Tutu Tuesday 619

Tutu Tuesday in South Shields: A Whirlwind of Feathers and Frocks

Greetings, fellow twirlers and tulle enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Maisie, back with another fashion-filled foray into the wonderful world of dancewear. This week, I’m bringing you all the glitz and glamour from Tutu Tuesday in South Shields – a day dedicated to celebrating the iconic and undeniably elegant tutu.

Now, South Shields might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of ballet, but trust me, this seaside town has a secret: a vibrant and thriving dance community brimming with passion and a serious appreciation for all things tutus. So, grab your tea, a slice of Victoria sponge, and let's dive into the delightful chaos that is Tutu Tuesday.

As soon as the sun peeked over the North Sea, I knew it was going to be a good day. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, a palpable energy of anticipation for a day filled with dance, fashion, and the joy of simply being surrounded by fellow tutu lovers. I donned my go-to black tutu, a classic design with a playful layer of feather detailing, a perfect mix of elegance and edge. The moment I stepped out of my flat, the street was already a spectacle of fluttering tulle and vibrant colour.

The day began with a workshop at the local dance school, a charming Victorian building with original stained-glass windows that somehow just added to the magic of the occasion. This wasn’t your average ballet class, oh no. We were all about experimenting with different styles, breaking free from the rigidness of classical ballet, and really playing around with what a tutu could be.

There were those classic, graceful tutus - the ones that make you feel like a fairytale princess. We had the tutus with tiers and tiers of netting, making a spectacular cloud of tulle when twirled just right. One lovely lady even showed us a stunningly simple tutu she’d hand-stitched with delicate embroidery. And then there were those daring tutus, a riot of colour and feathers, with unexpected asymmetry and layers of sheer chiffon - like works of wearable art. It was truly inspiring.

One thing that struck me throughout the day was the incredible diversity in styles and personalities that came together in the spirit of the tutu. It wasn’t just about perfect pirouettes and textbook elegance – it was about expressing individuality and pushing boundaries. One group of youngsters rocked tutus made entirely of recycled materials – eco-friendly fashion with a dance twist.

Then there were those who weren’t even ballet dancers. We had mums, dads, grannies, even a couple of mischievous pups wearing tutus, their tails wagging with enthusiasm. Tutu Tuesday in South Shields wasn't about being an expert, it was about celebrating a garment that can inspire joy and bring people together. It was about remembering that dance isn’t always about technical perfection, it’s about letting your body move and having fun!

Of course, no day dedicated to the tutu would be complete without a photoshoot. A local photographer, with an eye for capturing the movement and emotion in every twirl, captured the essence of Tutu Tuesday. From group portraits, a whirlwind of color and fabric, to individual shots where each tutu took center stage, he managed to immortalise this special day. The sheer volume of photos will be a fantastic memory to look back on. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing these pictures popping up on Instagram for weeks to come – I certainly will be!

As the day drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for this vibrant community, for the chance to express myself through dance, for the sheer joy of twirling in a tutu. Tutu Tuesday in South Shields proved that it's not just about the clothing, but about the connection it fosters. A connection with other dance lovers, with a love for the art, and with ourselves, as we embrace our inner ballerinas, regardless of our age or ability.

So, if you're ever looking for a dose of whimsical wonder and a day full of smiles, head down to South Shields for Tutu Tuesday. You’ll never know who you might meet, or what kind of delightful dance-inspired adventures await. Until then, stay stylish, keep dancing, and remember…

P.S. Did I mention there was a pie-eating contest with prizes for the fastest, most graceful, and, let’s be honest, messiest eater? Now, that’s my kind of Tutu Tuesday!

Fashion highlights: * Classic Tutus - Think ballet school but elevated with contemporary tweaks like tiered tulle, added embroidery or a subtle colour-play. * Avant-Garde Tutus – Embrace unconventional styles and daring design. Asymmetrical hemlines, bold prints, and surprising silhouettes will set you apart. * Feather-tastic Tutus – Adding feathers to your tutu adds an undeniable air of drama and glamour. Experiment with feather boas, plume arrangements, or feather accents for a truly unique look.

Here are some Tutu Tuesday styling tips:

Embrace the layering: Add textures, prints, and different lengths to your tutu to create a statement look. It’s all about dimension!

Accessorize : Earrings, bracelets, statement necklaces and even stylish hair accessories can transform a classic tutu into an haute couture masterpiece.

Keep your make-up natural – A bit of bronzer, mascara, and a dash of blush will complete the look while letting your dance prowess do the talking!

Tutu Tuesday in South Shields proved once again that the tutu, a garment seemingly untouched by the flow of time, has more to offer than just its elegance. It has become a powerful symbol of individuality and the pure joy of dance. Now go out there and let your tutu shine!

#tututuesday #SouthShields