Tutu Tuesday in Stretford: A Ballet Dancer's Delight
Stretford, you may not be the first town that springs to mind when you think "ballet", but trust me, thereâs a whole lot of tutus going down on this Tuesday. I mean, who knew?
As a ballerina in my 30s, let me tell you: tutu shopping can be a real chore! And, well, sometimes a bit embarrassing too - particularly when the shop assistants know you just want a romantic tutu for an amateur performance, not a âprofessionalâ tutu. Like a professional *dancer*. You know, because if they just look at your dance shoes and the state of your toes, itâs not always immediately obvious that you're the leading lady in life, and not on the stage, these days. (Plus, *my* feet can't do that anymore. Really.)
This is why when I tell you I found a gem tucked away in Stretford - itâs seriously worth getting excited about! Let's get into itâŚ
My Stretford Tutu StoryStretford may not have the glitz and glamour of the West End or the bustling vibe of Covent Garden. But what it does have is the kind of independent, charming shops that you just canât find in a big chain store - the kind that you only find by *accident* in *real* life, you know, when you actually leave the house! This is how I came across âThe Ballerina Boutiqueâ, which I wouldnât normally stumble on if I hadn't gotten the train from Manchester to pick up a couple of books from The Bookshop at the end of the street... I really had a serious case of âright place at the right timeâ.
This place was an actual tutu dreamland. Okay, so Iâm not *completely* averse to a bit of online shopping - who isn't these days? But you know what? In person, the actual fabric and the way they've put it all together and, you know, the âtutu factorâ, just doesnât compare, to *actually* having it on and twirling. I felt like I was in the actual film of The Nutcracker, and trust me, the whole thing made me *genuinely* happy. So if *that* doesnât speak for itself⌠you can literally stop reading now, itâs enough!
If I'm being honest, it *kind of* scared me that, you know, I actually might like tutus more than, you know, the actual *ballet*. My, how we all change...
It was as if Iâd stepped into a scene from the movie, âCenter Stageâ. Now, as much as I *adore* this film, and believe me I do! I have never wanted to *really* step on stage in real life and put on that pressure *again*, not even as much as my dance-loving friends, the theatre rats - but, wow, this little shop just gave me all of those feelings. If you are *serious* about tutu hunting (not as silly as it sounds) Stretford has it! This little gem was *so* exciting - if you *get* it! The shopkeeper had the patience of a saint because honestly, I practically *lived* there for a good hour and a half just trying them all on... so what Iâm really trying to tell you, is you can't possibly walk out of there with nothing. You just can't. It is *physically impossible* to leave empty-handed, so *donât* go in there expecting to "browse"! You know you will come out clutching a very delicate (and *slightly* overpriced) packageâŚ
But hey! Youâll be absolutely delighted when you tell your fellow dancers, the ones with who have danced through those "dark" times with you. Just wait for them to ask: "Ooh where did you get it? Where did you get *that*?, You can honestly and proudly say âStretford". Oh, and tell them to stop going online and actually go and *do* it. Then, just *try* to get a look at the envy in their eyes (yes Iâve thought it all through!). So many Tuturistic Tutus - All Under One Roof
Letâs get into the detail (my absolute favourite part). I have to tell you, they really have every style you could want⌠the romantic ones are my favourite: * **The romantic tutus**: they *really* take me back! This shop has got it all, they have those long and flowy tutus, like the ones from Giselle. * **The classical tutus**: Yes, you know - the *classic* ballet look. There are even those structured and elegant ones, similar to what we saw in Swan Lake. If youâve always been more of a Swan Lake type (we all know *some* people *have* got it!), you'll be spoilt for choice⌠They even have some really beautiful tutus from the Sleeping Beauty collection⌠* **The contemporary ones**: It really goes beyond *classic* and has contemporary, edgy tutus in an incredible array of materials â yes, youâll be amazed that tutue material has come this far. Yes, even I was gobsmacked (a lot has changed since *my* day, shall we say! Weâll talk about the changes in a different post... or not!). The owner even managed to get me to try on a contemporary tutu and honestly? I have to confess it made me feel very trendy! Not quite what I'd pictured... And hey - who would've guessed, in *Stretford*, the âcentre of nowhereâ thereâd be *such* trendy items?!
Whatâs So Great About âTutu Tuesdayâ?
Right - here's why this place is the place to be. Okay - remember all of the things that people in Stretford need *right now* and it's all happening at âThe Ballerina Boutiqueâ on TuesdaysâŚ
* **"Tuturistic Tuesdays":** Yes it's a *thing* now. They actually have these brilliant, âTuturistic Tuesdayâ sessions, so if you haven't *actually* done the ballet scene for years like me - get your besties down there! It really will be âgirls day out" and, I think *you* will need one if, you know, *I've* got one - no judging! These âTutu Tuesdaysâ are all about embracing your inner ballerina. We're not talking about a competition or the *serious* ballet lessons that used to make me feel super anxious. Oh no. Weâre talking a full on girly night. This is where all you need is the passion (and the ability to pay!)⌠* **Workshops:** I mean you can *really* go for it, even do a few *actual* classes. The place actually has classes with professional ballet instructors. What more could you ask for?! * **The ultimate "Tutu Tuesdays" fun:** All day you can just hang out and be *really* free. Grab some snacks and drinks - the whole vibe is amazing and so laid-back - donât even get me started on the *amazing* tea - even better than in the old-timey coffee shops⌠And then - just go wild. Just go on and try them *all* on. Final ThoughtsYou just have to do it, come down and say "hello" to Stretford on *your* Tutu Tuesday. Donât forget to tag your pics and videos with #tututuesday and **#stretfordtututuesday**, because let's be honest - whereâs the fun without a *picture*? So, what are you waiting for? Come join the fun and rediscover your inner ballerina in Stretford!