Tutu Tuesday 8041

Tutu Tuesday in Colchester: A Whirlwind of Whimsy #tututuesday It’s Tutu Tuesday! That day of the week where I can finally don my fluffy tulle dreams and spin around like a carefree ballerina. It's a joy that doesn’t require any rehearsals or strenuous practice (although those are lovely too, of course). It’s a simple joy of simply **wearing** a tutu, just because. So let's start off our #tututuesday with a *tiny* peek into what Tutu Tuesday means to a young woman who lives, eats, sleeps, breathes and performs in dancewear - **me!** Being a ballerina (amateur or otherwise) isn't all glitz and glam, despite what people often think. In my experience, it can be super sweaty, even frustrating and even tiring - **that's** the reality. So having a chance to dress up without being weighed down by strict technical considerations - it's a luxury I crave. In the "normal" world I don't often get the opportunity to wear full tutus. Unless, that is, it's Tutu Tuesday. There’s a story behind how this special day evolved. My best friend, who used to be my ballet classmate, took to calling a Friday when we would wear tutus while hanging out at the local pub - it was just for fun. As time passed and life unfolded we both had new jobs, different routines, and saw less of each other. One day, after a stressful period when I'd felt like a robot just doing what I *had* to do, I called up my bestie and we agreed to make an "appointment" at a particular cafe - it had a cute little terrace we could use. And we wore tutus! I realised then how vital it was to make space for silly rituals like these and I couldn't just let it fade away as life went on. After a few weeks of being in "tu-tu" on a Friday, we decided to make things simpler by simply choosing **Tuesday** as the day. It just fit in our lives better and so the rest is history! That’s how Tutu Tuesday began - as a cheeky bit of silliness and as a way to embrace life with an air of playful elegance, or so we like to think, at least! I often wonder why more people aren't celebrating a day dedicated to tutus. Today, however, we’re going on a very special tutu outing! Let’s just say it's not every day that you have a tutu opportunity at a posh event that isn't, technically, **connected to ballet at all** - I mean, I have a tutu-themed outfit that is going to be *perfec*t for the *occas*ion. I've even gone all-out and invested in some **brand-new** tights. What is so exciting is the occasion will have many guests - so let’s hope there’s not going to be any awkward moments when I, dressed up as a tutu-loving fashionista, am seen for what I am! But of course I have the **best of intentions** because I firmly believe that wearing a tutu can spark a bit of joy in everyone. Especially in **Colchester**, a city that already knows how to have fun with its festivals and quirky events - and let’s not forget its unique charm. So, how do I choose my outfit? I’ll be honest, there's some pre-planning required (although usually just a few moments before). I’ve learnt, over the years, that planning is key! For today’s event, it’s the occasion which influences the selection. A long, multi-layered, multicoloured **Classical Tutu**, even a beautiful and majestic one with *swarovskis* wouldn't be very practical. So what does one do when faced with this little dilemma? Why, I go with **something stylish but more subtle**, but still clearly **a tutu**. For the past week I've been researching a number of *tu-tu options*. I thought about *going bold* - which means going for a dramatic **fashion tutu**, with *lots of frills*, perhaps *some ruffles*, maybe even a *sparkling top*... and *sparkly* shoes, but on the second thought that just didn’t feel right. After weighing up my options (all done during my daily 10km run around Colchester) it has come to a decision and there will be a **chic little tutu** with an exciting and, dare I say, playful look. I haven't forgotten that we'll be going for a lovely meal. It'll have to be comfortable but still **elegant**. I can’t forget my *comfortable shoes*. What **comfort** can I possibly find in a pair of ballet pumps, after all, if I've just spent the last three hours exploring the Colchester Zoo? It’s definitely a fine line and **compromise is key**. I am also thinking of carrying a *cute little clutch*, and the *matching bag*, to go with my look. Oh, I just remembered I have an accessory in my bag for today’s outing: a pair of **ballet tights** which I found in a vintage shop in the charming town of Colchester. That will tie it all in nicely, with the **pastel palette**. Just as the sun rises, I'm off to pick out the perfect tutu for the occasion! Let’s take a peek into my *tu-tu box* (yes, that's actually a thing and no I am not ashamed to admit it). It has everything from your traditional ballerina tutu to the fashion-forward and fun tutus designed to rock up to the local pub! This will be the most fun part of my Tuesday - choosing which **tu-tu** I’m going to rock, and you can *bet your bottom dollar* (as they say) I will give my faithful ballet shoes a *good polish* - it wouldn’t do for my best friend to *catch* me looking un-put-together on a *tutu* day - oh no! I have no idea which tutu I'll ultimately decide on - I might just have to wait and see what catches my eye. Maybe even an elegant *romantic tutu* to give myself a more **refined** *tu-tu* *look*? Whatever happens, I’m excited. And ready. I mean, come on - it’s **Tutu Tuesday!** But now let’s have some fun with it! I know I can’t be the only one with this unusual Tuesday ritual. In fact, I believe **everyone deserves a tutu Tuesday!** That's why, to share this extravagance, I'll be making a call for the **Colchester community** to join me in this joyful expression - yes, we will be *twirling* for a great cause, I’m sure. Why? Well, as a ballerina I can attest to the fact that there's nothing quite like putting on a **beautiful tutu** that brings **confidence and strength** that lasts beyond the tutu-wearing occasion. Let's not be afraid to twirl! Embrace that little ballerina inside all of us! And what's more joyful, I say, than a day in tutus? Here are my top 5 #tututuesday tips to rock your own #tututuesday and embrace this fun ritual:
• **Make it your own:** There's no set rule. Choose the tutu you want and go for it! The best part of Tutu Tuesday is that you have the creative freedom. • **Embrace all your tutus** from classical tutus to fashion-forward ones - there’s nothing wrong with a mix of tutu styles for a bold and exciting outfit. • **Feel fabulous in it**. There’s just *something* about tutus and the impact of wearing them that just boosts one’s *self-confidence* and makes a person feel very *feminine*, and also rather **quirky**. • **Think about location:** Just remember, every outfit choice calls for a location suited for your style. For example, a day out with friends may work for some of the tutu styles that may not suit a business meeting. • **Have fun!: ** Forget about judgments or people trying to pull you down, I think that everyone, no matter who you are and what you do, should *at least once* in their life do something as wonderfully silly as getting all *dressed up* in a tutu and going for a walk. That feeling is pure joy. That’s how you live your best #tututuesday life - and what’s best is it can all happen right here in **Colchester!**