Romford: Where the tutu dreams are made
Itâs #tututuesday, and my Instagram feed is on fire with ballerinas from all over the world showing off their fabulous tutus. This Tuesday, however, Iâm not showcasing my dance skills; Iâm showcasing the hottest tutu trends in Romford, the unlikely home to a thriving ballet scene.
I must confess: Romford wasnât the first place that came to mind when thinking about ballet fashion. But on a recent visit, I stumbled upon a hidden gem: a tiny dance shop called âTwirl and Turnâ. Nestled amongst bargain shops and mobile phone retailers, this store offered a treasure trove of tulle, satin, and the perfect shade of blush pink.
As I stepped through the door, my eyes widened. Row upon row of classic tutus â from the traditional âRomanticâ with its flowing, gathered layers of tulle, to the more contemporary âClassicalâ, a streamlined silhouette that allows for effortless leaps â beckoned me to try them on. My inner child squealed with delight!
But the shop wasnât just about the classics. There were modern and avant-garde pieces: deconstructed tutus with layers of sheer fabric that defied gravity, and those featuring asymmetric cuts that pushed the boundaries of ballet fashion. I saw tutus crafted from leather, feathers, and even a touch of velvet for a bit of vintage glam.
The owner, a woman named Mrs. Smith, had a passion for ballet that lit up the room. Her knowledge about the history of the tutu and its evolution was astounding. Itâs clear she understood that a tutu is more than just a garment; it's a statement, a piece of art, and an expression of self.
She proudly showed me her collection of handcrafted tutus, made with the finest materials, using age-old techniques passed down from generations. "These are made to last," she said, "to inspire generations of ballerinas to come."
For this #tututuesday post, I had to capture a bit of the magic of Romfordâs dance scene. Mrs. Smith agreed to let me use her shop as my backdrop for a little photo shoot. I decided to try on a few of her most stunning tutus and I got to showcase what each tutu represented in its design.
- For my first look, I went with a timeless white Romantic tutu with multiple layers of delicate tulle. Its airy softness embodied the classic ballet tradition.
- My second look embraced the more contemporary style. The âContemporary Black Tutu" â a fitted bodice and a single, flowing layer of black tulle. This tutu exuded strength and grace.
- I felt the need to get a little bit dramatic and fierce for my final look, and for that, the âFeathered Fantasia Tutu" took center stage. This show-stopping design featured a single layer of tulle that flowed elegantly as I pirouetted. But what made it truly magical was the explosion of delicate feathers adorning the bodice and cascading down the back.
We took photos outside of the shop too, posing in front of a vintage shop sign. And wouldn't you know it, a couple of local residents walked by, wearing colourful outfits. They were probably on their way to get a bite to eat, but I asked if they'd be part of my impromptu fashion shoot. Turns out, one of them used to take ballet lessons and, with the encouragement of her friends, agreed to show off her ballet moves, much to my surprise. She danced, while I took photos of her dressed in her modern-day "Tutu Ensemble", a simple yet chic pair of denim pants and a floral tutu-style top, creating a playful and modern vibe!
This unexpected experience highlighted something special about Romfordâs dance community. It doesn't just reside in a shop; it breathes life into everyday life, breaking through traditional stereotypes of where "ballet fashion" can be found.
We captured a sense of community, a playful sense of joy, and an undeniable âRomford flair". This town wasn't just a pitstop, but an unlikely haven for my tutu Tuesday. Romford's dance scene is a reminder that passion and art can flourish anywhere, and that tutus can bring unexpected bursts of magic.
Here's to more #tututuesdays and discovering the unexpected fashion treasures that await around the corner.