- Its Quirky Charm: There's just something about the atmosphere in Stourbridge that makes you want to explore. From the traditional to the contemporary, the shops have it all and are so individual and full of character - exactly what my romantic black tutu deserved.
- Art & Creativity: Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual browser, Stourbridge is a haven for art enthusiasts. There are several galleries with ever-changing displays of artwork for sale.
- A Place for All Dance Lovers: The local ballet connection definitely wasn’t a coincidence. The shared appreciation for all things twirling has really taken root in Stourbridge - from market vendors who remember dancing as children to cafes with the perfect teapot setting to appreciate ballet in the afternoon.
Tutu Tuesday 383
- Details
- Written by: Emma Ballerina
- Category: Tutu Tuesday
Tutu Tuesday in Stourbridge: A Day of Twirling and Fashion
It's Tuesday, which means it's time for #tututuesday, and as a lifelong dancer and lover of all things twirly, I'm all about embracing the tutu. This week, I decided to take my love of tutus to the streets of Stourbridge. Let me tell you, it was a blast!
For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, #tututuesday is a global celebration of the iconic ballet garment, the tutu. It's a chance to channel your inner ballerina, wear a tutu with pride, and spread a little joy and laughter wherever you go. Now, when you're a full-time ballet teacher like me, tutus are already pretty much a uniform for me. So today was a great excuse to wear a different style that isn't usually practical for a class. After all, how many ballerinas would choose a big, fluffy, romantic tulle tutu to do barre work in?! I went for a black romantic-style tutu. This was the first time I'd worn this particular tutu in public - a long-sleeved, floaty creation in shimmering black with a delicate velvet bow, it felt like a perfectly glamorous, slightly gothic look for my wanderings through Stourbridge town centre.
Shopping Spree for the Soul:
I knew I had to hit up the shops with a sartorial agenda that combined practicality with fabulousness. The Stourbridge Market is a treasure trove of unique and quirky finds. With a tutu in tow, I headed into the market for some quirky and stylish finds for myself and my pupils (tutus and tights are a pretty constant purchase!) and for the home. Let's just say a cute vintage teacup, a pack of sparkly hair grips for the next ballet performance, and some artisan fudge had a magical way of bringing a twinkle to my eyes, especially with my whimsical tutu swishing about me. This led to the most wonderful conversation with the market stallholder - she confided she used to take ballet as a child. It turns out, she’d once owned the very same tutu! Apparently she was a "Black Swan" in the local school production!
Lunch Time: Twirling and Tea:
It’s no secret that ballerinas love tea. So a quick stop off at my favourite cafe was in order. What better way to refresh before continuing my Stourbridge exploration than with a cuppa and a slice of something delicious. My café treat, however, led to quite an adventure. My teapot arrived... along with the most glorious mini teapot and cups I’ve ever seen. And yes, my tutu was just the right length for sitting, as I enjoyed the delicate sugar lumps (don’t get me wrong, a good dose of the sweet stuff is crucial to fuelling all those pirouettes! ) with my delicious cup of tea. Turns out the owner, like my market friend, had been a ballet dancer - I found out that they’d both been in a youth dance group back in the day. Stourbridge - what a town for lovers of all things dance!
An Ode to a Community of Creative Spirits
By this point, the town had started to bustle with evening life. With my tutu still shimmering and my heart full of joy, I wandered down towards Stourbridge's renowned art district. The buzz, the art, the energy – Stourbridge really felt alive! I couldn't help but pause in admiration of the incredible creativity radiating from every corner. The local gallery space felt full of life - a truly unique art hub and the perfect backdrop to showcase the beauty of ballet and a love for a classic garment like the tutu. If you love your tutus like me, Stourbridge will truly get you twirling!
Sharing the Magic of Tutu Tuesday:
You know me - when I say "sharing the magic" - I mean a mini photo shoot. The gallery’s beautiful backdrop, the warm evening sun shining on my romantic black tutu and me - it just made me feel like a ballerina for a day! A tutu has the power to transport you to another place. A magical place where your dreams can come alive, even if it's just for a day. It certainly transported my followers on Instagram to this special little corner of the West Midlands, which is why I post every #tututuesday!
Here's why Stourbridge has stolen a part of my heart: