Tutu Tuesday in Kettering: A Celebration of Pointe Shoes and Pintxos This week's #tututuesday has taken me on a whirlwind trip to Kettering, a town that might not be instantly associated with tutus and tiaras, but let me tell you, it's bursting with charm and surprises. I'm here to show you that tutu Tuesdays aren't just for ballerinas and fashionistas in the big city – Kettering's embracing the tutu spirit with open arms (and maybe even a couple of pirouettes). First things first, I gotta address the elephant in the room: tutus in Kettering? Honestly, it’s an absolute blast! I love seeing the town come alive with colour, with women rocking tutus of all shapes and sizes, from the classic romantic tutu to the daringly modern asymmetrical ones, they all embody the spirit of confidence and fun. I’m wearing a blush pink romantic tutu that perfectly complements the town's historic architecture, and the flowing layers seem to dance with the wind, which gives a wonderful whimsical vibe. We kick off the day with a tutu-themed dance class at The Kettering Arts Centre, a beautiful old building with grand halls that are just perfect for pirouettes. It was a proper "feel good" vibe with all sorts of people participating, not just your regular ballet dancers, but people from all walks of life coming together to dance and move. Everyone had a huge smile on their faces, a perfect start to a fab Tuesday! The class involved a bit of basic ballet technique, then a funky jazz number and ended with a little ballroom flash. There was a lot of laughter and a sense of community it really reminded me why I fell in love with dance in the first place! Then, it was time for some kettering's famed local lunch, and you won’t believe what I stumbled upon: a quaint little cafe nestled down a side street, where they serve the most mouthwatering Spanish-style tapas! My lunch companions were a pair of sassy grannies in classic, black, and white tutus. They were real charmers and absolute pros with those Spanish snacks. We had chorizo, albondigas, patatas bravas, all served in tapas portions, enough to tantalize our tastebuds, but not to leave us overstuffed. The food paired with the perfect Pinot Grigio made for a proper celebratory atmosphere. After our lunch break, we headed back to the Arts Centre, but this time, not for dance but for the "Tutu Tales" reading session, where local poets, playwrights and storytellers spun tales around the theme of "the tutu." This was absolutely delightful and quite a moving experience. Each performer brought a different dimension to the stories; there were witty quips, some emotional accounts and even some light-hearted narratives, each touching on different aspects of what a tutu means to them. One story really moved me, it spoke about the importance of tutus as symbol of resilience and female strength – really insightful! Now, who could forget about the afternoon tea? Tutu Tuesday in Kettering would be incomplete without it. Imagine: scones, cakes, sandwiches, and lashings of tea, served in the gorgeous surroundings of The Town Hall’s Ballroom. The teatime brought together the local community, from grandmas to young girls, dressed in a wonderful array of tutus. The most interesting detail about this gathering was a gentleman in a classic black and white tuxedo – he definitely caught my attention, I think I saw him sneak a cheeky glance in my direction – might just have to get myself an extra slice of cake tomorrow and try my luck! The Tutu Tuesday experience culminated in a "Tutu Fashion Parade" in the town's square. Imagine a rainbow of colour and fabric! We were all in our tutus from the early morning dance class, parading down the streets with beaming smiles on our faces, our tutus fluttering in the gentle Kettering wind, just the perfect day for a cheeky photo-shoot! We received so many happy cheers and a slew of compliments for our style from the townsfolk, such a positive vibe. I’ve even gotten a few requests from folks who want to join next year's Tutu Tuesday ! Kettering, you have a true hidden gem in your heart. I am genuinely blown away by the sheer charm of the town, the warmth and openness of its people and its unique take on tutu Tuesdays, with a real dedication to community and celebration, it’s no wonder Tutu Tuesday is becoming a hit with the locals! Now, on a more practical note, a Tutu Tuesday wouldn't be complete without a mention of my favorite outfit picks for the occasion. My favorite look from the day? My friend Jenny, a fashion student, wore a gorgeous, crimson red "tutu-inspired skirt." It’s one that will definitely inspire a future outfit, and I’ve been getting lots of inspiration from the different styles of tutus worn by the Kettering ladies: - The Romantic Tutu, like the one I’m sporting today, always perfect for a classic elegant feel. It's flowy and feminine. - The Asymmetrical Tutu: A more edgy and modern choice. Think a shorter tutu, or one that doesn't follow the traditional shape. So fun and unique. - The Tulle Skirt: A versatile option for every kind of Tutu Tuesday style, this will make your outfit look elegant yet fun. - The Ballet Tutu, a classically trained ballet dancer’s dream this is definitely for those who want to bring their ballerina dreams to life. This style was seen a lot in Kettering and I loved the vibe of those wearing them, a real statement maker! For the ladies looking to get creative on Tutu Tuesdays, a good tip: think of a color theme. Red tutus on a Tuesday in July ? Why not, just rock it and embrace the spirit of #tututuesday in Kettering and all its unbelievable charm!