Tutu Tuesday 87

Tutu Tuesday in East Kilbride: A Day of Whimsy and Whirl So, here I am, fresh off the dance floor, tutu twirling in my favourite café in East Kilbride. It’s Tutu Tuesday, you see, a weekly tradition I've started in honour of my beloved ballet, and my love for a good twirl, but that’s not all, it’s also my new fashion column for The East Kilbride Gazette! I know, right? It’s pretty exciting stuff! First things first, let’s address the tutu. Mine, a vibrant fuchsia confection, is what we call a "practice tutu," made with soft tulle, light as a feather. It's perfect for moving in. For today’s special occasion, I paired it with a chic, blush-coloured sweater (always wear layers, girls!) and sleek ballet flats. Let’s be honest, we dancers are all about practical elegance, am I right? Now, I want you to understand that Tutu Tuesday isn't about the grandeur of a performance tutu - with its elaborate layers of stiff netting, decorated with beads and feathers (though we all dream of those, don't we?). This day is about celebrating the beauty of dance, no matter how big or small, in your own way. Whether you're a seasoned ballerina like myself, a weekend warrior in your local dance class, or just someone who loves to move their body freely, there’s a little bit of tutu in all of us! But wait, there's more! It's not just about the tutu, it's about the community! I was delighted to see my friend, Clara, in a striking, deep purple tutu with a matching leotard. Clara is a total pro, a seasoned dancer who performs all over the world, but today, she was just like me, ready for some tutu-inspired fun! We took over a whole table at our local café, attracting all sorts of intrigued stares, and I dare say a couple of surprised but mostly amused smiles. The staff were super nice too, letting us get away with all the pirouettes, and even indulging us by ordering us pink sparkling water to keep the twirling spirits high. Clara and I discussed tutu history - did you know tutus weren’t always so billowy and elegant? The first versions, born in the 1800s, were tight and restrictive, designed to give dancers freedom of movement and accentuate their every gesture. As ballet developed, so did the tutu, transforming from simple knee-length skirts to those voluminous masterpieces we all know and adore today. From the classic, short tutu, the ‘romantic’ tutu, and the ‘tutu à la hongroise’, all with different layers, different cuts and fabrics, to even the less common ‘tutu longue’ worn with ballet shoes! And of course, we couldn’t ignore the many iconic stage productions and movies featuring the most breathtaking and inspiring tutus. There was *Black Swan*, with its darker, more contemporary vision of the tutu, *The Nutcracker* with its dazzlingly colorful interpretations and *The Sleeping Beauty’* where the grand classical tulle reigns supreme. Oh, and let's not forget the whimsical ballet tutu of *Alice in Wonderland* - pure magical childhood nostalgia! But it's not all just about classical ballet. Contemporary dance also offers a whole spectrum of tutu interpretations! We looked at images of amazing artists like Merce Cunningham, whose works frequently incorporated tutus but were less about the traditional and more about defying gravity and showcasing incredible movements. The tutu was an accessory, a powerful tool of movement. Then, of course, we couldn’t skip the one and only Martha Graham who is famous for her iconic ‘straight-leg’ modern dance that also had a strong influence on the modern ballet world. I think we were even louder when discussing our favourite tutu looks from iconic stars. I mean, let's face it, who hasn’t gasped at the sight of Margot Fonteyn dancing *Giselle*? And the grace and athleticism of Misty Copeland in *Swan Lake*? And oh, that infamous silver tutu worn by Diana Vishneva in the ballet ‘The Flames of Paris’! She just oozes power and passion in that one! There’s just something about a tutu, something about how it transforms our bodies and adds a touch of magic to any situation. And, honestly, a little magic goes a long way on a Tuesday. Even here in East Kilbride! We talked for ages. We twirled, we shared our dreams, and most importantly, we inspired each other to embrace the joy of dance and let our inner ballerinas shine through. After all, as dancers, we are always learning, growing, and pushing ourselves to achieve greater things. And it’s days like this, in a cozy little cafe in East Kilbride, surrounded by like-minded spirits that we are reminded of why we love to dance, why we dedicate our lives to this beautiful art form. As we prepare for the next week, I urge you to consider joining the movement. Try your own #TutuTuesday, take some twirls in your local park, in your office (if the dress code allows!), and embrace the sheer joy of this versatile little piece of fabric that symbolizes freedom and self-expression. After all, life is a ballet, and we’re all dancers in our own right. Here’s to embracing the twirling magic of life, one Tutu Tuesday at a time! #tututuesday #EastKilbride