Tutu Tuesday 281

Tutu Tuesday in Southampton: A Celebration of Whirl & Twirl Well, darlings, it’s Tutu Tuesday again, and I'm positively brimming with excitement! As a Southampton girl through and through, I’ve always loved that our little town has a bit of everything - beautiful parks for picnics, cobbled streets perfect for a bit of window shopping, and a lively arts scene that always keeps things interesting. Today though, the spotlight's firmly on the *T* word - yes, TUTUS! If you’re thinking "Tut-tut, that's a bit much for a Tuesday", hold your horses, my dears. Tutu Tuesday isn't about forcing ourselves into frilly dresses or becoming the next Swan Lake princess (though that wouldn't be half bad!). It's more about taking a moment to celebrate the joy, creativity, and pure **whimsicalness** of a garment that, for us dancers, has become synonymous with the sheer delight of our profession. So, where better to mark the occasion than Southampton? With our rich artistic heritage and a blooming arts scene, this little haven on the south coast is always ready for a good dose of "tuttitude". And as a local who also happens to live in the magical world of dance, I just *had* to take Tutu Tuesday for a whirl - quite literally! A Tutu Tour Through Southampton: From the Classics to the Cutting-Edge Today, I took myself on a **Tutu Tour** of my favorite haunts around Southampton. Picture this: Me, strutting my stuff in a **soft pink tulle** confection with a matching bow - the quintessential, romantic **classical tutu**, if you will - my way down the cobbled lanes of the old town. It was like a scene straight out of a vintage ballet poster. And let's not forget the all-important **accessories:** a cute beret, pearl earrings, and those delicate, delicate *en pointe* ballet flats that elevate the whole look, right? But the fun wasn't limited to the old town, oh no! We had to stop at the **Westquay Shopping Centre**, right? My oh my, is it the perfect place for a tutu adventure. My eyes were practically popping out at the sight of the **contemporary, geometric patterns** adorning the display windows at **H&M**. There was this **bold, bright red tutu with silver accents**, screaming "edgy", and a **black sheer creation with intricate cut-outs** that spoke volumes about *avant-garde* chic. No trip around Southampton would be complete without venturing to **Mayflower Theatre**, a majestic Victorian masterpiece that practically shouts "**dramatic, dramatic, dramatic**!" The moment I stepped inside, I was whisked back to the era of grand ballets with swirling **silk tulle** and glittering **crystal embellishments**. It just so happened to be rehearsal day, so I caught a glimpse of a stunning, layered **Romanesque tutu**, and it truly took my breath away. The graceful folds, the vibrant colours, the craftsmanship - oh my! This is what theatre is all about, my darlings. From the heart of the theatre, we moved on to Southampton Solent University. Now, you might not think of a university as a haven for all things tutu, but believe me, this place is bursting with artistic talent! They've got a flourishing theatre programme, so naturally, there's a place for our beloved tutu to make its mark. I spotted a group of dance students working their magic in a sleek, **contemporary tutu** with daring cuts and a cool, urban feel. They were dancing their hearts out, their **tutus billowing like silk clouds** - pure perfection. But I was far from done! We couldn't end Tutu Tuesday without heading to **The Art House** - a Southampton gem, and my go-to for all things artsy and inspirational. What caught my eye, however, wasn’t a display, but rather, a real-life vision of Tutu Tuesday magic. It was a local artist, showcasing their latest work, adorned in a vibrant **floral tutu**, each petal meticulously crafted by hand. It spoke of individual artistry, of creativity, of pushing boundaries and expressing oneself - something I hold close to my heart. From romantic classics to contemporary creations, and from the heart of the city centre to the artistic haven of Southampton's thriving cultural scene, one thing was abundantly clear: Tutu Tuesday is about so much more than just twirling around in tulle. It's about expressing our love for a garment that is **more than just clothing - it's a symbol, an expression, a dance in itself**. So next Tuesday, find your tutu. Pick your **signature tulle** - whether it be romantic **layers of powder pink**, sleek **black satin** for an edgy look, or a playful **explosion of colours**. And **rock that tuttitude**! We've got a city full of tutu-loving folks, ready to embrace the whirlwind of our shared love for this extraordinary garment. So here’s to **Tutu Tuesday, Southampton style!** May the twirls be merry, the tutus grand, and the #tututuesday magic never fade. #tututuesday