Ashington Tutu Tuesday: A whirlwind of tulle and twirls
So, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, you know how much I love a good #tututuesday. It’s my chance to revel in the artistry, elegance, and sheer joy that is the tutu! This week, however, it’s been especially significant because…drumroll…I’ve been in Ashington! That’s right, the North East’s hidden gem! Not exactly the epicentre of ballet you might think, but believe me, things are changing.
I’ve always found inspiration in the unexpected. For this week's #tututuesday, I wanted to go beyond the usual city ballet scene and discover the passion for dance in the heart of the UK. So, Ashington it was. A little town with a lot of heart, and surprisingly, an infectious passion for the dance. It's all about community spirit here, and it's this same spirit that I saw mirrored in the enthusiasm for the art of dance. This small town in Northumberland holds its own against the biggest ballet houses.
I started my #tututuesday adventure at the Ashington Dance Academy. From the minute I stepped into the studio, the energy was electric! Kids of all ages were busy mastering turns, leaps, and the essential “plié” positions. Now, let’s talk tutus, and this is where the town surprised me. I spotted classic, knee-length romantic tutus, perfect for those flowing, graceful movements you see in ballets like "Giselle" or "Swan Lake". But the Academy had something more. It felt really authentic; there were those fantastic “double-tiered” tutu styles we saw in productions of "Don Quixote" and the sassy “tutu-dress” that made me want to do the Nutcracker Waltz. I was hooked! I realised then, that Tutu Tuesday can be a thing in Ashington. And that it is!
- **Classical tutu, Ashington's “Giselle”:** I'd be remiss not to mention that timeless, knee-length beauty with the layered, shimmering tulle that gracefully sweeps the floor – you've got the quintessential romantic ballet look here! They wore them well. They are so delicate, and the fabric is truly lightweight, the girls' leaps and twirls seemed even more spectacular. It was magic in the making!
- **Ashington's “Don Quixote”, a double-tiered delight!** If you love lavish displays, this one's for you. The double-tiered tutu creates such drama and volume, just like we see in the famous Spanish pas de deux from "Don Quixote". The girls at Ashington, they twirled, they jumped, they pirouetted with a joy that made the air sparkle. This is exactly how it’s meant to be!
- **Tutu dress, "Nutcracker" vibes, Ashington style! ** Imagine this, a little tulle on the bottom with a sweet, flowing skirt - like "Clara’s Waltz" but a little more edgy and modern! The Academy was going for a more versatile look and I felt so many memories come flooding back of childhood Christmas magic! Perfect for our next Tutu Tuesday, I'm feeling it.
I can't tell you how much it inspired me, to see this kind of commitment and dedication in Ashington. Seeing these passionate youngsters, the future of dance, spinning through their tutus with boundless energy reminded me why I love Tutu Tuesdays so much!
As my journey through Ashington came to an end, I took a final glance at the dance studios, the young girls in their elegant tutus, and couldn't help but smile. And that's exactly the feeling Tutu Tuesdays should evoke – joy, creativity, and a celebration of dance in all its forms.
And remember folks, tutu style doesn't need to be confined to ballet classes. Rock that tutu pride every day! I love how a simple tulle skirt can add that extra something special to your wardrobe. Embrace that tulle life!
But remember, it’s not just about the tutu, It’s the spirit of dance that brings us together! So go forth, twirl your way through life and celebrate all things tutu!
#tututuesday #ashington