Tutu Tuesday 695

Tutu Tuesday in Merthyr Tydfil #tututuesday

So, let’s get this out of the way: Merthyr Tydfil. Not exactly the first place you’d expect a tutu trend to explode, right? It’s the kind of town where steelworks, rugby and sheep make headlines more often than fashion, you know? Well, hold your horses, my fellow tutu-enthusiasts! Because, my darlings, a little bird whispered a juicy rumour in my ear – Tutu Tuesday has hit Merthyr Tydfil with the force of a 32 fouetté!

Now, let’s be real. I’m talking *ballet* tutus. The frilly, dreamy kind, not the ones with neon pom-poms that some people seem to be wearing at football games. Think delicate layers of tulle, lovingly hand-sewn, with an ethereal grace that would make even the most seasoned seamstress gasp. These are tutus meant to whisk you away to a land of arabesques, chasséing, and maybe a little bit of Balançoire. But, how on earth did this delicate ballet flower blossom in such a traditionally rugged town?

My investigation started at the quaint little independent dance studio on Castle Street – "Stepping Out." Run by the effervescent, flame-haired Miss Gwen, the place oozes a love for ballet that’s just impossible to resist. As I peeked into the studio, a wave of giggles hit me. In the heart of Merthyr, the “Stepping Out” class had become an unexpected hotbed for tutu-lovers! A handful of young aspiring dancers were gracefully prancing around in all their tutu glory – think classic "Le Corsaire" tutus with layers upon layers of pale pink tulle, adding that touch of ballerina elegance. They reminded me of a cloud of ballerina magic that was about to take flight.

Miss Gwen, a former professional ballerina with the London Ballet, had a spark in her eye that couldn’t be contained. She told me, with a chuckle, that “Tut Tuesday, darling, it just kind of, happened! I can't deny, seeing my students twirl in tutus puts a spring in my step! Who knew these tutus could bring such a joy to these youngsters!” She also shared that they'd even started a special workshop for beginners who wanted to learn about all sorts of tutu styles, like the whimsical "Giselle" tutus with their romantic swishy tulle. She was even trying to source those fabulous, impossibly short, "black swan" tutus with those tiny feathered wings!” I couldn’t help but let out a small squeal of delight, those were absolute classics!

I did a bit of digging. It turns out this “Tut Tuesday” tradition started with a couple of fearless teenage girls from the studio. I discovered, thanks to a whisper from Miss Gwen’s niece, that these young ladies, were a bit fed up with the usual leggings and baggy joggers – it seemed they were yearning for something a bit more "whimsical." So they put on their fanciest tutus, one even found a discarded feather boa from a costume chest in the studio, and made their grand, yet surprisingly graceful, entrance in the middle of town square. Their flash mob ballet performance of a snippet from the Nutcracker was truly something!

Then, things really escalated. This delightful spectacle led to local businesses catching on. The owners of “Tulips and Treats”, a cute bakery on High Street, started offering "Tutu Tuesday” themed cakes, featuring mini-tutu designs for customers and even cupcakes that had those little feather boa toppers – the owners did tell me that those went like hotcakes! They even encouraged their staff to rock their own tutus during the day. At least one of them managed to convince a customer to come in, tutus and all. It turned out this customer had bought it just to get those “Tutu Tuesday” cupcakes – an odd choice for an 80-year-old man, but who am I to judge? I, for one, can't even fathom the sweet delight of such an incredible pairing!

This whole Tut Tuesday thing, even extended to the football pitch at The Cyfarthfa stadium. Yes, you read that right, rugby-mad Merthyr. The Merthyr Town Football Club announced on social media, a special Tut Tuesday offer for families: buy two adult tickets and get one child in free, with every child receiving a free, miniature tutu to wear during the match. I can just picture all those adorable, miniature tutus on little rugby-loving cherubs.

So, what started as a quirky, tutu-fueled expression of personal style is turning into a full-fledged movement. There's an undeniable allure to Tut Tuesday in Merthyr – it's a charming testament to how embracing your inner ballerina, no matter your background or location, can be wonderfully empowering and joyful! #tututuesday

What’s next? A Tutu-themed market day? Maybe even a competition for the most creative tutu designs, maybe we’ll have a classic “Swan Lake” tutu go up against a “Sleeping Beauty” design in the most dramatic tutu showdown? Merthyr, I can’t wait to see where you take this! This is just the start of an inspiring new trend - not only are you spreading a beautiful form of art, you're also building a sense of community and bringing a bit of fun to your wonderful town! You go, Merthyr! Now let’s see what new ballet steps you’ll take next. #tututuesday.

I do, however, have one recommendation – be mindful of what tutu style you choose to wear, or ask those adorable youngsters for some advice! You may want to consider going for those romantic, classic styles if you’re a newbie. Avoid the "pas de deux" tutus; they are often tricky to maneuver on uneven surfaces or when moving quickly through a crowded place! And remember: The best tutu is always the one that makes you feel absolutely amazing.

My Personal #tututuesday Recommendation:

• The Romantic "Giselle": Think flowing layers of delicate tulle in dreamy shades of ivory or pale pink, reminiscent of moonlight dancing through the forest. Perfect for twirling amongst the daisies!
• The Majestic "Swan Lake": Layers of luxurious, black tulle adorned with a touch of elegance, capturing the ethereal spirit of the swans. Be careful with those pointy toes, darling!
• The Playful "Coppelia": Fun, vibrant colours and playful details. Think a rainbow of colors and a touch of a bohemian flair - perhaps even some charming embellishments like ribbons or sparkly gems!
• The Grand "Sleeping Beauty": Think layers upon layers of tulle in a sumptuous shade of royal blue or an opulent emerald green, this exudes elegance with every graceful step. Be warned - it does need some room to move.

I'm certain that there are tons of you out there ready to spread your tutus wings and make your own mark on your own unique "Tut Tuesday." Remember, when you're wearing a tutu, you’re never just a passerby. You are an artist, a dreamer, and an embodiment of graceful defiance, ready to enchant the world, one tutu-licious twirl at a time. This movement started in a charming Welsh town but I know, with all my ballerina heart, that #tututuesday has the power to make the whole world its dance floor! Let’s see where the tutu magic takes you!