Tutu Tuesday 667

Tutu Tuesday in Crosby: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition
The crisp autumn air swirled around my legs, sending a flurry of fallen leaves skittering across the cobbled streets of Crosby. It was Tutu Tuesday, a day for celebrating the grace and artistry of ballet – and, of course, the iconic symbol of the dancer's craft, the tutu. As a ballerina myself, I knew there was no better place to be on this particular Tuesday than Crosby. With its seaside charm, historic landmarks, and surprisingly vibrant cultural scene, this little town is a haven for dance enthusiasts. And today, it was overflowing with tutus of all shapes and sizes. Walking down the bustling market street, I felt a little like I’d stumbled onto a set from a whimsical ballet. A delicate little girl, barely taller than the giant, pink, frilly tutu she was wearing, skipped past a group of women giggling in a huddle, all decked out in shimmering sequined tutus, reminiscent of classic Victorian fairy costumes. A young man in a stylish, modern, knee-length black tutu chatted animatedly with a senior citizen, proudly wearing a white tulle tutu, reminiscent of the classic romantic style favoured in the early 20th century. It was like a scene out of a ballet version of “Alice in Wonderland”. Tutu-rific Traditions I’d heard about Crosby's Tutu Tuesday tradition, but nothing could have prepared me for this vibrant spectacle of colour, camaraderie and pure joie de vivre. This wasn't a solemn ballet recital or a stiff formal gala. This was something uniquely Crosby: a lighthearted celebration of the joy of movement, the magic of dance and the sheer elegance of a well-executed pirouette. The local residents seemed to embrace this peculiar tradition with infectious enthusiasm. Shopkeepers wore tutus over their uniforms, tourists donned colourful tulle skirts, even a few brave blokes sported tutu-inspired skirts and kilts. For the dancers amongst us, Tutu Tuesday was a day for celebrating their art form, a chance to express themselves, to be seen, to inspire. It wasn't just about wearing the tutu, it was about feeling it, letting it embody their passion, their grace, their spirit. This town embraces every level of skill, from aspiring prima ballerinas to simply folks who appreciate the power of movement. It is a truly special occasion that reminds me why I love dance so much, reminding me why I picked up the point shoes and the barre again this morning. Tutus in the Town Square The highlight of Tutu Tuesday, the event that draws dancers and enthusiasts from across the region, was the Tutu Tuesday market in the town square. This wasn’t just any ordinary market, you know, the type where you pick up fresh fruit and vegetables or maybe the latest knitting supplies. This one was overflowing with dance-themed goodies and souvenirs. You had your tutus of course, all different types from the classics with their soft, voluminous tiers, the shorter tutus with more angular, contemporary flair, and the full-bodied paquita tutu for a grand, dramatic impact. And then there were all the supporting items, ribbons and headbands, leggings and dance shoes – and a surprising range of ballet-inspired teacups and mugs, scarves, jewellery and even handmade tutu cakes. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with anticipation as vendors called out their offerings, “The newest line of pointe shoes”, “Custom tutus made to order”, “Ballet jewellery, beautiful and affordable,” the sounds echoing off the historic buildings. You could almost feel the energy radiating from the crowds of dancers. I was mesmerized watching the vendors; their skill, the vibrant creativity expressed in their craft. One young lady had created exquisite tutus out of recycled materials – paper, fabric scraps, old magazines, everything, demonstrating a brilliant form of sustainable style, and even eco-fashion had taken to the tutus. A local seamstress was offering tailoring lessons to help you create your own tutu for the next Tutu Tuesday. There was even a demonstration by the town’s local dance school. These talented dancers – I could see they were preparing for their annual show – swirled and leapt around the market square, demonstrating different dance moves and types of tutus in a display that was a whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition. I met some fantastic people at the market - a retired ballet teacher who still practices every day and had a fascinating story about her early days in the Royal Ballet, a young student just discovering the magic of dance, a middle-aged man who started taking ballet classes as a birthday treat for his 50th birthday and hasn’t stopped dancing ever since, and an entire group of local women who attend dance class together every Friday, a charming ballet bunch. I'm pretty sure my Tutu Tuesday photo collection could win a prize at the National Geographic photo competition. #tututuesday #Crosby #TulleAndTradition The highlight of the day, and one of the most endearing moments of Tutu Tuesday in Crosby, came at 4pm, as the clock tower bell chimed to mark the time. It signalled the annual “Tutu Promenade”. I joined the crowds thronging the centre of town to witness the “Tutu Promenade”. A joyful mix of women, men, children, babies swaddled in tulle, even a few canine dancers with little tutu collars and tutus adorning their wagging tails. To my surprise, one group, perhaps inspired by the eco-tutus from the market, wore tutus crafted out of paper, and even held their shopping bags – “The Green Bagettes”, they called themselves, all holding signs, promoting sustainability, eco-friendly dancing, even a slogan “Tutu much fun!” - it was just the cutest thing. The “Tutu Promenade”, was a magical sight to behold. As if led by an invisible ballet conductor, the promenade danced through the town square. A joyous swirl of colourful tulle. It was as if all those twirling ballerinas and flamboyant tutus had suddenly found a new harmony, their movements becoming synchronized. It was more than a parade, more than a procession. It was a symphony of motion. A tribute to the universal language of dance and to the pure, untainted joy that ballet brings. After the procession, I had the chance to have my photo taken with one of the professional dancers from the local dance school who participated in Tutu Tuesday, It’s a picture I’ll treasure - and an inspirational story I’ll share - as I take to the barre in the mornings, with all that passion sparked by Tutu Tuesday still echoing in my head. It is fair to say that Tutu Tuesday is the perfect way to explore Crosby's charming atmosphere and feel a sense of community. And to the dancers, to the creative souls who embrace their passions, the graceful twirls and leaping figures, to the local craftspeople who find art in every fibre, this town sends a message, ‘Don’t just wear the tutu, embrace the tutu.’ Be a part of the story, celebrate dance and let your inner ballerina shine. So get your dancing shoes ready!
**#tututuesday**