Tutu Tuesday 45

Gateshead Tutu Tuesday: A Celebration of Pointe Shoes and Pretty Pastels
Oh my darlings! It’s Tutu Tuesday in Gateshead, and you know what that means - time to get those tulle skirts twirling! Today's my blog post, so grab your tea, put on your fanciest petticoats, and settle in for a fabulous deep dive into the world of tulle, tutus, and all things ballet. It’s time for tutu inspiration - all in celebration of our most beautiful dancing apparel, the tutu! Tutu Tuesday – An Unashamed Ode to Dance

For those unfamiliar with Tutu Tuesday, it’s basically an unofficial online day of tutus, where everyone - be it a ballerina in a professional company, or someone simply enjoying their love of dance in their home, gets to share their love of the graceful world of ballet. Think of it as a “dance party” celebrating the beautiful world of pointe shoes, lyrical lines and exquisite tutus. A day for celebrating ballet culture!
My love affair with tutus started when I was a wee lass in Gateshead. It wasn't a typical day when my mum bought me a beautiful lilac tulle skirt. At first, it was the kind of sparkly tulle, perfect for twirling in my living room. It was like owning a princess costume - and it opened my mind to a whole world of beauty and fantasy that I hadn’t known existed! That led me to my local dance class in Gateshead, and - eventually - to taking ballet professionally. To this day, there’s just nothing quite like a tutu!

So, Tell me About The Tutu?
And you’ve heard of the different tutu styles right? Because - trust me, they are far more varied than most people would think. There’s not just one “tutu” out there! We have classics such as the Romantic tutu - perfect for delicate dance with delicate tulle layers that reach the floor (just think Swan Lake!). Then there’s the Romantic tutu, with it's tiers of tulle that flow around the dancer and creates the most breathtaking imagery as a dancer glides across the stage. There are the short and fluffy “Russian” or “Russian-style” tutu, that’s perfect for showing off jumps and grand jetés (not a ballet dancer, I hear you ask? No worries – just enjoy the pretty, and take a moment to visualise a ballet dancer gliding in these) .
These aren't the only options – ballet dancers around the world take advantage of other unique styles such as the tutu-dress (basically a floor length tulle dress for modern and contemporary work), the modern tutu (perfect for those stunning modern dancers, with more unstructured, less rigid designs). But my favourite of them all is the “Bell-shaped” tutu with the shorter style with lots of layered tulle creating a flared bell shape. Think Giselle and Swan Lake!
What's my Tutu Style for Tutu Tuesday?

Of course, I couldn’t spend a Tutu Tuesday in Gateshead without sharing a photo on Instagram of me twirling and celebrating! But if we’re talking about tutu inspiration – what tutu is absolutely *right* for the Gateshead Tutu Tuesday look?
To be honest, you can’t go wrong with the classical, dreamy style, but today’s weather in Gateshead makes me feel like something a little bit brighter. So, it’s the tutu dress for me! Today, I’m feeling an exquisitely romantic tulle skirt with pale pink or cream - almost a vintage bridal feel (it’s good thing it’s a “tutu-dress” - because, a full wedding tutu would probably be quite uncomfortable!).

So, what’s your favourite tutu?
What does a ballet dancer need to do to fully embrace a tutu for Tutu Tuesday? Here are a few pointers: * **Let loose and just be YOU.** The essence of a tutu is all about moving and expressing your unique gracefulness, whatever that looks like to you. * **Make it your own, be playful!** We can take it to the streets or simply put on our ballet shoes. It can be all things to all people - which makes it exciting! * **Make a playlist.** You can always be sure that the best moments to embrace the tutu style are always going to be while dancing! Put together a playlist of favourite musical numbers! (I always recommend music for a ballet performance by one of your favourite choreographers for the most inspirational Tutu Tuesday). * **Take a few selfies!** Remember, you’re documenting a Tutu Tuesday in Gateshead and #Tututuesday for all to enjoy, with those precious Instagram-worthy moments of the day. And don't forget the photo-worthy, delicious ballet treats. Think delicate pastries - so elegant! If there's ever a day where you're going to have a tutu day, it's got to be Tutu Tuesday! I'm planning to have a perfect “day out” to remember today! How do you intend to embrace this special occasion for ballet? Tell me everything.

So - don't forget to get that tutu out, get ready to celebrate - and embrace this truly wonderful tradition!
**Happy Tutu Tuesday from Gateshead!**

#tututuesday #balletlife #tutu