So, the alarm clock goes off, the sun is barely peeking over the horizon, and yet, there’s a spring in my step. Why? It’s Tutu Tuesday in Lancaster! Yes, the day I've been eagerly awaiting all week - a day where tulle, sequins, and the pure joy of movement take centre stage. As a ballet dancer (and fashion enthusiast, naturally), I’m pretty obsessed with all things tutu, and Tuesday’s just my chance to show them off, whether I’m at the barre or just enjoying a coffee and croissant with a fellow twirling aficionado.
But it’s not just about the wardrobe; it’s about the feeling - the effortless grace, the lightness in my steps, and that oh-so-stylish vibe that’s just impossible to replicate with regular attire. Okay, maybe it is possible with a fabulous vintage skirt or a shimmery jumpsuit, but the magic of the tutu is in the tulle!
**Today’s Tutu:**
As I pondered this week’s Tutu Tuesday look, I realised I needed something elegant yet playful, classic with a touch of personality, suitable for a busy day but elegant enough for the upcoming gala at the theatre (a triple pirouette-worthy event, mind you!). The answer came to me as clear as the diamond-encrusted details of my grandmother's tiara – it was time to reach for the **romantic tutu** – with tiers of soft, ethereal tulle that moved gracefully with every step. This one was a classic with a twist; its subtle grey shimmer made it perfect for day wear. But the pièce de résistance (as they say in the fashion world) was the cascading bow - an explosion of pale pink that added the perfect dash of girly-ness.
- For a slightly more street-style take, a **modern tutu** made from a stiffer, sturdier fabric would be my pick, and a fitted silhouette would complement an urban outfit like a fitted blazer or a cropped leather jacket. I'm all for a bit of structured chic.
- But let's not forget the **traditional tutu**, which I’ll be sporting at the gala tonight. A true classic – with a wide layers of stiff tulle and a full-bodied shape that exudes a touch of timeless ballet charm, but it’s not for the faint of heart, it's best for when I’m feeling a bit more glamourous!
Tutu Tuesday – the Evolution
Lancaster's Tutu Tuesday started small, a quirky way for the local ballet studio to boost moral, a little something to lift everyone's spirits. As for the history, well, I wasn't around when it first started, but they tell me stories. They say that it began as a simple idea to wear a tutu at least once a week - the ballerina on the street!
From that first Tuesday, the tutu fever took over Lancaster. Local stores started showcasing tutu-inspired fashion, and the ballet studio had to open up a second studio to cope with the sheer volume of budding ballerinas in the city! And of course, the local fashionista’s went wild!
You can’t throw a stone in Lancaster without hitting a Tutu Tuesday fanatic - we’ve got our tutus on the beach, on market day, even at our office (much to the delighted amusement of the IT department, although, not everyone’s keen on a brief meeting in a full-length white tulle dress! I do draw the line at the grocery shop though - even my passion for the tutu has limits, okay, sometimes!
**Tutu Tuesday and Beyond - a celebration of expression and style**
It's more than just about the tutu; it's about expressing yourself in a unique way, and it’s also about inspiring others to get a little bold and dance to their own tune. There’s something very special about putting on a tutu – it doesn’t matter if you are a professional dancer, a ballet enthusiast, or simply a girl who loves twirling, a tutu will always have a place in your heart.
If you're in Lancaster and you see a girl gliding around in a tutu, don't hesitate to say hello. Chances are, you've just found your new dancing partner in crime! Who knows, maybe you'll even join us for next week’s #tututuesday.
So, if you're ever looking for a little bit of sparkle and whimsy in your life, head over to Lancaster for a day of Tutu Tuesday celebrations. This town is full of people just waiting to show off their love of the tutu. Trust me, it's contagious, but it’s one that I'll gladly catch again and again!
Until next week, Happy Twirling!
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Ballerina
#tututuesday