Tutu Tuesday in Lancaster
It's #TutuTuesday and I'm practically vibrating with excitement! This town's a bit sleepy on the fashion scene, but when it comes to tutus, Lancaster's actually a hidden gem. The streets are abuzz with excitement as every ballet fan (and anyone who's ever had a secret desire to twirl in a sparkly masterpiece) dons their tutus and hits the pavement. Now, I’ve been lucky enough to dance in a range of tutus over the years, from the classic romantic, single layer designs of the romantic period to the modern, structured creations you'd see in more contemporary works. So let me tell you, there’s a tutu for everyone!
I spotted some beauties out there today! A shimmering gold tutu, clearly designed for a dazzling performance. Then there was the powder blue romantic, the soft fabric and gentle ruffles speaking of a dreamlike elegance. And let's not forget the ever-popular classic tutus with their crisp, clean lines and perfect form – there was one in scarlet that literally stopped me in my tracks.
Speaking of classic styles, for this Tuesday, I went for the traditional, iconic tutu, just the kind of dance wear that evokes feelings of grace, artistry, and elegance. I've worn variations on it on stage countless times, but it’s still so beautiful to me! A little history lesson – did you know that this style actually has roots in the romantic ballet period? Imagine Marie Taglioni twirling onstage with the light fabric rippling and catching the light - absolutely stunning!
It's not just the design that matters though – a little creativity with a classic piece goes a long way. A crisp white tulle tutu, the kind I always felt most confident wearing during performances, can become a stunning ensemble when paired with some chic statement jewelry. I was going for a vintage vibe so opted for a pair of diamond-shaped earrings and a gorgeous pearl necklace. That said, I think a vintage silver broach or chunky gold rings would also have complemented my look just as well.
My little brother, Jack, was even more adventurous than me – he decided to experiment with colour and fabric! A layered tutu made from velvet and a vibrant crimson tulle topped with a bold and dramatic red feathered hat. His confidence reminded me why Tutu Tuesday is so awesome. It’s all about expressing your personal style, about feeling playful and joyful, about finding a way to feel fabulous and a little bit daring.
One of my favourite shops, *'Lily and Lace'*, right near the cathedral, has the most beautiful display of tutus. You have to go! They even offer classes where you can learn how to make your own creations. I definitely recommend heading over for a peek if you are even a little bit interested in the world of dance wear or fashion. I’m planning on joining their next workshop – I might try a DIY approach for the upcoming spring performance at the theatre! There’s just something magical about designing and constructing a piece from scratch – that process brings your vision to life.
For this #TutuTuesday I had lunch at *'The Pink Pelican'* café – a must for every Tutu Tuesday visit! They have the cutest vintage china teacups and offer a wonderful afternoon tea experience. What’s more, the café boasts an incredibly generous spread of delicious homemade cakes – they go great with a tutu! They've also made a tradition of hosting a ‘Tutu Competition’ every Tuesday! You can wear your tutu to enjoy your cake and get a chance to win prizes.
There are so many cool events on offer today and across the town you can catch dancers at *'The Lancaster Ballet School'*, showcasing an array of performances inspired by all sorts of themes - it's simply fantastic! My favourite so far, was a contemporary piece inspired by the architecture of Lancaster, they brought so much dynamism to the routine - the entire theatre was filled with the sheer joy of the dance.
Let's face it, what’s not to love about Tutu Tuesday! It's a reminder that even when life gets hectic, there’s always room to embrace your playful side. No matter your age or fashion style, donning a tutu makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. So come join me – dust off those fluffy skirts and let's celebrate Tutu Tuesday in Lancaster!
**Why not embrace a Tutu Tuesday this week? Share your styles! Use #tututuesday to join in the conversation!**
To recap, the amazingness of today's Tutu Tuesday includes:
- Seeing tutus in all colours, shapes and sizes - there is a tutu for every style!
- Discovering hidden treasures in independent shops!
- Celebrating local talent at the ballet school!
- Feeling joyful and confident with every twirl!
Happy #Tututuesday! Go get yourself a tutu and share the joy!