Because who doesn't love a little whimsy, right? I love it, even when my colleagues think it's a tad much for ballet class (oh honey, a little tulle never hurt anyone!)
Where did my #tututuesday love affair begin? It all started back in high school. My BFF, Jess (she was in Year 12, me just in Year 10, but she always looks out for this girl!), found a perfectly good tutu gathering dust at an op shop. She knew my dance life was just a bit "missing" something – and bam! Tutu queen was born. She'd found this amazing dusty pink creation, slightly damaged and covered in glitter from, I suspect, a 90s dance party gone wrong! It was practically begging to be resurrected for a modern twist – and it looked fabulous on the school stage for a "Lord of the Flies" theatrical piece. Oh honey, my heart skipped a beat and I knew then, it wasn't just the theatrics, the tutu just elevated the whole darn experience! My obsession with the fluffy tulle creations grew from there.
So, where's the best place to grab your "Troppo Tutu" in Darwin?
- **The Retro Clothing Collective (TCC):** Okay, you've got to check out this vintage store. Think retro glamour with a Northern Territory vibe. If you're lucky, you might even stumble across a vintage tutu! Otherwise, their clothes are great for accessorizing that classic look (think flowing skirts, flamboyant scarves and the occasional beaded necklace – or three). They have all the glam accessories to make your "Troppo Tutu" sparkle like the Territory sky!
- **The Darwin Fabric Store: ** Okay, so it's not as fun as TCC. But honey, for those of you who love to sew, it's a Tutu dream land. Think fabric and ribbons galore, ready to take your own tutu creation to the next level. If you've got an ounce of crafting energy, this store is heaven.
- **For you DIY queens, the Tutu shop online is my go-to for making that extra special "Troppo Tutu" **. They've got the absolute cutest fabrics and supplies, it's insane, and trust me, with some DIY magic you can create something spectacular!
This Tuesday, why not unleash your inner ballerina in your own "Troppo Tutu"? Take your love of dance to the next level with a touch of Darwin flare – just keep it light, breezy, and above all, super stylish, like the vibrant, dynamic heart of Darwin.
Let's make this #tututuesday the most fabulous one yet! Be sure to tag me in your pictures - I love seeing how you all rock those tutu creations! And don't forget to follow me on social media for all my latest adventures in the dance world! Happy twirling, ladies!