Tutu Tuesday in Holbrook, New South Wales: A Whirlwind of Tutu Love
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Lily, here, fresh from a pirouette-filled adventure in the charming little town of Holbrook, New South Wales. This week's #Tutuesday journey was a bit different - less city, more country, and just as much fun! Now, you might think tutu-wearing in the Outback wouldn't be a thing, but boy, were you wrong!
Holbrook has this lovely little community hall, the kind you only find in these quaint towns. We had the whole place to ourselves - it was like stepping back in time! I thought, 'Well, I've worn a tutu at a disco, I've worn one in a fancy city gallery, why not a hall in Holbrook?'. I've got to say, the atmosphere was electric. The air buzzed with excitement as I unfurled my dusty pink tulle confection. The local ladies, bless their hearts, came from miles around. The gossip was flowing faster than my footwork in a fast fouetté.
What's fantastic about Tutu Tuesday, in any part of Australia, is how it's all about celebrating self-expression, owning your style. And let's face it, in ballet, there's no such thing as one 'right' tutu. I saw everything: those classic, romantic tutus with multiple layers of soft, delicate netting, which, don't get me wrong, are always a classic; but also some edgy numbers, tutus in bold hues of electric blue and emerald green, all modern and chic, fit for a queen. Then there were some sassy ones – the 'contemporary' ones, shorter and fitted, oozing confidence, like a dancer's power stance. We had a true kaleidoscope of tulle!
Holbrook surprised me. While they might be famous for the 'big banana' nearby, I learned that Holbrook's own 'big book' was just as symbolic. See, their love for books is as powerful as my passion for pirouettes. You can see the connection to ballet right there – expression, story, the pursuit of beauty - it all ties together. And we had a reading from the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" - very fitting! I even gifted each lady a signed copy of my favourite book - a little tutu-inspired token for them to keep!
The day culminated in a flash mob – yes, the dance floor was ablaze with the local ladies in their chosen tutus. From little girls doing little leaps to the older ladies twirling gracefully, it was absolutely delightful! We even managed to 'twirl in' the town's local dance teacher, she even put on a little show for us. I loved that it was like ballet was back in the heart of the community, just like the old days, back before the dance schools and big competitions. We got so much attention on social media - the local cafe even put up a Tutu Tuesday chalkboard with a photo of us, a lovely, wholesome kind of viral moment, I guess you could say. #Tutuesday really brings the people together! It doesn't matter where you are – city, country, or the outskirts of somewhere like Holbrook! #Tutuesday brings everyone together. It's all about letting go and being comfortable in your own skin - whether that's in a tutu, a fancy gown, or just a t-shirt and jeans. This day in Holbrook, it was proof that ballet truly belongs to everyone.
- A special thanks to the kind folks of Holbrook for making me feel right at home.
- Remember, my dears, #Tutuesday is about expressing yourself! Wear whatever style of tutu resonates with you, just have fun and be creative!
- And don’t forget, you can follow me for #tutuesday tips on Instagram, Facebook, and my blog, “Lily’s Leaps”.
Stay safe, keep dancing, and till next time - it's a wrap from me! Kisses, Lily. xx