Tutu Tuesday in Broadstairs: A Day of Frills and Fancies #tututuesday
Broadstairs, my favourite seaside town, is already known for its charm, Victorian architecture and sandy beaches, but on a recent Tuesday it was taken to a whole new level of fabulousness - all thanks to Tutu Tuesday. Iām Ellie, a professional ballet dancer with a penchant for all things glamorous, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear about this special day. For those who havenāt heard of it, Tutu Tuesday is a wonderful initiative created by the local arts centre, the "Broadstairs Performing Arts Academy." They encourage everyone to wear their most flamboyant tutus for the day, whether itās a genuine ballet tutu or a playful, homemade one. And let me tell you, people went all out! As soon as I arrived in Broadstairs, the atmosphere was buzzing. It wasnāt just the seagulls calling out; there was a delightful buzz of excitement, all centred around the elegant twirls and twirls that were happening on the streets. Everywhere you looked, there was a splash of colour, with beautiful tutus billowing in the sea breeze, ranging in style from the classic romantic tutus in pale pinks and dreamy blues, to more modern tutus that used neon colours and even featured sparkly embellishments. It was truly inspiring to see people from all ages and walks of life embrace the day with such gusto. I spotted elderly ladies with frilly, multi-layered tutus walking their dogs on the promenade, young families rocking tutus in every colour of the rainbow, and even a group of lads wearing tutus as part of their work uniform! Of course, I couldnāt miss out on the festivities. I donned my vintage, champagne-coloured tutu - a true classic that made me feel like a princess from a bygone era. I can honestly say it felt liberating to be walking around in a tutu. It broke down any sense of shyness and instantly lifted everyoneās spirits, making the atmosphere as joyous and bright as the beautiful sunshine we had on that particular Tuesday. It wasnāt just the visual spectacle of Tutu Tuesday that was so fantastic. The whole day was full of special events. * The local art school offered free tutu-making workshops for children, where they were introduced to the magic of ballet and given the chance to create their own personalised tutu masterpieces. * The main event was a spectacular āTutu Stroll,ā a fun and flamboyant procession along the Victoria Parade, where the participants proudly showcased their tutus to applause and cheers from the onlookers. The event was filled with vibrant energy and genuine excitement as everyone was happy to let their hair down (literally!) and celebrate all things twirling and dancing. The stroll culminated in a grand picnic on the beach where participants could relax, chat, enjoy snacks and marvel at each otherās unique creations. And the best part about the day was the infectious laughter and camaraderie that flowed freely amongst everyone. Tutu Tuesday created a wonderfully inclusive atmosphere and showed how something as simple as a playful accessory can bring a community together in a fun and delightful way. Hereās my top tips for getting the most out of a Tutu Tuesday event: * **Get Creative**: There are no limits to tutu design, so let your imagination run wild! From the classic to the flamboyant, to the handmade and whimsical, go all out and be yourself. A sprinkle of glitter is always a bonus. * **Accessorise With Style**: A tutu is the perfect blank canvas to express your style, whether that's with a beautiful floral head wreath or a pair of dramatic eye-catching heels. Itās all about personality. * **Embrace the Spirit**: Donāt be afraid to be bold and make a statement. Tutu Tuesday is about embracing the fun, spreading joy and having a good time! * **Snap some pictures**: It's always worth recording the colourful scenes and the fabulous tutus on display, sharing your experiences with the world using the hashtag #tututuesday ā just donāt forget to smile! If you are looking for a reason to visit Broadstairs, a visit on Tutu Tuesday is an experience you wonāt want to miss! This day proves that embracing the joy of dress-up is truly an antidote to the ordinary and a delightful way to brighten your day and the day of those around you. And to everyone reading, keep those tutu vibes alive all year round and be ready for another Tutu Tuesday next year, with the same energy, joy and sense of community. You may never know when youāll get the chance to bust out a sparkly tulle creation, and when that opportunity comes around, remember: Itās always the right time to rock a tutu.