Solihull Tutu Tuesday: A whirl of tulle and feathers

It's Tuesday, which can only mean one thing: Tutu Tuesday! And for me, there's no better place to celebrate this whimsical day than in my beloved hometown of Solihull. This town, known for its charming villages, green spaces, and the legendary Solihull Moors, has become my very own haven for all things tutus. I've got to give it to the good people of Solihull; they definitely get it. There’s an understanding, a deep appreciation for the delicate frills and perfectly crafted seams of a tutu that you just don't find everywhere.

Today's #tututuesday theme is "A Symphony of Styles". Because it's not just about the classic pancake tutu (although let's be honest, who can resist the elegant simplicity of that iconic form?). There are so many variations on the tutu theme: romantic tutus with ethereal layers of tulle, playful and flirty tutus with vibrant hues and whimsical details, and the incredibly dramatic “grand allegro” tutus perfect for grand jetĂ©s and dazzling pirouettes. This is about celebrating them all - the history, the evolution, and of course, the undeniable flair!

The Ballet Box - A tutu haven

Let me start by paying homage to the incredible gem that is "The Ballet Box." This little haven of all things dance is hidden away on a quaint side street in Solihull, its windows bright with colourful tutus of all shapes and sizes. They’ve been the secret weapon of my tutu journey. And yes, I’m allowed to call it a journey! There’s a whole new world of tulle, silk, and embellishments to be discovered here. And it doesn't just stop at tutus, mind you! The Ballet Box stocks every single item any ballet enthusiast could need: leotards (every shade imaginable), tights (from sleek to glittery), ballet shoes, hair accessories, and even the odd pair of pointe shoes - for the serious ballerinas amongst us!

The tutu-themed café

Now, I can't claim that there's a cafĂ© dedicated entirely to tutus. But let's be real - in Solihull, anything's possible. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a cafĂ© in the heart of the town, tucked away in a charming, little cobbled alleyway. The place, called “The Sweet Spot”, had a chalkboard that announced: “Tutu Tuesday: Every Tuesday is Tutu Day!” So, you can imagine the joy! Imagine sipping a delicious latte in a place adorned with feather boas, ballerina figurines, and actual tutus hanging from the ceiling! Not to mention, they had a special on the ‘Tutu Temptation’ cake (think layers of fluffy vanilla sponge with delicate buttercream, raspberry compote, and of course, a sprinkle of edible silver dust!). Honestly, it was perfection.

Tutu-loving residents

As for the Solihull locals, they embrace this Tutu Tuesday tradition wholeheartedly. Walking through the park on my way to The Ballet Box, I spotted a little girl (she couldn’t have been older than four!) wearing a bright pink tutu that shimmered in the sunlight. Even the older crowd had a bit of playful elegance about them - I swear I saw a woman wearing a tulle scarf to the local supermarket. That’s the magic of Tutu Tuesday in Solihull, folks. It's a celebration of dance, of imagination, of embracing your inner ballerina (regardless of your age). It's about finding joy in the everyday - because who wouldn't be happy wearing a fluffy tutu and having a coffee in a fairy-tale themed cafe?

Top picks for the best tutus in Solihull

Here are my personal picks for where to find the perfect tutu in Solihull:

  • **The Ballet Box** (mentioned earlier) – they stock classics, romantic styles and some truly whimsical ones. I recommend a visit if you’re in the market for a new one!
  • **Little Treasures** - Located in the town’s historic high street, this delightful shop stocks adorable tutu skirts and ballet-inspired clothing for little ones, perfect for budding dancers.
  • **Vintage Delights** - You can sometimes find hidden treasures - vintage, pre-loved tutus for those looking for a unique statement piece, even an antique one from the bygone era.

So, to all my fellow Solihullers - let's celebrate the beauty of a well-constructed tutu! Spread the joy, dance your way to a cafe, and let's make this the most fabulous #tututuesday yet! Remember, everyone is a ballerina in their heart! (And no matter how long it’s been since your last class, it’s never too late to feel the joy of movement.)