Tutu Tuesday in Stratford: A Whirlwind of Feathers and Frills #tututuesday Okay, fellow dance enthusiasts, gather 'round! Today is the day we've all been waiting for: **Tutu Tuesday in Stratford-upon-Avon**. It's like the Royal Shakespeare Company has been secretly training in pirouettes and arabesques – only this time, we're the stars. And honestly, the costume game is **strong** today! I woke up this morning with an unexplainable surge of excitement. My heart did a little allegro when I realised what day it was. I peeked in my dance bag and did a double-take. Yes! I had the perfect tutu for this day: a fluffy white number with a burst of lavender feathers around the waistband. It's like a tutu took a holiday in a fairy garden, and came back with an amazing tan. Speaking of tans, I need to talk about **Tutu Tan Lines**. This is a real thing, my friends. A phenomenon of pink stripes running down your body in the shape of your favourite tutu. But let me tell you, it's a badge of honour, a warpaint for the ballet warriors, and definitely a sign you've earned your right to a #tututuesday dance-off! As I walked towards the centre of town, I couldn't help but notice the air was buzzing with energy, almost as if the town itself was anticipating a performance. Everywhere I looked, people were getting ready: A group of girls were practicing a cute "ballet walk" routine – I might steal that one! And a guy in a tailored suit had his tutu prepped and ready to go! Honestly, this #tututuesday energy is contagious! Here's a little breakdown of some tutu styles I spotted: * **The Romantic Tutu**: This is the classic. You know, the ballerina dream: a delicate layer of tulle, perfectly gathered around the waist, whispering tales of swan lakes and graceful elegance. * **The Romantic-but-Edgy Tutu**: A slight deviation from the classic with some daring additions like fishnets, cutouts or bolder colours. The romantic still whispers but it's also screaming “I'm here to shake things up!” And trust me, that makes a bold statement on #tututuesday. * **The Tutu-ish Tutu**: These were my personal favourites – an undeniable tutu, but reinterpreted. Imagine a floaty, pleated skirt with just a touch of tulle at the hem. They said "ballet” without shouting “ballerina”. And sometimes that’s exactly the right message for #tututuesday. The energy hit a fever pitch when I got to the Town Square. The central fountain was acting as the stage, with people spontaneously forming impromptu dance circles around it. And there, smack dab in the middle, was a little girl in a shimmering, gold tutu. She had this look on her face – the kind of look you see on a kid who just discovered magic – and I'm pretty sure she was the catalyst for the #tututuesday phenomenon. But back to the styles: There were some serious contenders: * **The "No Frills" Tutu:** Let’s be real – the tutu is all about tulle, right? So, think, a single, un-embellished layer with clean lines and perhaps a burst of color. You just gotta admit, it’s all about owning that simple statement. This tutu style had me thinking it could be a statement on #tututuesday, you know, the whole less-is-more thing! * **The “I've Got My Eye On The Prize” Tutu:** You’ve probably spotted this on Broadway stages – a single, shimmering layer of tulle that catches the stage lights in every show. This type of tutu usually means serious performance. On #tututuesday, I think it might signify you’ve got a move you just have to show the world! Then, a booming voice interrupted my observations. It was the mayor, and guess what? He had on a tutu too! This one was, well, a bit adventurous – I'm talking glittery sequins, bright pink feather boas and even some mini disco balls. A statement was definitely being made, but in a way, he also looked kinda nervous under all that shimmer and sparkle. I have to say, that was a big "YES" moment for #tututuesday – everyone getting involved and owning their personal expression. After a brief dance-off with the mayor, a spontaneous parade started. The crowd was a mesmerizing blur of swirling skirts and joyous energy. You could see the genuine fun and passion on everyone's faces, a celebration of dance and creative expression. And guess what? There was not a single soul who wasn’t smiling. Tutu Tuesday isn't just about the dress; it's about celebrating the beauty and freedom of dance in every form. It’s about breaking barriers, laughing at yourself and discovering the inner artist in all of us. It's about showing the world that tutus aren't just for the stage; they're for expressing ourselves, for finding joy in the everyday, and for having a little bit of whimsy in our lives. There were a lot of laughs. A lot of joyful noise. A lot of happy tears. I'm telling you, you never really know what to expect on #tututuesday. But there is always magic in the air! If you ask me, Stratford needs a monthly Tutu Tuesday, a full blown cultural movement to embrace this joy. And guess what? I think everyone involved would agree with me! See you on the next #tututuesday. And in the meantime, remember: don't be afraid to twirl, and definitely don't be afraid to rock your tutu!