Tutu Tuesday 8077

Tutu Tuesday in Brixton: A whirl of tulle and sequins in the heart of South London

Tutu Tuesday in Brixton. It's a thing, you know? Not that it's a *formal* thing - there’s no organising committee, no application process, just a bunch of fabulous humans embracing their inner ballerina and turning the streets of Brixton into a playground for twirling.

It all started, I think, as a hashtag, born from a joke in a chat group between friends who share a passion for dance. Like all good jokes, it spread like wildfire, morphing from a bit of playful banter to an actual thing people do. I have a friend, a gloriously bold dancer, who wears a tutu practically everywhere, from her weekly coffee catch-up to the local grocery shop. Imagine, if you will, a full, flowing classical tutu – you know, the one with the tiers and tiers of tulle - bumping into the shelves at Sainsbury's. Epic.

But Tutu Tuesday is about so much more than just a fashion statement. It's a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and that sense of joy and liberation you feel when you really embrace the moment. You know how it is when you’re wearing something that makes you feel utterly fabulous? It’s an energy thing, a way of owning the room. The world seems to respond with smiles and positivity.

Last Tuesday, my tutu adventure took me to Brixton Village Market, a hive of buzzing energy. It’s such a vibrant, exciting space and it’s filled with creative, eclectic, individual, quirky souls – just like the dance community. It felt like the perfect setting for Tutu Tuesday, especially as I was going to visit my favourite little fabric shop. I picked out a couple of bright purple satin ribbons that are just calling out to be sewn onto my newest tutu, an airy little number with layers of soft, peach-coloured tulle. I can't wait to pair it with some shimmering pink eyeshadow for an absolutely stunning, theatrical look. (You have to see this! The eyeshadow! Seriously!)

But back to the market: I was wearing my trusty ‘everyday’ tutu that day. (You know, the one you can just chuck on, comfortable for everything, for grabbing coffee, running errands and going to the post office. If I'm honest, I find it surprisingly easy to fit in. Nobody seems to bat an eyelid at a woman in a tutu; they just give me a friendly smile, which makes my heart melt, because sometimes it feels like there’s this pressure on dancers to be ‘serious’ - don’t laugh, don’t joke. But then you put on your tutu and you suddenly realize, it’s all about joy, fun, and expressing yourself however you want. You go girl.

Now, you’ve probably guessed it already – it’s not just about the tutus themselves, although let’s face it, there are some incredible tutu choices on the scene. They’re literally a blank canvas for creativity. Just think: sequins, feather boas, glitter, ribbons, colourful leotards and bodices, sparkly tights - the possibilities are endless. It's like your very own miniature fashion show. And yes, #Tututuesday Brixton is definitely a fashion show, complete with the impromptu performance in front of the street musicians. (My first attempt at a spontaneous pirouette – what can I say, a work in progress!)

As I danced, there was a photographer with an old-fashioned camera and a huge lens shooting pictures for a blog on “everyday art”. I even overheard a guy say “Tutu Tuesday” when he passed by. I’m telling you – this is serious, a movement, a culture that embraces freedom of expression. A cultural experience in South London – who knew?

One of the things I love most about Tutu Tuesday, is that it’s really inclusive. Whether you're a seasoned pro like myself, or a complete beginner, everyone’s welcome. No matter your skill level, your dance style, or your fashion sense, you can get involved. It's a place where people can just let their hair down (and maybe even wear their hair in a bun!), and express themselves through dance.

I remember the day a mum popped into a Tutu Tuesday group. Her little girl, about 4, was wearing a pink princess costume (a bit like a ballet tutu) and was bouncing up and down. The other people there – students, office workers, shoppers, some guys even wearing a few sequins, all stopped what they were doing to join in, twirling and swaying with the girl. Then she grabbed her dad’s hand, pulled him into a little circle of tutu-clad friends and made him dance too! He didn’t know what he was doing at first but by the end, everyone was laughing. It was heartwarming and inspiring. There are photos, of course - all on Instagram under #Tututuesday

Some of the places I have seen #Tututuesday celebrated include:

• The Brixton Market – especially during "Saturday Upmarket", a fantastic opportunity for all of us to sell handmade clothes and vintage treasures
• The Ritzy Cinema – it's just the thing for a trip to the movies. Especially the ballet performances.
• The Brixton Academy - you can’t beat the buzz of being near the legendary venue where so many amazing musicians have performed
• The Queen’s Head pub – (who knew a pub in Brixton had its own secret Tutu Tuesday following?)

If you want to experience the energy of Tutu Tuesday for yourself - just look for people dressed up in tutus (usually more than a couple – it’s like an unspoken tutu rule that if one person wears a tutu, others will, like the whole crowd gets swept up). Then join in. No matter what kind of dance moves you’re planning to make, wear your fabulous tutu, get ready for some good vibes and lots of fun and I guarantee that you'll love every moment.

So what are you waiting for? Find your favorite tutu – maybe even create your own. Take your confidence to another level with a tutu, get ready for Tutu Tuesday and unleash your inner ballerina – or not. Honestly, no judgement – let’s have some fun!

See you on the streets! Don’t forget to post on social media and #Tututuesday in Brixton! We love to see what you’ve got!