Tutu Tuesday in York: A Dance Through History and Fashion Well, hello darlings! It’s your girl, Amelia here, bringing you another installment of Tutu Tuesday, and this time we’re headed to the charming city of York! If you haven’t been, York is like stepping straight out of a fairytale. With its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and charming cafes, it’s a total dream for a dancer and blogger like me! Today we’re diving into the city’s rich ballet heritage, discovering some stunning tutus, and of course, experiencing the wonderful #Tututuesday vibe that York has to offer. A Tutu History Lesson Now, let’s get down to the tutu-licious basics. Tutues, as you know, are the quintessential garment of the ballet world. And guess what? York has a real ballet pedigree. It’s been home to the York Theatre Royal, where dance performances have been taking place for over 250 years, as well as the Yorkshire Ballet Theatre for 60 years. That’s some serious history! Talking of history, you know those long, billowing romantic tutus you see in classics like Swan Lake? The first “tutu” in ballet history was actually quite different, imagine a knee-length, multilayered skirt worn during the 1830s. It’s pretty mind-blowing, right? It’s those romantic tutus though, those sweeping ones, that just whisper romance and passion. They are, without a doubt, my favourite type of tutu to wear, they are just so dramatic! Tutues of York Of course, our exploration wouldn’t be complete without finding some stunning tutus in York. Where did I go? To the Theatre Royal! This incredible theatre is practically bursting with theatrical history, and I just knew I had to hunt down some tutu-inspiration. There, tucked away in the archives, were the most beautiful collection of ballet costumes, including those incredible romantic tutus that we were talking about. Some of them, dating back over a century, were delicate lace and silk in beautiful soft tones, while others, from the mid-20th century, had bright colour accents. Just imagining dancers gliding across the stage in these magnificent tutus left me absolutely spellbound. I almost felt the urge to throw on my leotard and try one on. The power of ballet history! More Than Just Tutus Of course, Tutu Tuesday in York is more than just tutus. It’s also about embracing that wonderful ballet vibe. York has a fantastic arts and cultural scene – there are museums, galleries, and of course, a wealth of dance schools. Ballet classes are, if I’m being honest, practically an obsession, so the prospect of new classes filled me with a joyful pirouette! It’s the energy, the passion, the love for art and movement. And it all comes together under the magical #Tututuesday hashtag. Shopping for a Tutu? Now, some of you are probably thinking, "I want to find a tutu! I want to get in on the Tutu Tuesday action!” Well, I am with you all the way! Let me tell you, a good dancewear store is like a dream come true, but the right one, a truly unique one, is pretty rare, let’s be honest. Lucky for me, York is a treasure trove when it comes to shopping. There is a gem I have discovered which is quite simply heavenly. You see, just a short stroll from the Theatre Royal is this delightful boutique, I won’t say the name to not spoil the surprise. Anyway, it’s this truly special little shop full of everything a dancer needs. I am talking, naturally, tutus in every shape and size: Romantic, tulle, the classic knee-length – you name it! The owner told me that this little treasure trove has been serving the needs of York's dance community for decades! And I have to say, she knows her stuff! I came away with not one, but two tutus for my collection: one is a gorgeous white romantic with exquisite lace detailing for that elegant ballerina look, and a gorgeous burgundy tulle, just the thing to wear when I want a dramatic statement. My York Tutu Look And let's talk about my own Tutu Tuesday style in York. I’ve opted for a sleek, contemporary take on the tutu – a sophisticated and sleek tulle tutu, something chic with a little bit of an edgy vibe. With it, a black leotard with delicate cutouts, to accentuate the grace of the tutu, and just a hint of ballerina elegance. To finish the look, a fitted black blazer. You know how I love my blazers. Not only does it add a cool element, it adds another dimension to my outfit. I think, to capture the whole ballet theme, I’ll complete the look with a pair of graceful, pointed-toe ballet flats. Not too delicate – something with a bit of a platform to create that statement look I always go for. A dash of confidence to complement the ethereal grace of the tutu. Tutu Tuesday is Everywhere! Oh, but before we finish, let's talk about one of the best things about #Tututuesday – it's absolutely everywhere. We've already talked about York, its historical sites and stunning shops, but imagine celebrating Tutu Tuesday at one of York's lovely cafes with an artisan latte and a decadent cake. Perfection! York’s Minster, a stunning gothic masterpiece, is practically begging for a tutu selfie! Just picture it, a ballerina silhouette against that iconic gothic architecture. This city is just screaming #tututuesday and I want to get everyone on board! Until Next Time So there you have it, darlings, a glimpse into the world of #Tututuesday in York! And until next time, keep spinning those dreams, and remember, you can make any day Tutu Tuesday. If you’re thinking about joining the #tututuesday revolution – take a leap, explore, and remember – you never know what sartorial delights are waiting for you in your own city.