Tutu Tuesday in Blyth: A Whirlwind of Fashion and Fun
Okay, fashionistas, let's talk about Blyth. Not the sleepy seaside town you might picture, but a place that's secretly a haven for dance enthusiasts like myself. Yes, I said it. The north-east of England is now a hotbed for tutu trends, and where else to celebrate this newfound appreciation than with a good old #tututuesday?
This week's mission: to find the best tutu for a Blyth dance class. Forget those boring, traditional ones you find in every shop. We're after something that reflects Blyth's grit, its beauty, its unique, and perhaps slightly bonkers, energy. We're talking tutus with personality, with a touch of sparkle and an echo of the North Sea breeze. Think fishnet and tulle, a touch of tartan, a hint of nautical blue, maybe even a tiny seaside lighthouse applique just to add a bit of fun. It's all about expressing yourself and having fun, after all.
So, armed with a backpack full of tutu options and a smile brighter than a newly polished tap shoe, I hit the Blyth streets. I’m no fashionista, just a dancer who’s in love with the magic that a good tutu can bring. And, boy, did Blyth not disappoint.
From Fishnets to Fireworks: A Fashion Journey
- First stop, a quaint little independent boutique tucked away on a back street, its name emblazoned with a whimsical 'Tutus & Twirls.' It's full of unexpected gems! Vintage tutus with an amazing backstory, and brand new ones with a punk-rock attitude, the sort of tulle that would have Vivienne Westwood dancing in the street. Here's where I snagged my absolute favourite – a short, fluffy number in black net. Think fishnets crossed with ballerina, just the thing for a good plié session and a chance to embrace a slightly edgy style.
- Then, onto the town's 'emporium of all things pretty' as I like to call it. Not its real name, of course. It's one of those treasure-troves packed to the ceiling with sparkly things. They do everything – dresses, hats, and yes, a selection of tutus. Now, they might not be your traditional, classic 'ballet-school' styles, but that's precisely what makes them fun! I'm talking a 'mermaid tutu' (complete with a shimmering blue sequined tail), a 'fairy garden tutu' that would make a princess jealous (think lavender petals and a butterfly print) and one with bright neon stripes. All completely perfect for Blyth's #tututuesday vibes.
- Finally, my mission took me to a charity shop that never fails to deliver something special. They had a section labelled 'costume' and yes, you guessed it, some truly spectacular tutus were nestled within, awaiting a second chance to shine. Think traditional pink, the kind your grandma might have danced in, with the beautiful fabric and intricate embellishments that never go out of style. My inner ballet teacher went 'ooooh' the minute I saw them, and I know these ones are destined to be transformed into something magical – just you wait and see.
Beyond the Tutu: Blyth's Got Rhythm
Tutus, of course, were the highlight of this fashion-focused quest. But the truth is, the whole day just felt… magical. From the local independent dance studios buzzing with laughter, to the coffee shops adorned with colourful ballet shoes (real ones, folks!), to the seagulls dancing along the harbour with a sense of joyous freedom. It’s a place where creativity takes centre stage, where dance isn’t confined to a formal setting but seeps into every corner, into the rhythm of everyday life. It’s infectious!
Blyth isn't a place that gets a lot of press, but on a #tututuesday, it’s brimming with energy, a testament to the joy that ballet and its expressive styles bring to life. As I boarded the train home, still giddy with excitement, I realised that maybe, just maybe, it's not just the tutus that are getting all the attention in Blyth, it’s the heart and soul that lie beneath each twirl, each pirouette, each heartfelt expression of movement. The spirit of dance in this unassuming little town is alive, and it's just getting started. And for that, I say, #tututuesday has won my heart.