Tutu Tuesday in Walthamstow: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition

As a professional ballet dancer, I spend most of my life in a world of leotards, tights, and yes, tutus! Every Tuesday, I've been adding a touch of tulle to my wardrobe. My friends and I have dubbed it #tututuesday - a lighthearted celebration of everything fabulous about ballet, with a dash of cheeky London style thrown in for good measure. This week, we took our tutus to Walthamstow, a buzzing little corner of East London that's fast becoming the centre of London's trendy scene.

Let’s just say, the folks in Walthamstow are definitely into a bit of whimsy. And honestly, who wouldn’t be with the glorious colours of a full tutu sweeping past? I can’t help but feel a rush of pure joy, a bit of playful confidence, as I sashay through the streets. In Walthamstow, you can pair a pink, frilled tutu with a bomber jacket, and nobody blinks an eye.

Here's the breakdown of my #tututuesday adventure:

  • Cafe hopping in style: We kicked off with coffee and croissants at The Velvet Cafe on Orford Road, nestled in a charming little courtyard. The staff definitely got into the spirit of the day! Imagine this: I am sipping my latte in a romantic black and cream Romantic Tutu (my absolute fave!), while two giggling ladies across the table have a coffee break wearing matching turquoise tutus. It’s basically the ballet version of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”!
  • Street style that pops: Walthamstow’s vibrant street art is a playground for fashion inspiration. From the stunning murals on the side of The William Morris Gallery to the eye-catching pieces around the markets, the town’s colourful aesthetic matches perfectly with the boldness of a Tutu. I was rocking my "ballerina black," a short tutu perfect for highlighting street art backdrops - all the better for that perfect #tututuesday snap!
  • Walthamstow Market magic: My personal #tututuesday must is strolling through the Walthamstow Market. This historic spot is a treasure trove of vintage fashion and quirky finds. I adore the antique clothing stalls – think a modern twist on a ballet costume - with plenty of lace and flowy materials. A tutu is like a magnet for attention; everyone you meet gives you a big grin or a “lovely tutu” remark.
  • Dancing under the sky: No #tututuesday would be complete without a twirl or two. Walthamstow's vibrant energy had me feeling spontaneous. With my friends, we gathered at the picturesque Town Square, a heart of the town. The sunlight glistening through the leaves, gave a magical feeling to the whole scene as we practiced our fouettĂ© turns.
  • A night of tunes: We wound down the day at The Tramway. It's a music venue that has everything from classic rock to alternative indie nights. You can catch us all there, maybe rocking our "whimsical tutus." (We just love these playful, tulle-stuffed wonders.) And yeah, we might be a bit louder in the cheering than other patrons!

It’s amazing to think that a little tulle and some creativity can brighten up any day. With a #tututuesday mindset, the mundane can quickly transform into a whimsical adventure. Maybe, it's time for you to unleash the #tututuesday fashionista within you. Grab a tutu (or borrow your niece’s) - you never know where it might take you. You'll discover your city from a brand new, twirling perspective. Let’s keep the tutu-loving fun going. The world can definitely use more whimsy, don’t you think?