Tutu Tuesday in Derby
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite ballet blogger, Chloe here, and guess what? It's Tutu Tuesday in Derby, and my oh my, you won't believe the tulle-tastic shenanigans that went down. From the most whimsical to the daringly glamorous, Derby embraced all things tutu with unbridled enthusiasm!
For those of you unfamiliar with this glorious phenomenon, Tutu Tuesday is a celebration of all things ballet. A day to dust off those dusty tutus, embrace the inner ballerina, and dance your heart out. This fabulous idea began a couple of years ago as a social media trend, but it's fast become a proper local event in many places. I can't think of a more wonderful excuse to get out of your PJs and strut your stuff!
Let me take you through the highlights of this truly extraordinary day:
- The Parade: The heart of Tutu Tuesday was undoubtedly the parade. It began in the Market Square, a bustling hub of activity and good humour, with dozens of tutu-clad folks marching their way through the city. There were classic tutus in classic pink, a veritable rainbow of colours, some even adorned with quirky little extras. One brave lady was rocking a tutu made entirely of recycled paper - talk about eco-conscious and fabulous! We even had a whole troop of adorable children, complete with tutus and tiny pointe shoes. You really couldn’t help but grin, especially when they danced their little hearts out!
- Tutus at the Tea Shop: And what would Tutu Tuesday be without a touch of elegance? I joined my friends for afternoon tea at the adorable ‘Tweedledee Tea Room.’ Oh my, it was pure delight. Forget the scones (although, those were pretty delicious!) – everyone's eyes were glued to the extraordinary range of tutu-themed delicacies on display. Tiny fairy cakes with delicate tulle accents, delicate macaroons in soft shades of pink and blush, and cupcakes adorned with sugar-paste ballet slippers. A total triumph of culinary artistry!
- Tutus and Tiaras: But let’s not forget the social element! It wouldn’t be a true Tuesday with some laughter, chats, and catching up with old pals. It seems that most Derby pubs and restaurants were in on the act. After our tea, my gal pals and I popped down to our favourite boozer for some cocktails and fun, where the DJ was blasting classic disco tunes to get everyone swaying (or perhaps strutting? Let's be honest, most of us were not truly dancing... But we were certainly embracing the spirit!)
- A Little Bit of Inspiration: I was totally inspired by seeing such confidence, playfulness, and pure joy all around me. Derby's Tutu Tuesday reminded me, especially in my hectic 30s, to embrace a bit of playfulness and enjoy a day of pure fun, however quirky it may be.
If you ever want to feel truly inspired, make sure you come and check out Tutu Tuesday next year! I know for sure I'll be there, maybe even rocking a custom-designed tulle-filled outfit. Who knows?!
So, if you’re looking for an excuse to dust off your tutu and embrace your inner ballerina (no matter what your age), look no further than Derby next Tutu Tuesday! You won't regret it, darlings. Promise. And make sure you share your photos and stories with #tututuesday and #DerbyTutuTuesday.