Tutu Tuesday in Merthyr Tydfil: A Tutu-tastic Day Out As a professional ballerina, and a big fan of the classic and the quirky, you can bet I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to share my love of tutus with the world. And let's be honest, every day should be a tutu day! However, since we don’t all wear tutus every day, there's this brilliant thing called Tutu Tuesday. And that’s just what I spent last Tuesday doing: embracing the tutu life in Merthyr Tydfil, the unexpected hub of Tutu Tuesday shenanigans. So, what's Tutu Tuesday? In a nutshell, it's a global event where people celebrate the iconic dancewear that's so synonymous with ballet. Think tutus in all their glorious shapes and forms: the fluffy romantic tutus, the crisp, layered "classical" tutu, the modern contemporary styles with unconventional forms, even the cheeky and fun mini-tutues, they're all welcome! It's a day to twirl, dance, have fun and maybe even bust out some killer dance moves – because let's face it, who wouldn't want to strut their stuff in a tulle masterpiece?
Why Merthyr Tydfil, you ask? Well, that's the real story, right? It’s not necessarily known for being a hotbed of fashion, but Merthyr Tydfil turned out to be surprisingly tutu-loving! I have to admit, I was initially a bit surprised too. But on my recent trip to Wales, I stumbled across a quirky little blog post mentioning a monthly “Tutu Tuesday” event being held at a cafe. My eyes nearly popped out! You could say I was pretty darn intrigued! So I hopped on a bus, a tad sceptical but mostly thrilled and ready for some Tutu-tastic adventures, ready to meet these tutu enthusiasts. The Cafe in question was the aptly-named “The Tulle Room”, I knew it had to be the place for Tutu Tuesday, with its tulle-clad tables and its inviting, whimsical ambiance. It was everything I dreamed it would be - the air was buzzing with excitement and joy as I spotted an eclectic mix of fellow tutu lovers! The ladies (and a few brave fellas) donned an impressive array of tutus. Tutus of every shade imaginable, in patterns from polka-dot to leopard print, the tutus I spotted were as individual as their wearers. My personal favourite was a tutu crafted from a vibrant patchwork of vintage fabrics. And guess what, some even had custom tutus designed by the cafĂ© owner, inspired by the colours and local attractions! The details are what elevate any outfit, so they're also adorned with sparkling sequins, colourful ribbons, and whimsical decorations! The fun and flair of Tutu Tuesday was undeniable. I got chatting with one of the regulars, who told me the event began a few years back, and “Tutu Tuesday” has become a local phenomenon. What started as a way to add a bit of cheer and colour to the town's social scene, has grown into a popular event with the cafe packed every week. People have come from miles around, and you can’t blame them; who can resist a dose of tutu magic! It’s a great way to get the local community together, breaking down any social boundaries. What truly struck me, was that tutu's ability to create a space for individuals to let loose, express their inner creativity and even just a tad of silliness. The cafe was filled with laughter, music and smiles as people twirled and posed, it’s not just about fashion, it's about making memories! The event became a beacon of happiness in this Welsh town. And it’s easy to understand why! We were surrounded by friendly people embracing the beauty of the tutu - not only the dress itself but also its ability to foster a unique spirit of inclusion. As I danced the afternoon away with these lovely ladies and gents, I was mesmerized by their sheer delight and energy. There's a truly infectious enthusiasm when you see a whole group of people, young and old, all sharing a love for the whimsical and playful world of tutus. You’re not even really allowed to talk about work or stressful topics, the focus is purely on joy, connection, and letting the good times roll, and how could you help but get caught up in that spirit!
If you happen to be a fan of fashion, art and simply being unapologetically yourself, then "Tutu Tuesday" is for you. Even if you’ve never worn a tutu before, this is a fantastic way to get into a “Tutu-State-of-Mind.” **What’s a good Tutu Tuesday tip?** * **Pick the perfect tutu.** Remember the classic full circle skirt shape. And while tulle, or netting, remains the most traditional and iconic tutu fabric, you could experiment with textures. Satin, lace and silk tutus also create fabulous dancewear and they come in beautiful colors too. There's also a fantastic trend towards the mini tutu, - a stylish option if a traditional ballet tutu seems too much. Don't be afraid to accessorize it, or go the extra mile with custom designs! * **Find the right tutu partner in crime.** If you’re heading to an event like "Tutu Tuesday” take a friend! Make it an adventure. And try to find a partner whose personal style compliments your own. A colourful, flamboyant outfit might make you feel confident when your best friend is looking more polished and classy in their own design.
**The experience I had in Merthyr Tydfil made me realize how even the most ordinary things, like "Tutu Tuesday”, can become extraordinary if you dare to embrace your unique spirit and have fun. The world is waiting for your tutu twirls, go out and give it your best spin! You can bet you’ll be seeing me back in Merthyr Tydfil for #Tututuesday - it's one day out I definitely can’t wait to repeat. And remember - you don’t have to be a dancer to love tutus. Even the littlest tutu fans have their favorite colours and patterns. Let them twirl too, #Tututuesday is a community that celebrates creativity and joy, no matter your age!
**Have you ever embraced #tututuesday? Let me know!**