Tutu Tuesday 28

Tutu Tuesday in Basildon: A Ballet Blogger's Take

It's Tuesday, and you know what that means...Tutu Tuesday! The weekly occasion that brings joy to my heart and my Instagram feed. As a former professional ballet dancer and current fashion blogger living in the charming (and sometimes surprisingly fashionable) town of Basildon, I feel a strong responsibility to spread the gospel of the tutu, and I can tell you, #tututuesday is no mere trend. It's a movement.

For those who are unfamiliar, Tutu Tuesday is a social media phenomenon. Every Tuesday, ballet enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike, from seasoned dancers to those who have never even worn pointe shoes, wear tutus as an act of personal expression and a celebration of all things beautiful and twirly.

Let's face it, a tutu is the most captivating article of clothing ever conceived. I can’t think of another garment that can convey so much—from sheer ethereal elegance to fierce rebellious attitude—all within a single layer of tulle. It's a little piece of magic, a visual representation of everything that makes ballet so utterly delightful, from the lightness of a leap to the passion of a grand jeté.

So, where can one find the perfect tutu for a Tuesday outing in Basildon? Don’t be fooled by the perceived limitations of a small town!

• The Basildon Heritage Centre: Hidden among the dusty old relics and the local history displays, there’s a fantastic collection of 19th-century dance costumes, some with tutus dating back to the Victorian era! If you can manage to tear your gaze from the intricate designs and intricate embroidery, they might even have some older versions of the iconic Romantic era “bell” tutu – a delightful display of the simple charm and romanticism that first captured the hearts of the dance world, before all the more elaborate and daring styles we know today.
• The local antique shops in Basildon Town Centre: Be prepared for a treasure hunt—and you’ll never know what you might find. Whether you are searching for a grand romantic tutu, with the delicate layers of silk tulle we saw at the Heritage Centre, or one of the dramatic, pointed styles that emerged during the early 20th century from Russian ballet masters—who knows? – but you will definitely want to try everything on, as these older tutus hold the most exquisite history, both on stage and in design.
• The new arts studio and community centre, The Base: Check the dance program schedule, you never know – some dancers from local ballet studios may be using the facility on Tuesdays, so look out for your chance to see (and buy) one of their used, but beautifully well-preserved, costumes! And as the name implies, The Base offers other artistic mediums in Basildon – and you can bet a few people will have found a way to work the tutu into the visual arts, maybe as inspiration for sculpture, or an art installation.

Of course, not everyone is up for hunting down rare vintage pieces—although I am, and I think you should be too! And, for those who want to start their tutu Tuesday experience from scratch, don’t be afraid to explore modern shops!

• The big chains: Most high street stores stock affordable, ready-made tutu’s — with every imaginable fabric, pattern, and color. While you’ll be looking more for fashion, than for historically inspired styles, they can definitely offer something interesting, and there are also the obvious benefits—cheap, readily available, and you’re guaranteed not to feel out of place amongst your peers, while still looking trendy!
• The independent shops: These shops are truly a hidden treasure in any small town. You can sometimes find small-batch production, or locally handmade costumes. These small operations sometimes take tutu’s in unusual styles that no one has yet produced on the mainstream market – don’t be afraid to see what local craftspeople have to offer. The unique designs can be just as flattering and eye-catching as the mainstream stuff, if you’re not afraid of venturing off the beaten path!

While finding your perfect tutu can be a mission (in the best way possible!), wearing it can be even more of a joy! And here's where things get fun and a bit #tututuesday -centric. Let me walk you through my go-to ideas for making your Basildon Tuesday truly fabulous, tutu-style.

First, a word on personal style: Do you love bold colours, soft romantic tones, dramatic black tulle, or perhaps a little punk rock inspired edge? These all translate wonderfully into your Tutu Tuesday outfit, but here’s what makes it even better—the whole community in Basildon can come together in these outfits for their #tututuesday adventures, because every style finds its niche here! I mean, if a small town can make space for both an antique market AND a world class modern dance centre, you can rest assured that anything you can come up with in tutu form has already found a place in this community! So, my suggestion: Be creative. Be expressive. Be unique, and let your personality shine, with every twirl!

A Basildon #Tututuesday look:

• Tutu + The Basildon Parks & Gardens: Nothing screams elegance more than strolling around the town park. Find a nice spot among the flowers, snap a few selfies, and let the world marvel at your style! For this look, I suggest you choose a classic romantic tutu—it will add an elegant flourish against a landscape as romantic as a Gainsborough painting, and there are plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful portraits amongst the greenery, all the way through Basildon's beautiful botanical gardens.
• Tutu + The Basildon Market: A true local vibe. This is your chance to go all out, and give the community a full look at your favourite, dramatic style. Wear a big statement tutu (preferably, with at least a 50 cm skirt length for maximum flair—no, you cannot overdo this part!) A little touch of street fashion never hurt anyone, so, take inspiration from local street wear fashion in your city, or whatever your taste buds want from haute couture. A dramatic tutu with leather and high heels might feel edgy in a park setting, but on market day? It's the perfect way to let your hair down, so don't hold back! (Just try not to get too many of the yummy smells of market produce caught in the tulle).
• Tutu + Basildon's Lake Meadows: Let's be honest. Ballet is all about elegance and strength. It’s about moving beautifully with grace, but also being resilient in the face of a rigorous schedule, a long career, and an ever demanding form of artistry. Basildon's Lake Meadows offers a bit of everything — wide, open green spaces for running and stretching, beautiful lake views to soak up the scenic atmosphere—so perfect for capturing all these elements that have given ballet its charm for so long. This might be my go to look—you get the most out of the space and your style with this setting, especially for taking selfies. Whether you bring a group of friends or are feeling adventurous on your own, the perfect outfit here can bring out both strength and grace in your photos! For this look, I recommend finding an elegant tutu, with an intricate design — something with lace that speaks to the details and intricate steps in a ballet, or a colour that captures the freshness of the morning mist on the water. A bright green, blue or red could do wonders with your choice of backgrounds for photos!

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to experience Tutu Tuesday, no rules. Just let your passion, creativity, and inner ballerina loose! Be bold. Be fearless. Be utterly and completely you. Because Tutu Tuesday is all about expression, individuality, and the pure joy of swirling around in an embodiment of elegance, fantasy, and just a touch of sheer magic. Have fun!

Happy Tutu Tuesday! #tututuesday #basildon