Tutu Tuesday 8247

Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday: A Day of Twirls and Tea Okay, darlings, let’s talk tulle. Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday is officially in full swing and I’m buzzing. As a self-proclaimed tulle enthusiast, this annual celebration has my heart skipping a beat – or maybe that’s just the sugar from all the scones I’ve had today! So, if you're not already in the know, Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday is a vibrant and colourful extravaganza dedicated to the love of tutus. Think tea parties, craft workshops, and even a dazzling street parade where everyone dons their most fabulous tutus. It's truly a day where everyone, from toddlers to grandmas, is encouraged to embrace their inner ballerina. #tututuesday Why Coulsdon? This quaint town in Surrey might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a tutu-centric event, but believe me, this town has truly earned its tulle-wearing crown. I’ve been attending Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday since I was a wee dancer, and every year I'm more and more impressed with the sheer dedication and creativity of this event. **The Origins of Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday** The idea for Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday blossomed from a small group of passionate local mums. They noticed that children in Coulsdon were losing touch with traditional play and craft, opting for screens over real-world interaction. Their mission was to reignite a sense of imagination, wonder, and just plain old fun! In 2015, the first Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday kicked off with a simple tea party, with some lovely mums in homemade tutus. Fast forward to today, and the event has grown exponentially, drawing thousands of people to this charming town. I love how the community embraces every element, from the elaborate handmade tutus (made from repurposed materials - that's something close to my heart) to the themed “tea time with ballerinas” activities. **A Tutu For Every Occasion** Speaking of tutus, the diversity of designs this year has been truly mind-blowing. I’m delighted to report there’s a tutu style to flatter every fashionista’s preferences. There are classic pouter tutus with all the frills you’d expect from a ballerina’s wardrobe, to ethereal romantic tutus – think sheer tulle and a hint of Victorian influence - to funky upcycled tutus - these often use found objects or scraps of fabric to create something uniquely special. The best part? It’s all about embracing creativity. If you feel it, make it! Here are some highlights from my Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday observations, inspired by the delightful display of tutu designs I’ve been lucky enough to witness: * **The Classic Pointed-Toe Tutu**: A timeless style that always delivers. I saw a delightful little one wearing a fluffy, peach-colored pouter tutu. Perfect for pirouettes, and with just the right amount of tulle for a touch of classic grace. * **The Romantic Swirling Tutu:** This elegant style speaks volumes, evoking an air of ethereal beauty with layers of soft tulle that twirl and sway like clouds. My favorite example was a young girl in a misty blue romantic tutu - she was practically floating through the afternoon tea party! * **The Boldly Creative Tutu:** These creations take traditional designs and amp them up to a whole new level! My top pick was a young girl sporting a patchwork tutu that used recycled scraps from her grandma's dress collection. There was velvet, floral print, lace, silk…it was truly spectacular. A masterclass in giving upcycled fashion a glamorous spin. **It’s All About Community** The real highlight of Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday isn't just the tutus themselves. It's the shared experience that creates a strong community vibe. You can sense it everywhere you look: children laughing together in the face-painting area, families enjoying tea and cake at a vintage china table that makes you feel like you're transported back to a Jane Austen novel, or locals showing off their best tutu-wearing poses in the local park. I've even seen grandparents rocking a tutu with the best of them. **From My Ballerina Perspective** As a professional ballerina, I often travel for shows, and while I love experiencing different cultures and meeting new people, it’s great to be home in Coulsdon for a day like Tutu Tuesday. I particularly appreciate the way the town really embodies the spirit of inclusivity – everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in, regardless of their dancing abilities (or lack thereof!). And to be honest, the tutus are pretty darn cute even without the actual dancing bit, if you know what I mean. Looking Forward The buzz around Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday grows stronger each year. There are so many fun tutu-related activities – it's hard to pick favorites, but here are my personal highlights: * **The Tutu Making Workshop:** It's a truly amazing sight to see young ones creating their own masterpieces - think of a whole new generation of tutu designers! The kids really get involved, picking fabrics, sewing and decorating their creations, and I always pick up tips and tricks to apply to my own design work. * **The Street Parade:** This is a must-see event! Everyone from babies to great-grandparents line the streets to witness the vibrant parade of people in tutus of all styles, shapes, and sizes! There’s music, laughter, and lots of creative expression. It truly is a sight to behold! The Tutu Code** A reminder to those new to the magic of Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday – you must be prepared for a splash of pink, a dash of glitter, and a whole lot of fun! The unwritten rule here is: the more tulle, the merrier! And believe me, you’re sure to leave this day with a skip in your step, a heart full of joy, and a whole new appreciation for the power of the tutu. I, for one, am already looking forward to next year’s Coulsdon Tutu Tuesday! So join the fun, ladies, gents, and all tutu-lovers - the town of Coulsdon is awaiting! **#tututuesday**