Tutu Tuesday in Leicester: A Dance Through the Decades
Well, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, it's Tuesday, which means one thing: #tututuesday!
As a ballet dancer, there's something magical about slipping into a tutu, especially a classic romantic style. You're transported to a different world, one of graceful movements, lyrical elegance, and storytelling. But while traditional romantic tutus have their charm, they're not the only ones in town.
Today I took a walk around Leicester, keeping my eyes peeled for those beautiful tulle explosions that are tutus, and let me tell you, it was a real treat for the fashion-loving ballerina in me.
My journey started with a trip to the city's museum. I knew there'd be something inspiring, and there I found it - a display of exquisite Victorian era stage costumes. I'm talking lavish satin and velvet, and of course, the quintessential tutu, all fluted and poufy!
From the Victorian era to the modern day, the evolution of the tutu is fascinating. We went from the Romantic era’s full and flowing to the more contemporary variations like the “demi” - the shortened tutu, a chic twist to the classic. And then we have the “pas de bourrée” style, an example of how designers experimented with structure, leaving just a hint of classicism.
These are my personal favourites:
- **The romantic tutu**: this timeless design with its voluminous tulle, evokes a sense of ethereal grace and is perfect for those yearning for an old-world elegance.
- **The “demi” tutu**: a mid-length silhouette offering the right balance of flow and sophistication, it's more contemporary, ideal for a ballet dancer looking to showcase elegance and control.
- **The “pas de bourrée” tutu**: A modern take with layers of tulle and intricate designs, it’s a testament to creativity, a contemporary dancer’s playground.
My next stop was the local market. Now, the market wasn't exactly a haven of tutu fashion. Instead, it was all about finding little treasures. Imagine my delight when I discovered a vintage sewing shop tucked away, bursting with colorful fabric. The owner was an absolute charmer! As we chatted, she shared tales of bygone era tutu designs, inspiring me to put on my creative cap and experiment with crafting my own unique tutus!
I then hopped onto the bus and took in the bustling cityscape, but my inner ballerina couldn't help but feel that something was missing. That's when it hit me - why not bring the spirit of #tututuesday to the city streets?
I pulled out a light tulle fabric, tucked it inside my bag, and waited. Soon, I spotted the perfect location - a square bursting with sunshine. Here I unfolded the fabric, held it aloft, letting its weight flow in the breeze, a temporary homage to my favourite dance garment, a celebration of tutus right in the middle of Leicester.
So you see, whether it's the grand old romantic, or a sassy, modern “demi” style, there's a tutu out there waiting to be twirled in Leicester. And who knows, you might just spot a ballerina on the street, transforming ordinary Tuesdays into fabulous #tututuesday happenings. Let the twirling commence!