Caerphilly: Tutu Tuesday and the Tutus of the Town
#tututuesday has taken the world by storm, and frankly, itâs about time! But what better way to celebrate the beauty and grace of the tutu than with a proper #tututuesday adventure? This week, I set my sights on the historic town of Caerphilly, known for its iconic castle and vibrant local scene. It was a chance to escape the London hustle and delve into the captivating spirit of a true Welsh town, one step at a time. I even made it my mission to find some inspiring #tututuesday gems!
As a professional ballerina, I have an inherent obsession with all things tutu. Itâs not just the whimsical nature of it all, but the variety in their style, construction and the way they highlight a ballerina's artistry. They truly come in all shapes and sizes â from the airy, voluminous tulle of the classical tutu to the more fitted, dramatic styles popularized in modern ballet. There's a whole universe within the tutu that, much like my ballet, captivates me with endless possibility.
My journey began at the Caerphilly Farmersâ Market. What a lovely hub of local produce, artisanal crafts and friendly faces! The stalls were teeming with vibrant displays of local produce - fresh fruit, artisan breads, cheeses and more, and a distinct Welsh charm. I did feel somewhat out of place, though. That is until a stall holder stopped me in my tracks with a cheerful, âOoh, lovely dress, pet! Where did you get it from?â I explained the #tututuesday mission, and to my utter delight, I received a response that, "Ah, I love your style!" Now, if only that kind of reaction greeted me every time I wore a tutu. But back to Caerphillyâs charm⌠the market held a surprise treasure â an intricate, intricately hand-knitted knitted baby's tutu. Such a sweet little piece of art! My little sister has a penchant for all things adorable, and I already had visions of a delightful #tututuesday post.
After the market, I decided to venture out and explore the cobblestone streets and delve into Caerphillyâs history. As I ambled, the town began to whisper its stories, and I felt compelled to note its unique character. You have those vibrant local cafes bustling with warmth, and shops overflowing with personality. In this world, a tutu seemed fittingly at home. After all, with their ability to capture the eye and uplift spirits, they fit perfectly within the artistic character of the town.
As I weaved through the quaint streets, I saw some breathtaking views, the castle, it truly dominates the skyline with a majestic presence, casting an air of mystery and intrigue. The setting is quite magical. As a ballet dancer, I naturally gravitate towards anything whimsical and graceful and, on #tututuesday in particular, a twirl under the watch of the iconic Caerphilly Castle was not to be missed. It's a unique mix of ancient history, dramatic architecture and my signature ballet aesthetic. The locals seemed amused, and my twirl felt especially lovely within this quaint landscape.
Of course, my #tututuesday adventure in Caerphilly wasnât complete without exploring the local cultural scene. With ballet in my heart and tutu on my feet, the town offered more than a handful of local dance schools. My journey continued to Caerphilly Castle, with its sweeping staircases and grand chambers - what an amazing backdrop to ballet moves, my ballerina self simply had to add the #tututuesday touch to the beauty of Caerphilly Castle, and a majestic venue to celebrate the captivating art of ballet and tutus.
To round out the day, I chose to have dinner at the popular, "The Cottage Loaf". A local favorite and renowned for its friendly atmosphere and delicious Welsh food. I opted for a warm and welcoming steak and ale pie, a Welsh classic! My #tututuesday quest did not stop there though â after a delicious pie and a quick change back into a tutu, it was time for another photo-worthy backdrop! The Cottage Loaf's enchanting garden seemed the perfect setting to continue the celebration of this most wonderful day of the week. I felt that the vibrancy of the garden, its fresh green colors, the beautiful flowers were in perfect harmony with my sparkly pink tutu, a fitting culmination to a truly captivating day. I decided that in the spirit of Caerphilly, my last #tututuesday stop had to be at a place bursting with history and architectural splendor, the Caerphilly Library! This grand institution, overflowing with literary treasures and stories, held a captivating sense of history that, I felt, complemented my own #tututuesday mission. With a final twirl, and the magic of the library in the background, it was the perfect end to a memorable day.
As #tututuesday draws to a close in Caerphilly, it leaves me filled with joy and inspired by the magic of tutu appreciation and the captivating story of Caerphilly. Thereâs a magic about a tutu that canât be defined and perhaps, that's its most incredible element. It has a power to transport people, uplift the spirit and embrace creativity and it was that sense of adventure, creativity and possibility that permeated every corner of Caerphilly on this #tututuesday