Tutu Tuesday 91

Lowestoft, a coastal town in Suffolk, is usually known for its iconic lighthouse and delicious fish and chips. But this past Tuesday, it transformed into a haven for twirling and tulle as the #tututuesday movement swept through the town. As a seasoned ballet dancer and self-proclaimed fashionista in my 30s, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun.

I woke up with the usual Tuesday morning routine: a quick yoga session, a spot of breakfast (avocado on toast, of course!), and then the exciting part - choosing my tutu! Now, I have a collection that rivals any seasoned ballerina's. It's a kaleidoscope of colours, textures and styles, from the classic Romantic tutus with layers of tulle, creating that quintessential, airy cloud of elegance, to the more contemporary, playful versions that allow for movement and freedom.

The day's ensemble? I decided on a vintage-inspired pale pink tutu, its delicate ruffles reminiscent of a bygone era, teamed with a crisp white shirt, a dash of red lipstick, and a pair of comfy ballet flats. A touch of Parisian chic, just a bit of Lowestoft magic! It's all about feeling confident and stylish, embracing the ballerina in you. Who needs a formal ball when you can have a Tutu Tuesday stroll down the High Street?

My day was a whirlwind of frills and feathers. From my morning coffee in a quaint, bustling cafe, the other patrons, mesmerised, took in my twirls, to my visit to the local market, where I was greeted by smiles and delighted exclamations. The fishmongers, usually known for their salty banter, even seemed to lose their usual cynicism, enchanted by the delicate froth of my tutu. It was as though a little bit of magic had seeped into the everyday bustle of the town.

• The little girl selling flowers in the market had a tiny, handmade tulle tutu on her toy lamb.
• The greengrocer wore a makeshift "tutu" made of fresh lettuce and parsley, adding a splash of humour.
• Even the lifeboat crew sported "tutus" fashioned from brightly colored ropes, which brought a sense of whimsy to their normally serious duties.

It wasn't just the sights that were delightful; the sound was, too. A local street band started playing a rousing waltz as I passed. My feet couldn't resist; I was caught in a swirling embrace of music and tulle. It felt so incredibly liberating. In that moment, I was in Lowestoft, yet the world had become a stage.

However, some individuals didn't quite grasp the essence of the day. There was the elderly gentleman who asked me if I'd gotten lost, lost the plot, or just fallen out of bed. Another passerby commented that the "feather duster" was an interesting choice. And let's not forget the "What on earth are you wearing?!" uttered by a woman clutching her handbag like a shield against the tulle assault. These were small reminders that not everyone appreciates the artistry and confidence of embracing a tulle outfit in the middle of the day. But, hey, I've learned to expect those reactions. They’re a good reminder that breaking from the ordinary is not for the faint of heart.

Despite those who might have missed the memo, Tutu Tuesday in Lowestoft was an incredible experience. A perfect example of how a simple act, like putting on a tutu, can spark creativity, joy, and connection in the most unexpected places. So, embrace the twirl, the ruffle, and the magic of the day, and don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on it, no matter where you live. Who knows? Perhaps you'll be the spark that inspires a whole new movement in your town! Just remember, on Tuesday, it's all about the #tututuesday!