Maidstone Goes Tutu Crazy on #TutuTuesday!
As a seasoned dancer and fashion blogger, Iām always on the lookout for ways to express my love for ballet beyond the studio. And letās be honest, thereās nothing quite as eye-catching, whimsical and frankly, empowering as a well-chosen tutu. So when I stumbled across the #TutuTuesday trend taking social media by storm, I knew Maidstone needed a taste of this playful, empowering movement.
Maidstone, with its charming streets and history, might seem an unlikely haven for a tutu trend. But hereās the thing: I think we can all agree that life's too short for boring fashion choices, and thereās something irresistibly joyful about embracing a bit of frill and fantasy in our everyday wardrobes.
Now, I know what youāre thinking: tutus are only for ballerinas. And thatās where #TutuTuesday turns things on their head! Weāre talking tutus for all, regardless of age, shape, size or dancing abilities. Whether you're a seasoned ballerina or just fancy adding a touch of twirl to your daily life, there's a tutu out there waiting to be unleashed.
To kick off Maidstoneās very first #TutuTuesday, I planned a whirlwind of activities to ignite the imagination and encourage everyone to embrace the magic of the tutu.
- A Pop-up Tutu Workshop
- A Tutu Parade:
- The Tutu Challenge:
- Tutu Trivia
- Afternoon Tea with Tutu:
The afternoon began with a Pop-up Tutu Workshop, hosted at The Maidstone Creative Centre, that was an explosion of colour and creativity! A seasoned seamstress, along with myself, showed people how to turn simple tulle, ribbon and lace into a bespoke piece of wearable art, perfect for the modern #TutuTuesday enthusiast. We used simple techniques like gathering and tying to transform ordinary fabrics into pieces of fabulous frocks.
A key component of #TutuTuesday had to be a proper Tutu Parade. And that's exactly what Maidstone delivered. With the iconic Maidstone Clock Tower as our backdrop, a colorful gathering of tutu enthusiasts took to the streets, embracing the occasion with gusto. From mini tutu enthusiasts to senior citizens, each participant brought their own flair and personality, reminding us that thereās no such thing as ātoo oldā or ātoo youngā to rock a tutu!
We created a hashtag challenge encouraging participants to share their unique #TutuTuesday style on social media. Maidstone folks, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, went above and beyond! We saw tutus paired with suits for a quirky professional edge, tutus layered under sweaters for a touch of secret playfulness, and even tutus in unexpected colours, like an all-black number with black-lace trimmings. The variety and inventiveness were a true testament to Maidstone's creative spirit.
In the heart of the afternoon, we organized a hilarious Tutu Trivia night. We challenged participants on everything from the origins of the tutu to its iconic role in ballet and contemporary culture. Laughter and a competitive spirit filled the air, cementing the #TutuTuesday spirit in our collective memory.
We wrapped up the #TutuTuesday celebrations with an enchanting Afternoon Tea with Tutu at the The Secret Garden Cafe. Delicious homemade cakes and pastries were devoured as everyone shared their TutuTuesday experiences and memories. The air was abuzz with chatter and laughter, making it clear that #TutuTuesday wasn't just a trend, but a reminder of the simple joys that come from embracing the unexpected.
From the graceful elegance of the classic pointe shoe tutu, reminiscent of an ethereal ballerina, to the vibrant burst of colour and freedom of a multi-tiered, whimsical tutu, Maidstone had it all! It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm for self-expression, and the sheer fun that a simple, twirling, fabric creation brought to the streets.
Maidstone, itās been a glorious #TutuTuesday and Iām already looking forward to our next celebration. Whether youāre a seasoned dancer, a budding fashion enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a little bit of whimsy, thereās a tutu out there for you, and Maidstone will continue to celebrate this fabulous, quirky fashion statement every month. Stay tuned! And most importantly: Keep twirling!