Tutu Tuesday 76

Tutu Tuesday in Batley: A Ballerina's Dream Come True

Well, lovelies, it’s that time again! Tutu Tuesday is upon us, and this week, we're ditching the city centre for a little trip to Batley! Yes, you heard me right, Batley! The birthplace of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” of all places! Now, I know what you’re thinking: Tutus and Batley? Is this going to be a fashion disaster or an unexpected delight? 😜 I'm here to tell you: It's the latter! Buckle up for some serious tutu-tastic inspiration.

My initial thought when I was invited to do this post was, “How on earth are tutus going to fit in with the vibe of Batley?” I envisioned industrial mills, cobbled streets and, honestly, a whole lot of Yorkshire charm. It just seemed so… different, so far removed from the world of sequins and feathers. And I love a challenge! I can’t imagine a tutu has ever stepped foot in the place! To my delight, it turns out Batley’s got some pretty cool, unexpected spots perfect for a Tutu Tuesday adventure! We’re talking quirky vintage shops, vibrant street art and a surprisingly stylish pub! Okay, maybe a pub isn't the most expected place for a tutu… But hear me out. It all added to the unexpected, totally wonderful adventure!

Right, let’s talk tutus! We need to remember there’s a tutu style for every mood and occasion. You want classic and romantic? We’re talking about the poetic "Romantic" or the "Classical Tutu." For this Batley trip, I decided on the playful, and super-fashionable "Character" tutu with its layered look and fun movement – perfect for a day of shopping, sight-seeing and generally embracing the unexpected. The tulle I chose was a pale shade of blue, a nod to the beautiful, sunny skies we enjoyed during our trip. To top it off, I added some little pearls and glitter, just to make it feel a bit extra.✨

Let's get down to the details, shall we? First, we headed to “The Little Emporium" - a treasure trove of vintage clothing and accessories. Tucked away in a side street, it was pure retro chic, with the coolest racks of dresses, boots and everything in between. The owner was absolutely charming, a total gem! I managed to snag a fabulous vintage sequin top to pair with my tutu - a perfect clash of styles and textures! Let’s just say I felt like a ballerina who’d stepped into a time machine!

Next on the agenda was the Batley Town Hall, a stunning example of Victorian architecture. I might not have done the grand jeté across the cobbled courtyard, but I did take a few graceful spins in front of the imposing facade. I even caught some of the locals staring! You’ve got to embrace those looks. Sometimes, the most random moments are the most memorable. You could tell they were thinking "How’s she done that!" and "Is she trying to start a trend?!” (Well, you never know! 😂)

Now, let's be real. Even ballerinas need to refuel, right? So we stopped in for a quick lunch at The George pub, a beautiful building with lots of history. (And I'm not just talking about the history of its amazing real ale!). We grabbed some delicious pub grub and sipped on cold cider whilst I explained the philosophy behind #Tututuesday. To my surprise, the other diners, initially bewildered by my arrival in a tutu, soon embraced the unexpected fun. We chatted about the joys of expressing yourself and the importance of shaking things up - a conversation that started with a tutu? Who knew!

Then, the moment I'd been waiting for… we were off to the Batley Arts & Heritage Centre. I couldn't wait to explore the centre’s quirky art displays and experience the historical stories that lay within. Imagine my delight when I found myself facing a gorgeous mural - I couldn’t resist the urge to spin into it. I felt like I was the star of my very own dance performance. I'm telling you, lovelies, every corner of Batley seemed to offer a new, exciting opportunity to play with the tulle!

As the sun began to set, it was time to head back, but not before one more surprise – a street art trail around Batley’s inner-city! It turns out the streets are covered with incredible murals, a perfect backdrop for my tutu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to pose next to a giant illustration of an elephant?! Every corner I turned offered another artistic masterpiece and another opportunity to capture the fun! It’s official. This Tutu Tuesday has officially gone down in history! I think Batley’s a town that really embraced the #Tututuesday vibe, and we left with some serious sartorial inspiration!

Let's wrap it up, shall we? Today has reminded me that style and fun aren't just about fashion capitals, the right places, or even the most ‘approved’ tutu designs. They’re about breaking the rules, adding a bit of sparkle to the everyday and embracing a playful spirit. So what are you waiting for? Get your tutu ready! #Tututuesday is about letting your inner ballerina shine in any setting – from Batley to the world. Who knows where our tutu travels will take us next!