Tutu Tuesday 655

Streatham's Tutu Tuesday: A Whirlwind of Feathers, Tulle and Glitter

Forget the usual Tuesday blues, because in Streatham, every Tuesday is a celebration of all things tutu! As a ballet dancer and a lover of all things fabulous, I couldn’t resist the call to share my personal take on this unique weekly tradition that’s sweeping our little corner of South London.

It all started with a simple hashtag, #tututuesday, a brainchild of a local dance studio owner, aiming to bring some joy and playful spirit into our weekly routines. Imagine this: you’re strolling down Streatham High Road, enjoying your morning coffee, when you suddenly catch a glimpse of a flurry of pink, white, and black tulle – a tutu-clad woman whizzing by! Or maybe you're waiting at the bus stop, minding your own business, and then BAM! A vibrant turquoise tutu twirls its way into your field of vision, its feathers shimmering in the morning light. It's truly an unexpected, exhilarating, and rather heartwarming sight.

Streatham, the heart of South London, has always had a bit of a quirky, eclectic vibe, a place where you might find a vintage clothing shop tucked next to a Jamaican restaurant, where community spirit is alive and kicking, and where people, quite simply, love to have fun. This, I believe, is what makes #tututuesday so perfectly suited for our neighbourhood.

There’s no particular style rule to follow; anything goes on #tututuesday. You can see the classic, billowing, romantic tutus that you might imagine on a graceful ballerina. And then there’s the sassy, shortened version with playful layers, perhaps even sporting a pair of glitter-laden leggings underneath, perfect for a night out in Streatham's bustling bars and clubs. Some might opt for a vibrant, playful colour scheme, while others prefer a classic black or white tutu, subtly adding a touch of elegance to their everyday outfit.

The best part? #tututuesday isn't just for ballerinas. This movement, thankfully, is inclusive! You can spot your friendly local barista, the elderly gentleman heading for the library, even your neighbour, rocking a tutu with a sense of joy and, I'd argue, a touch of daring. They embrace the spirit of fun, of breaking out of the mundane, and embracing the little moments that make life interesting.

Last Tuesday, as I wandered through the streets of Streatham, tutu in tow (of course!), I found myself engrossed in conversations with strangers, sharing stories and laughter with people from all walks of life. The usual Tuesday fatigue simply faded away, replaced with a lighthearted, communal energy. I was particularly captivated by an older lady who proudly told me her favourite part of #tututuesday was how it made her feel like she was still “dancing” even in her 70s, how it made her feel vibrant and youthful.

Now, I know some people might say “It’s just a tutu! Why the fuss?” but #tututuesday is about so much more than just the garment. It’s about bringing joy and surprise to everyday moments, a gentle reminder to live life to the fullest, to embrace silliness, and to find beauty in the unexpected. It’s about making Streatham even more special, more uniquely itself, by injecting a playful spirit into the heart of our community.

And who knows, maybe this quirky #tututuesday tradition will one day spread beyond Streatham, inspiring people in other towns and cities to add a dash of glitter and whimsy to their Tuesdays, proving that even the smallest of gestures can spark big change, and a tiny bit of joy, into the world.

If you ever find yourself in Streatham on a Tuesday, don't be surprised to see a ballerina skipping down the street or an elderly gentleman twirling in a shimmering tutu. Just remember, #tututuesday is about embracing life with a little bit of grace, a lot of fun, and a whole lot of tulle!