It’s officially Tutu Tuesday in Salford! The day when even the most hardcore of fashionistas take a moment to bow down to the tulle. Honestly, I am practically quivering with excitement, it's the biggest day on the Salford fashion calendar! Yes, you heard right - even us ballet dancers get in on the #tututuesday action.
Now, as a professional dancer, tutus are, you could say, something of a daily necessity. From the classic "romantic" tutu with its tiers of billowing tulle and soft, feminine silhouette to the modern, edgy "contemporary" tutus in more dynamic shapes, and yes, sometimes with a touch of leather for good measure – my tutus have become an extension of myself. A silent language. But hey, I'm a twenty-something and my ballet wardrobe's not all pink ribbons and fluffy puffballs. Oh no, it's not about adhering to stuffy old notions of the "ballerina's wardrobe." Think vibrant, bold, colours, bold silhouettes. It's a real 'power pose' in tutu form. My secret weapon - a custom designed “street-style tutu,” it’s a statement of both strength and grace, and believe me, when I hit the streets of Salford it makes the statement that says - "look at me. Yes me, a ballerina with a wild streak." (Don’t worry, it's a good streak!)
This week’s #tututuesday challenge - and a big shout-out to the #tututuesday collective for this inspired challenge - was all about the ‘tutu' in the urban landscape. It's about finding the most unlikely yet completely perfect pairing of tutu with, well, basically, anything in the city! We are talking high-street couture, street art, urban grime, anything. There are some seriously fun, fearless women in Salford who have brought this to life. Seriously! Check out the hashtag! Let's see your tutu style Salford. This is going to be a sartorial circus!
This Week's Top Tutu Trend Spotting: A Rundown of the best Salford's Tutu Tuesdays Looks:
- Let's start with our resident artist, Maya. Always pushing the boundaries, she has taken Tutu Tuesday to a whole new level! Her tutu? Inspired by her new graffiti project, which is itself inspired by Salford's legendary industrial past. You can spot the steelworks vibes - there’s even a dash of rusted orange. (She's seriously dedicated to the "city" vibe! ) I was on the phone to her, when suddenly I saw the look in a video clip from her insta! Totally fabulous! This is an incredible example of turning an unexpected pairing - like tutu and street art – into something breathtakingly stylish.
- I love me some floral prints, and on a Tuesday, there's always a reason to get some botanical magic into my day. Sarah, my colleague (and also my favourite "street food" aficionado!), totally aced it with this! The sheer joy of her fuchsia-coloured tutu, (seriously the colour is a symphony!) she teamed it with her favourite "pink Himalayan salt" inspired print. Yes, she even got the salt-speckled effect right. (Salt Bae, watch out for Salford!) A huge nod for finding a tutu to make her personal food-inspired statement.
- A total surprise - who would have thought to make tutu go 'gothic', but my dear friend Claire went right ahead and made the boldest gothic tutu I’ve ever seen! (Her instagram pic of it has gone totally viral!) She's literally pulled off black, leather, chains, spiky platform boots, and then the contrast, of course, with this beautiful classic black tutu. The tulle, itself it's incredibly striking. The thing that totally wowed everyone - is she even matched her chain bracelets with the detail on the tutu.
Here in Salford, Tutu Tuesday is not just about a quirky dance-wear trend. It's a huge boost to our community. I totally get how it's become the biggest Tuesday event ever in our city! Every week, the ladies on Instagram make a mad dash to show off their own Tutu Tuesdays and let me tell you there is so much creative energy flying around! What's even more incredible is it's so much more than just wearing a tutu and a selfie.
Tutu Tuesdays are an opportunity for creative expression, a place for women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions to come together in a shared sense of individuality and beauty. (Yes, I love saying that, as a ballerina!) The trend transcends generations, the perfect excuse to dust off those tutus from childhood, repurpose your old costume pieces or to even create an awesomely fun outfit!
In the words of one local seamstress (who literally gets swamped with custom Tutu orders on Tutu Tuesdays, “It’s all about confidence. Women wear tutus because they feel good in them, because it brings out a playfulness that might have gotten hidden somewhere under years of societal pressure.” Honestly? This could not be truer! You know what? Just walking around in a Tutu makes me feel ready to take on anything - a great work day, a challenging rehearsal, even just an epic night on the town!
And there is, of course, the fact that Tutu Tuesdays bring the community together in Salford. Women share photos and stories, connect over their love for tutus, and maybe even inspire one another. In Salford's case, we have local business owners getting in on the action and that is huge for our creative community. One of my favourite Tutu Tuesday rituals? The street performers and their impromptu ballet classes for children on Tuesdays. I saw the cutest three-year-old rocking a lavender Tutu with a twirling pose that just blew me away!.
My Own Tutu Tuesdays - Where Elegance and Funk Meet.
So, you want to know my #tututuesday story? (Well, I told you I was a blogger too right?) Tutu Tuesdays were a way to explore fashion, not just as a dancer, but as an individual, who dared to embrace "fun" and push the boundaries of my "work attire". When I look at a tulle, I see something that transcends the studio or the stage, it has limitless potential for expressing a unique personal style. It can take a minimalist look, add a splash of colour to an everyday outfit, or completely elevate your whole look.
It has been an absolutely phenomenal journey. My Instagram feed, (where I live document every #tututuesday) I have met other tutu-loving women from all over Salford and the UK. There is an unspoken energy among the tutu-wearers. It’s like the shared spirit of something so unique that connects you to others instantly. I was lucky enough to meet a fellow #tututuesday queen at one of the most incredible vegan bakeries in Salford. It's in this cosy, brightly decorated cafe - there are more vegan cakes than you can shake a stick at! (They are the best!). Her Tutu - she called it the "lemon drizzle" tutu and it was actually designed with little miniature edible flower accents, which is absolutely genius if you ask me.
Tutu Tuesday - A Future Bright With Tulle!I often find myself in a world of tights, leotards, and rehearsals - so to see my tutu transformed from stage wear to a symbol of creative expression, empowerment, and community? Well, it makes my ballerina heart happy! I see women in all their gorgeous and diverse uniqueness – taking their tutus beyond the dance world, making Tutu Tuesday not just a trend, but a powerful movement!
In a way, the tutu itself is like an everyday metaphor - like every person - each tulle comes with it’s own story, a little piece of magic that reflects how it makes you feel.
Salford has embraced the #tututuesday spirit, making it a week-long festival of fabulous, inspiring looks, and it’s something that will continue to flourish. So, next time you see a ballerina outside the dance studio in her Tutu – give her a nod. You may just discover that #tututuesday is more than just a fashion moment; it's an attitude, an expression of the powerful women we are all capable of being. You know what they say about ballerinas - they are fearless and full of grace.
Now, if you’ll excuse me - there's a custom made glitter tutu with my name on it!