Tutu Tuesday 896

Tutu Tuesday in Hornchurch: A Ballet-ific Adventure #tututuesday Okay, my darlings, buckle up because this week’s #tututuesday post is going to be a whirl! Let me tell you, it wasn't your usual Tuesday. Hornchurch, Essex, became the epicentre of tutu-loving goodness, and let me tell you, it was *divine*. It all started when I received a cheeky DM from a lovely lady named Amelia. Now, Amelia is not just any ordinary ballet fan. She's a bit of a tutu-ologist, you could say. I'd been following her Instagram account, @theTutuTreasures, for months. It's bursting with the most amazing tutus, from classic romantic tutus to edgy, modern designs – a real treat for the eyes, even for a veteran like me. Amelia had heard whispers of a secret Tutu Tuesday event happening at a little cafe in the heart of Hornchurch, a charming spot with a "vintage" vibe called The Buttercup Tea Room. Honestly, the place itself was practically a storybook setting with floral wallpaper, wicker furniture, and, of course, an endless supply of tea and cakes! Naturally, my inner ballet-loving self was dying to go. I’d even started planning my look - a soft, ballerina-pink tutu that twirled like a dream and a flowing, ethereal top. After all, what else does one wear on Tutu Tuesday? When I arrived, Amelia was already there, surrounded by a group of tutu-clad ladies, chatting and laughing over cups of steaming tea. You can tell these ladies know their tutus. We had the full range – traditional tulle tutus, a daringly modern layered skirt with a black and silver theme that would make a fashionista weep with joy, and a handful of graceful, bohemian designs that I, honestly, might even try and steal the inspiration for for my own #tututuesday creations. Why Tutu Tuesday? But here's the real deal about Tutu Tuesday in Hornchurch. It’s not just about twirling and looking fancy (though those are both major pluses!). It’s about celebrating the power and beauty of dance. Amelia had told me, and all the other attendees for that matter, that she started these monthly gatherings in Hornchurch after realizing how much she missed her ballet class days. It was all about connecting with other women who share her love for dance and fostering a community of supportive creatives. Honestly, it’s a heartwarming thought – dance, community and cake. What’s not to love! Amelia was, truly, an incredible host, bringing with her the spirit of “the grace of a ballerina meets the warmth of your grandma's baking”. Amelia also brought with her a massive stash of handmade tutus that she’d painstakingly put together from scrap fabric and discarded sewing materials. Not to be dramatic, but there were at least 50 designs! She told us the story of how her family’s basement was "a whirlwind of sewing, sequins, and tutus”. We had a riotously funny time sorting through fabric samples, getting to pick up some sewing skills, and trying on the tutus with her. It was kind of like having a personal couture session! There was also an afternoon dance session lead by a charming and passionate ballet instructor named Mrs. Thompson, a vibrant retired professional dancer who radiated energy and, well, a lot of love for the art of dance. Mrs. Thompson is clearly an amazing teacher – I found myself taking it all in: the detailed hand placement, the way she could create an airy grace and effortless lightness while executing those grand jetés and arabesques, the meticulous instructions – she had this aura that felt like “the secret to true ballet”. The hour flew by, the tutus swirled, the tea got sipped, and the cake devoured, all with laughter and smiles in the air. The beautiful ballet instructors lead us through a classic “Giselle” passage, with a delightful addition of a tutu twirling sequence with a bouncy pop tune to keep the spirits high. From Hornchurch to the World To finish off the day, I took my place right beside Amelia to do a Q&A with the gathered crowd. I was a little intimidated to be honest – Amelia was the Tutu Queen, while I felt like the "I’ve been at this for too long" veteran who could be seen as being slightly less than helpful. Thankfully, though, my concerns proved to be unfounded, the crowd of ladies showered both of us with warmth, asking lovely questions like “What inspired you to dance?”, "Do you have any secret Tutu Tuesday rituals", and “Is this what it feels like to join a dance community?". I loved the energy and honesty and how they wanted to explore this world of Tutu Tuesday! Amelia’s infectious energy clearly rubbed off on the whole group as they became so inspired that I truly believe it was contagious! In the end, #tututuesday was far more than just an afternoon event, and I honestly couldn’t be more delighted to have witnessed it. This lovely little gathering in the heart of Hornchurch brought together a group of women who love dance, and who shared an enchanting love for the ballet. It's proof that the world of dance is far more inclusive, vibrant, and full of creative life than you could possibly imagine. From Amelia’s “DIY Tutu Project” to Mrs. Thompson’s inspirational class and all the dancing and laughter, #tututuesday was all about bringing joy and expression. I have to admit – for the rest of the week, I couldn't stop thinking about Tutu Tuesday in Hornchurch! From the whimsical tea room and delicious cakes to the delightful tutus, dancing, and camaraderie - the event reminded me of why I love ballet so much, and why I’m obsessed with tutus! I don't know when the next Tutu Tuesday in Hornchurch will be. But if you ever find yourself in that corner of Essex, be sure to look out for the little Buttercup Tea Room, maybe you'll catch some tutus swirling, some ballet-loving smiles, and the contagious spirit of #tututuesday. I’m hoping to do another session in a few weeks – and for you out there reading this – if you see my new post on Insta with “ #tututuesday at The Buttercup Tea Room” you can bet your best tutu there’s an event coming your way! I've been dreaming of tutu twirling and, well, it's not a secret that tutus are my favorite – whether it's the romantically feminine classical tutu, the dramatic "Black Swan" look or the chic ballerina fashion statement. I honestly have a drawer filled with more tutus than I can fit – a dream closet to every tutu enthusiast, even if it's packed tight! You see, the joy is not in one specific type of tutu. It's the passion and creativity, the desire to express yourself that brings the magic of the ballet into life. And the truth is, there’s an abundance of tutu styles, from the short and fluffy, to the long and swishing, the sheer, the multi-layered tutu that looks as if it was plucked straight out of a Disney film, the simple pastel tutu with a graceful, elegant line - each one so inspiring in it’s own unique way! For #tututuesday – Make your own Tutu Inspiration So, my tutu-loving friends, #tututuesday is a call to action! Let's get creative and bring the ballet spirit into our lives. A “do-it-yourself-tutu” is truly not that hard - even if you've never done a stitch in your life! A few things that will work wonders in your tutu journey: * Get those creative juices flowing - what’s your tutu vibe? You're not limited to fluffy, pink tutus. Be bold. Experiment. Take a stroll to a fabric store, browse the shelves, see what inspires you. * Get your hands on tulle - it’s the star of the show when it comes to tutu designs. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get extra layers or scraps of different types at fabric stores or from sewing workshops. * Embrace the simplicity of a tutu design - think ribbons or sashes. I even saw some ladies rocking beautifully detailed and embellished headbands! * Unleash your inner crafter – think beading, applique, sequins, even a few carefully chosen pearls! All of this can turn your ordinary, basic tutu into a personal art piece. * Practice a couple of poses. Every ballerina loves a photo shoot and your DIY tutu deserves a moment in the spotlight. Remember – tutus can be worn any time you wish! It's a chance to express your love for the grace, beauty, and sheer magic of ballet. Whether you’re gracing the dance studio, strolling along the seaside, or just chilling at home, make every #tututuesday your personal moment. Because dancing is more than just a skill - it's an art. And that art has the power to bring a whole world of happiness.