Tutu Tuesday 5

Portsmouth Tutu Tuesday: A Whirlwind of Tutus Well, my lovely fashionistas, Tutu Tuesday has hit Portsmouth, and believe me, it's been a *whirlwind*! You see, Tutu Tuesday isn't just about donning a pretty tulle skirt, it's a celebration of ballet's captivating history and, of course, those incredible, iconic tutus. For the uninitiated, the "tutu" is a quintessential piece of ballet attire that came about in the late 1800s when, thankfully, long and restricting, cumbersome romantic-era skirts were swapped for something more liberating. The earliest versions, *à la Romanesque*, were full and poufy and made from layered tulle, designed to add grace and airy fluidity to the dancers' movements. Today, the traditional tutu continues to enchant, particularly those classic Romantic versions that bring to mind ballerinas gliding across the stage in exquisite ethereal splendor. Speaking of enchanting, there are many different styles, each showcasing their own unique aesthetic. From the iconic Romantic tutus that I adore for their full and graceful tulle, which make a ballerina appear weightless, to the shorter, tighter *tutus à la basque* that showcase more dynamic, muscular movements, the tutu continues to capture imaginations. There's also the *tutu plat*, a sleek and streamlined, *less is more* approach with minimal embellishment and an emphasis on shape, perfect for the modern, contemporary ballets. Portsmouth is a place where the dance scene is vibrantly alive and there are many different groups dedicated to spreading the love and passion of ballet to the masses. With so much variety, I was looking forward to seeing some amazing outfits on Tutu Tuesday, and *let me tell you*, Portsmouth did not disappoint! I kicked off the day with a quick stroll around the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth, my senses buzzing with the promise of tutus galore. It was like something straight out of *Strictly Come Dancing* meets the *Nutcracker*, the kind of magic that takes your breath away. I saw so many styles - I noticed the classically elegant tulle Romantic tutus gracing the windows of boutique shops and, of course, on the many women (and the odd chap, a welcome change from times past) embracing their inner ballerina. A woman, I'd guess to be in her 40s, passed me on the way to the *Spinning Wheel* tea shop sporting a gorgeous pink pastel tutu *à la basque*. I thought, *What a marvelous display of vibrant colour and modern design.* She's a true icon, channeling a playful modern twist on tradition. Later, I visited the renowned Portsmouth Ballet Theatre, which played host to a fabulous workshop where local students from the city's renowned dance schools had the opportunity to get an insight into all things tutu. There, a master ballet teacher explained how different tutu styles were specifically designed for different types of ballet and helped students learn about the history behind their favorite dance garments. And, as always, Tutu Tuesday couldn't be complete without my go-to: a little fashion spot! I set up my *Instagram* page, ready to document this Tutu Tuesday extravaganza. My little corner of the Portsmouth High Street saw many ladies grace the scene: there was a woman rocking a fiery red tutu with silver trim, a real-life Barbie doll, radiating confident glamour, while another displayed an air of elegance and grace in a traditional, Romantic tutu made of a stunning midnight blue tulle that shimmered with subtle, glittering sequins - she really was the epitome of sophisticated poise. Throughout the day, I found myself engaging in conversations about my favorite tutu moments on the stage, the history of the costume, and the creativity of dance. My favorite encounter? I spotted a young girl proudly wearing a whimsical rainbow tutu while her equally dressed little sister danced around with carefree abandon - this embodied Tutu Tuesday's spirit: pure joy. Seeing children express themselves through dance and the magic of ballet in all its forms, with an extra dash of tutus to boot, is what it's all about! And then, there were the many cafes in Old Portsmouth. From *The Bridge Cafe* and its breathtaking harbour views to the quaint charm of *The Rose and Crown*, where afternoon tea was paired with stunning tutus, Tutu Tuesday took on a whole new dimension. As I savoured a scone with clotted cream, I thought, *Wouldn't it be splendid to hold an annual Portsmouth Tutu Tea, where ballet enthusiasts can indulge in delicious treats while admiring one another's tutu creations?* A wonderful idea, I thought, one that must be brought to life! As the sun set over Portsmouth Harbour, my mind overflowed with inspiration. This Tutu Tuesday proved to be a dazzling celebration of all things dance and beauty. The day showcased the power of a simple, beautiful, garment and the extraordinary impact of dance in shaping, empowering and bringing people together. With a full heart and even fuller camera roll, I have to say - **Portsmouth, you definitely know how to celebrate Tutu Tuesday!** Here's to all things ballet, beauty, and, of course, **#tututuesday!** Until next time, [Blogger's name] *** **Let's stay connected!** * Follow my fashion adventures on **Instagram:** [@blogger_name] * For more dance news and information, visit my blog: [insert URL here]