Tutu Tuesday 355

Tutu Tuesday in Southall: Where Ballet Meets Bollywood

It's Tuesday, which means it's officially Tutu Tuesday, and I'm here to bring you the lowdown on the latest and greatest happenings in the world of tutus, all from the bustling streets of Southall, West London. You know I can’t resist a bit of twirling, and my social media feeds have been flooded with fabulous pics of ballerinas around the globe in their best tutus, but what about a different kind of ballet vibe, you ask? Well, dear readers, I’m here to give you the full rundown of Tutu Tuesday in Southall – a place where, as we know, Bollywood reigns supreme!

As someone who has always danced with a passion for expressing myself through my movement, I've never been afraid to push the boundaries. I've worn all types of tutus on stage, from the traditional, billowing classical tutus for Swan Lake and Giselle, to the tighter, modern ones for works by Ashton and Balanchine. But recently, I've been feeling the call to incorporate my love for dance with a new source of inspiration: the fabulous world of Bollywood fashion!

Now, when it comes to Southall, it's fair to say it's more known for its lively curry houses and colourful shops than its ballet scene. But that’s exactly what I love about it – it’s unique! What would be a better place for my own tutu transformation, blending a sprinkle of classical elegance with the glamour and vibrant style of Bollywood?

Let’s be real, ladies, let’s talk fabrics! Bollywood fashion embraces intricate detail and shimmering textures – think shimmering silks, sequins that rival the stars, and delicate beadwork. How do I blend this into a tutu, you ask? Well, picture this – classic tutus reimagined! Imagine, a flowing, emerald green tutu, draped with silver sequins and beads, or a cherry red one with layers of intricate embroidery and delicate, flowing chiffon. Then, I envisioned myself dancing in these revamped tutus – twirling, leaping, and striking poses – each move reflecting the captivating energy of Bollywood dancing.

For my own Southall adventure, I hit up some of the amazing shops along Southall Broadway. These vibrant stalls were filled with everything imaginable - vibrant sarees, embellished lehengas, glittering jewelry, and an array of fabrics and sequins that could bring even the most jaded fashionista to their knees! This, ladies, was inspiration central, and a chance to gather those bits and pieces that could turn any tutu into a true Bollywood statement piece!

My favourite discovery was a shop called “Embroidery Elegance.” The owner, a wonderfully bubbly woman named Uma, helped me choose shimmering fabrics, delicate, sequinned appliqués, and some vibrant, silky tassels, all perfect for the next Tutu Tuesday extravaganza.

Now, you may think "A ballet dancer, creating a tutu with sequins and beads from Southall? Surely she’s lost it!". But listen up - here's the thing. Ballet, like any other form of dance, can be infused with different cultural nuances. It doesn’t have to stick to one strict aesthetic. What makes Tutu Tuesday such a fabulous idea is the celebration of our individual styles and how we translate those into our tutus.

That's what I've been trying to achieve, pushing those tutu boundaries a little wider to blend the traditional with a more modern, Bollywood flair. My personal aim has been to showcase how fashion can be both fun and innovative, drawing from all kinds of influences.

For my next Tutu Tuesday venture, I'm thinking about adding some more ethnic elements to my revamped tutu. I’m imagining some beautiful floral designs using sequins and beads, and incorporating elements of India's vibrant handwoven fabric, Kantha. This beautiful fabric has exquisite hand-stitched embroidery that evokes a sense of history and craft, a perfect match to the shimmering sequins and beads of Bollywood.

In addition to the gorgeous tutus, my quest for Tutu Tuesday brilliance wouldn’t be complete without some serious Bollywood dance vibes, and for that, I hit up the local dance studios, eager to pick up some tips. Let’s be honest, Southall is an incredible hub for Bollywood dance, with classes available to all levels! It’s about having a go, learning the steps, and getting your body moving to the rhythm. Even if you don’t go to class, don’t shy away from throwing your arms up, and having a little impromptu dance in your favourite tutu - go for it, you fabulous dancers!

For my own tutu makeover, I have even found a way to incorporate a new trend that’s been doing the rounds – "glitterifying" your hair. Using fine silver and gold glitter that’s completely safe for your locks, I create a touch of extra glam for that ultimate Tutu Tuesday vibe. There are a bunch of tutorials online, it’s so easy to do! It gives me that touch of glamour and sparkle to go with my new Bollywood-infused tutus!

So, join me in the next stage of my tutu revolution – I’m not just talking about Southall, it's a global movement! From the UK to Mumbai, from Sydney to LA, there’s a huge buzz around Tutu Tuesday, and we all know that’s one day a week that tutus will definitely take center stage.

From classic tutus to dazzling Bollywood creations, my Southall journey has taught me the true power of embracing diverse inspirations and letting your creativity shine. So next time you think "Tutu Tuesday? But I’m just not a ballerina!" Think again! Find that fabulous outfit you want to wear and go for it! Get your creative spark on, you never know where it will lead.

Be sure to share your own Tutu Tuesday shenanigans on social media. Let’s turn it up a notch with a new trend - I want to see #TutuTuesday tweets with everyone dancing and rocking their unique style! I'm always looking for new, bold, and exciting tutu creations. So, tell me, what’s your Tutu Tuesday style? Do let me know, dear readers, and feel free to leave your suggestions and stories below in the comments section!

Now go on then, channel your inner ballerinas, and get ready to twirl your way to the ultimate Tutu Tuesday!

My Tutu Tuesday essentials for a Bollywood twist:

* A gorgeous Bollywood-inspired tutu * Fabulous sparkling jewellery * Sequins, beads, tassels * Metallic eye-catching hair glitter * Plenty of Bollywood dance inspiration * Don’t forget to post on your socials with #tututuesday !