Tutu Tuesday in Ilkeston: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition
So, itâs Tuesday, and you know what that means! #tututuesday is upon us. But, letâs be real, when it comes to tutus, every day can be #tututuesday in my world.
As a professional ballerina, Iâve always been fascinated by the history and evolution of the tutu. From the airy, ethereal Romantic tutu that graced the stages of the 19th century to the structured, precisely sculpted tutu of classical ballet, each style reflects a unique aesthetic and the story it seeks to tell. And of course, we can't forget about the contemporary styles, defying traditional silhouettes and embracing innovative materials and design. Each time I slip into a tutu, it's like wearing a costume of pure movement and magic. But enough about tutus in general. Today's post is all about Tutu Tuesday in Ilkeston, a little town with a surprisingly big love for the world of ballet.
My Tutu Tuesday adventure started with a visit to the charming Ilkeston Library. Nestled on the High Street, this grand Victorian building boasts an impressive collection of literature and historical artifacts. But for me, the real highlight was their little-known gem â a trove of vintage ballet memorabilia tucked away in a quiet corner of the basement. There I found myself surrounded by antique ballet shoes, photographs of local ballerinas, and even some original scores from famous ballet performances! It was a true treat for my inner ballet nerd.
Stepping out into the sunny Ilkeston square, I was immediately struck by the vibrancy of this bustling market town. Locals and visitors alike mingled amidst the colourful stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and artisanal treats. The lively atmosphere, a symphony of chatter and laughter, was the perfect backdrop for my Tutu Tuesday exploration.
My Ilkeston Tutu Tuesday: Adventures in Dance and Fashion
My first stop was a vintage boutique called "The Retro Room," a treasure trove of retro finds and fashion gems. As soon as I stepped inside, my eyes were met with a kaleidoscope of colours, fabrics, and patterns, each piece whispering stories of bygone eras. It's a haven for the fashionista with an eye for the unique, where you can find everything from elegant cocktail dresses and quirky vintage skirts to the ultimate 1950s-style poodle skirts (I mean, every tutu needs the perfect skirt companion, right?). And the prices were a steal!
After digging through the racks, I decided to switch things up. It wouldnât be Tutu Tuesday without actually dancing, so I decided to head over to Ilkeston's dance studio, "The Ballet Barn." This quirky little space, nestled just off the main square, retains that special charm of community studios everywhere. The owner, an incredibly welcoming woman named Lily, gave me a tour, pointing out a gorgeous assortment of vintage dance posters, including some rare Russian propaganda posters that transported me to another time. The place oozed nostalgia, its walls seemingly filled with the whispers of a million pirouettes and tendues.
Even though the Ballet Barn's official classes were all full (tutu lovers everywhere, I guess!), Lily very generously let me practice in one of their empty studios. My ballet heart rejoiced! To have an entire room to myself to practice, and even play around a little in my favorite tutu, the full-length, classically romantic white tutu, a real swirling explosion of tulle. I practiced, stretching, perfecting my pirouettes, even allowing myself to daydream and imagine the elegant grace of prima ballerinas, all the while savouring the special atmosphere of this little ballet sanctuary.
Next on my itinerary, I planned on trying out the newly opened "The Flourishing Plate," a charming café boasting delicious artisanal baked goods and handcrafted coffee. With the scent of freshly baked bread wafting in the air, it felt like the ideal place for afternoon tea, perfect for my afternoon ballet bliss!
And talk about tutu bliss! As I walked in, the cafe's delightful ambiance made it even better: vintage wallpaper, antique furniture, and soft lighting - it was like stepping into a cozy book or a 1950s diner with an elegant touch. They even had a little bookshelf filled with ballet novels and coffee table books. I even spotted an art deco sculpture that seemed to embody the elegance of a dancerâs movement! The flourishes and details in every corner seemed perfectly attuned to a ballet fan.
And, of course, no #tututuesday adventure could end without a little bit of indulgence. So, I had to sample their delicious cupcakes. But what I particularly enjoyed was the owner, Emma, who is also a ballerina, but she takes a unique approach: She incorporates her ballet moves and ballet inspired art into her decorating, creating beautiful flourishes on cakes and delicate, artistic designs on pastries. She also teaches a monthly âCupcake Choreographyâ workshop for adults. (You know where to find me next month! This workshop might be the perfect chance for tutu fashionistas everywhere to enjoy ballet and cake.)
Ilkeston's Ballet Legacy: A History of Grace and Artistic Expression
Ilkestonâs deep connection with the world of ballet surprised me. It turns out that Ilkeston's history is filled with ballet gems. There's the magnificent Art Deco theatre, built in 1930, the New Victoria, that still hosts a variety of performing arts including ballet performances, plays and musicals.
Then, there's Ilkestonâs connection to a true ballet icon, the famous Margot Fonteyn. She studied and performed at the Nottingham Royal Ballet school which, you guessed it, was also known as Ilkeston's Royal Ballet.
Embracing the Spirit of Ballet: Fashion, Creativity, and Connection
Tutu Tuesday in Ilkeston turned out to be a whirlwind of fun and discovery. It showed me that the spirit of ballet - that blend of grace, elegance, and creativity - can be found in the most unexpected places. But even more importantly, it confirmed that ballet transcends the stage. Balletâs allure doesnât simply live in the beauty of performance or the artistic precision of its technical mastery - itâs about how its energy touches the lives of so many people. Itâs in the little details of our lives, in a shopâs elegant dĂ©cor, in the grace with which a local cafe owner serves you coffee, or in the simple joy of taking the stage with your community studio classmates.
It also made me realise that #tututuesday isnât about the actual tutu, but about how it inspires us. It's a reminder to be confident and expressive, to twirl through life with a touch of grace and style. And thatâs a lesson that resonates beyond the dance studio or even a vintage shop in Ilkeston.
So, next time you think about a tutu, remember it's about embracing the spirit of art and its power to inspire and enchant! #tututuesday