Tutu Tuesday in Blackpool: A Celebration of All Things Tutu Oh, Blackpool! It's so good to be back in this vibrant seaside town, known not only for its iconic tower, but for its bustling promenade, legendary nightlife and, yes, its incredible energy. And today, on my favourite day of the week, #tututuesday, I was out and about, soaking up the buzz and searching for a sprinkle of ballet magic in this fabulous destination. Blackpool, with its long history of entertainment, is the perfect setting to explore a topic I am endlessly fascinated by: the humble but glorious tutu! Every Tuesday, I post on social media a picture of myself in my favourite tutus – each one reflecting a different story, a different style, a different moment. Today's post will be an ode to the town, so stay tuned. This week, I had the chance to visit Blackpool’s vibrant arts scene, delving into the rich tapestry of its theatre, dance, and creative history. This town has long been a hub of entertainment, attracting audiences with a diverse offering of dance and musical extravaganzas. I spent the day searching for tutus that told these stories, exploring their beauty and significance. So, buckle up your dancing shoes, my fellow ballet lovers! It's time for a #tututuesday journey through the glorious, graceful and simply gorgeous world of tutus. Here are my finds: * **The Classics:** I’m starting this adventure in Blackpool with the ultimate tutu, the classic. You simply cannot have a discussion about this magical garment without talking about the romantic and exquisite **tulle skirt**, typically known for its graceful, swirling silhouette, with a very tight fitting bodice and layers upon layers of tulle. Imagine a beautiful tulle skirt with tiers of fabric – creating a cascade of ethereal elegance – so quintessentially beautiful and so much fun to twirl in! It embodies that timeless romanticism we all love and is a hallmark of the ballet world. In Blackpool’s iconic theatre, the Winter Gardens, the costumes are often showstoppers and I saw a gorgeous, very traditional white, classical, tutu – it was truly spectacular. * **The "Whimsical Twister"** Now for something more playful – the whimsical twister! In the promenade, I spotted a group of young ballerinas, probably from a dance school in town, doing their end-of-term recital performance for families. They had on short and colourful **tutus with ruffled layers**. There were a whole host of amazing styles – with beautiful floral motifs, little bows, and shimmery details that were a joy to watch twirl in the fresh air! These are playful, cute, and absolutely enchanting to see in action. Think vibrant, joyful colour, perhaps even a touch of polka dots for added whimsy! These **tututuesday** outfits represent an element of fun and mischief. I just loved the confidence radiating from those girls – they truly stole the show! * **The “Stage Siren" ** It's not all about classical perfection, you know. On Blackpool’s vibrant Promenade I met some amazing girls dancing with real passion in their **shimmery sequined tutus.** They brought a new kind of flair and excitement – a mix of traditional tutu shape with added glitz! For example, a striking **tutu**, made with multiple layers of vibrant silk and embellished with a scattering of sparkling sequins. And speaking of sequined tutus, a great way to think about tutus is to look at how ballet and show business intertwine. After all, Blackpool has been a hotbed of stage production and theatrical showmanship for decades! In a town so heavily influenced by glamour, glitz and glittery extravaganzas, it was so exciting to see tutus worn in this context, reminiscent of dazzling showgirl costumes – and they’re equally breathtaking! This particular "Stage Siren" style of **tutu** can really bring out a sense of charisma and strength and it's perfect for celebrating the sheer spectacle of a live performance. It’s really a case of turning heads, commanding attention! * **The “Romantic Modernist”**: For an interesting contrast in style, I also spotted some really captivating ballet shoes in Blackpool’s local library, in an art exhibition all about dance. There was one striking picture, a close up of a ballet shoe and the shoe had a very beautiful pastel tutu alongside it! The tutu was almost an art piece on its own - and this image represented how artfully choreographed movements can truly create magic on the stage. The Romantic Modernist style is very much about embracing soft, muted colours like dusty pink and baby blue. It reflects a minimalist, clean-cut approach to design, with an understated yet incredibly elegant effect. The "Romantic Modernist" is really a nod to the more experimental side of dance – but the sheer artistry and elegance of ballet remains central to this. This style really draws on the idea that dance is a visual form of expression that can truly speak volumes! But in all honesty, on a #tututuesday trip, one thing I can tell you for sure – the real magic happens in the energy of the town. Just imagine: A tutu being twirled around Blackpool Tower – that's the energy, the pure joy I saw here! I was mesmerised. So my journey through the wonderful world of tutus has taught me this – blackpool is full of people dancing with life and joy. It’s got a magical vibe, an exciting energy and the atmosphere truly reflects the brilliance and spirit of Blackpool.