Tutu Tuesday 8204

Tutu Tuesday in Rainham: A Ballet Dancer's Diary Oh my goodness, Rainham! You really do surprise me. Today I discovered something truly magical – a community that loves ballet just as much as I do. I know what you’re thinking: Rainham isn’t exactly known for its glitz and glam. It’s more about … well … rain, right? But today, amidst the drizzle, a dazzling rainbow of tutus took centre stage, transforming this quaint little town into a veritable haven for ballet enthusiasts. Let’s rewind to this morning. I was just about to embark on my usual Tuesday routine – coffee, breakfast, ballet class – when a little bluebird (that’s what my friend Lily calls herself, you know, with a little twinkle in her eye) tweeted me, “Hey darling! Fancy joining us for Tutu Tuesday at the Rainham Community Centre? It’s gonna be tutu-ly awesome.” I must admit, at first, I hesitated. Tutu Tuesday in Rainham? It sounded a bit too quirky, even for me. But the word ‘awesome’ and a picture of a heart wearing a tutu convinced me. My curiosity piqued, I packed my pointe shoes and headed to Rainham, ready for whatever this Tutu Tuesday adventure held in store. As I arrived at the Community Centre, my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. It wasn’t just a roomful of women wearing tutus, it was a kaleidoscope of them! Every imaginable shade, length and style, from the classic romantic tutu with layers upon layers of tulle, to the sassy, shorter tutu, perfect for those energetic pirouettes. There were even tutus for every body type - I spotted a fellow ballerina in a gorgeous burgundy tutu with an added sash that perfectly accentuated her curves. We’d come for a masterclass, not just any masterclass, a tutu-themed masterclass with none other than Madame Dubois. Now, you’re probably thinking “Madame Dubois? Who’s that?” Well, my friends, let me tell you, she’s a legend. Madame Dubois is a retired ballerina from the Royal Ballet, she’s one of those people who embodies grace and elegance, radiating an aura of sheer joy. Watching her warm up on the barre was a lesson in itself. Madame Dubois explained that Tutu Tuesday had actually been her brainchild. "I had the privilege of touring all over the world as a dancer," she told us, "and I realized something profound - it's not just about technique and steps, it’s about the community, the love, the laughter, and the joy we find in our passion. I just wanted to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to experience this joy. It’s a way to remind everyone, regardless of age or skill, that ballet is for everyone." With her warm words and infectious smile, Madame Dubois guided us through a beautiful series of movements. We practised our arabesques, chasséed across the floor, and worked on our pirouettes, each twirl bringing out the childlike excitement we’d all forgotten we possessed. We even tried a few tricks from her days at the Royal Ballet, which had us all giggling uncontrollably. There were giggles, there were near-misses, but most importantly, there was an unadulterated joy that shone from every participant. A little girl, probably around ten, stood out to me. Her tutu was a bright yellow, almost luminescent, and she had the biggest smile on her face, eyes shining with pure happiness as she tried to imitate Madame Dubois’ graceful movements. And it wasn’t just the students who were having a blast. Madame Dubois, though retired, still moved with an effortless beauty and vitality. She danced alongside us, sharing her knowledge and love for ballet with unbridled enthusiasm, radiating the energy that only true passion can ignite. Watching her, I couldn't help but think how amazing it was to have a professional like Madame Dubois come down to this tiny town and share her experience with everyone. I could feel my own passion rekindled, fueled by the spirit of camaraderie and love for dance that permeated the entire room. By the end of the session, I was convinced that Rainham deserved more than just drizzle and damp streets. It deserved a spotlight, and a good old-fashioned celebration of all things tutu! Here are some highlights: * **Tutu fashion parade:** It’s not just about how well you can execute a pirouette but also about the flair you bring to your outfit. We had tutus in every imaginable colour – fiery reds, sapphire blues, soft pinks. I spotted one young lady in a beautifully designed tutu that featured swirling silver sequins. And I just couldn’t resist snapping a picture with a gentleman who bravely opted for a navy tutu, a testament to the fact that Tutu Tuesday wasn’t just about gender norms but about expressing yourself freely. * **Ballet cake:** A delicate meringue cake topped with swirls of pink icing and dainty edible ballet shoes - the pièce de résistance of this fabulous Tutu Tuesday event. * **Ballet quiz:** There was a hilarious ballet trivia contest, filled with questions about famous ballet dancers, classic ballets and interesting ballet facts. The Rainham community has definitely embraced Tutu Tuesday as its very own. You know it’s a special event when you can see the smiles from across the room, the contagious joy, and the sense of belonging. This small town, with its cozy community centre, had created something truly extraordinary – a platform for sharing their love of ballet, building camaraderie and spreading positivity, all wrapped up in a beautiful and elegant tutu. If you find yourself in Rainham, make sure to mark your calendars for the next Tutu Tuesday. You don’t have to be a ballerina or a seasoned dancer to enjoy it; just be prepared for a whole lot of fun and, yes, a touch of tutu-tastic magic! And don't forget to join in on the conversation: #Tututuesday Tips for a Successful Tutu Tuesday Want to throw your own tutu-tastic celebration? Here are my top tips: * **Pick a theme:** There’s no better way to elevate your Tutu Tuesday celebration than with a theme. Think about your chosen theme: a favourite ballet, a style of tutu (perhaps romantic or classical), a specific colour or a time period. * **Decorate!:** Tutus, ribbons, ballet shoes, swirls of tulle – use any elements that scream "ballet." And don't forget a big banner or poster that proudly announces "It’s Tutu Tuesday." * **Go all out with music:** Play classical music, or choose songs that remind you of the ballet – think soaring notes and graceful movements. * **The perfect tutu:** It's all about choosing the perfect tutu to showcase your personality and make you feel amazing! Consider what flatters your body and lets you twirl with confidence. * **Food with a ballet flair:** Get creative! Think edible tutus made from meringue or icing swirls, tiny ballet shoes, a classic ballet cake. So why Rainham? Well, I’ve discovered that a little town can be the perfect place for a big idea – a place where community gathers to celebrate what they love with joy, enthusiasm, and a healthy dose of tutu-liciousness. This is why, my dear fellow ballet enthusiasts, I'm so happy to add "Tutu Tuesday in Rainham" to my balletic adventure list. Join me next month for another Tutu Tuesday, because in this community, every Tuesday is tutu-ly fabulous! Don’t forget to check out my blog and follow my social media to join me in all the fun! #Tututuesday #Rainham #BalletLover #TutuLove