Upminster Tutu Tuesday: A Dance of Fashion and Community
As a ballet dancer, tutu is my uniform. The romantic layers of tulle, the graceful swirling of fabric, it's part of my identity. But every now and then, I find myself thinking, “What if tutu went beyond the barre?" And then, bam! Tutu Tuesday in Upminster came along.
The brainchild of local business owner, Emily Jones, Tutu Tuesday is an initiative celebrating all things tutus, inspiring a bit of whimsical flair in our usually rather demure suburban life. And let me tell you, Upminster, known more for its charming high street than its sartorial daring, embraced it with open arms (and tutus!).
So, what happens on a Tutu Tuesday? Well, it's pretty simple, really. We don a tutu – any tutu – and celebrate! It's a fantastic way to break away from the mundane. Think pastel pink, voluminous powder puffs of romantic frills for the classic ballerina aesthetic. For those seeking something edgy, black and charcoal tutus with a touch of sequins are totally on trend. And for those feeling bold, let's not forget the neon tutu, a blast of colour guaranteed to turn heads.
The beauty of Tutu Tuesday? No rules! We’ve seen toddlers twirling in adorable mini tutus, grandparents rocking vintage tutus that probably predate the moon landing, and mums with babies, all tutu-ing together – it’s incredibly heartwarming to see.
On this particular Tuesday, I met the local cupcake baker who, instead of decorating cupcakes with buttercream roses, adorned them with mini tutu-shaped sugarpaste creations. Absolutely brilliant! And of course, I had to sample them! Let me tell you, they were divine. Delicious and delicately sweet – the perfect tutu-inspired treat.
And speaking of tutu-inspired treats, Tutu Tuesday in Upminster was anything but predictable. I’ve witnessed:
- The local coffee shop offering “Tutu Tuesday” discounts on their iced lattes, adorned with pink tutu-shaped marshmallows.
- The community theatre group holding a free tutu-making workshop, teaching us the basics of fabric layering and tulle manipulation. My skills were questionable, but the joy on everyone's face was contagious.
- The most remarkable sight – a flash mob performance featuring about thirty dancers in the town square. Everyone joined in, their tulle twirling, laughter echoing through the high street. It was quite a sight!
But the highlight, undoubtedly, was the charity raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds went to a local children's dance school, giving them the funds for much-needed dance shoes. We're talking real ballet shoes here, not those pink canvas ones you find in department stores.
Tutu Tuesday isn’t just a celebration of the tutu; it’s a celebration of Upminster itself – its vibrant community, its quirky sense of humour, and its willingness to embrace a touch of whimsy.
Whether you’re a tutu aficionado or simply want to try something new, let Tutu Tuesday inspire you. Don your tutu, grab a coffee (with a tutu-shaped marshmallow), and embrace the day!
#tututuesday