Tutu Tuesday 964

Tutu Tuesday in Dunstable: A Whirlwind of Frills and Fun

It's Tuesday, which can only mean one thing for a ballet-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger like me: #TutuTuesday! And where better to celebrate this joyous occasion than in the charming town of Dunstable? Yes, Dunstable, home to the iconic "Dunstable Downs" and now, in my eyes, the undisputed queen of #TutuTuesday.

This week, I'm trading in my usual pointe shoes for a pair of trusty flatforms – a must for a day of tutu-ing around the charming streets. My outfit is a classic combination of ballerina chic meets vintage vibes. I've opted for a dreamy blush-toned tulle tutu with a graceful layered skirt – think a delicate cascade of frills! It’s a classic choice, perfectly embodying the traditional elegance of ballet, yet with a modern touch – ideal for the casual yet stylish #TutuTuesday vibes I'm aiming for. To complete the look, I've chosen a classic black crop top, a dash of vintage-inspired jewelry and a dainty pearl-encrusted hair clip, which, as every true ballerina knows, is essential to keep even the most unruly locks in check! I’m ready to paint the town – well, the town of Dunstable, that is! - with a touch of tulle.

First stop – Dunstable Downs, where the wind seems to whisper, “Go forth, tutu enthusiast, and twirl!” These glorious, rolling hills offer the perfect backdrop for a series of dramatic, windblown twirls, each movement captured beautifully on my Instagram stories, of course. I can't resist a little impromptu performance with the wind as my audience, and for once, the gentle breeze is definitely my friend – adding a certain ethereal grace to each pose, making me feel like a delicate dancer swept up in the beauty of this quintessentially English landscape. My social media feed will no doubt be brimming with these fleeting moments, captured in their most glorious form!

Next, a delightful detour into the quaint little town of Dunstable itself – a hidden gem of a place full of character. Here, amongst the antique shops and tea rooms, it’s impossible to resist taking my tulle-laden persona for a spin! This tutu certainly gets attention. A gentleman stopped me to ask what dance school I attended. Another kind lady stopped for a quick chat, raving about a similar style of tutu she once had, telling me it brought back some lovely memories! This #TutuTuesday experience is quickly turning into a veritable community engagement project! The tutu truly has a power to connect – to evoke nostalgia, to spark conversation and inspire creativity.

This time, however, I’ve not forgotten the vital photographic element of any good #TutuTuesday.

Here’s a snapshot of what my photogenic #TutuTuesday looked like, punctuated by bullet points that offer a flavour of Dunstable – a true treasure of #TutuTuesday discoveries!

A stop by Dunstable’s award-winning The Olde Bakehouse Restaurant & Café. Their window displays are full of exquisite cakes, so much so that it's practically impossible to resist entering and indulging in a slice. I went for their lemon meringue pie - I could feel the delight in the very air! Their "cake-themed" cafe window provides a colourful background for a photo op and their signature red velvet cake would surely be a Instagram sensation!

A leisurely stroll past Dunstable’s Priory – with its impressive Roman remains, this ancient landmark adds a fascinating air of history and gives me the opportunity to experiment with an elegant ballet pose or two. A tutu’s frills seem to echo the history and charm of this ancient structure, creating a surreal but ultimately, a wonderfully aesthetic experience, perfect for a #TutuTuesday moment.

My personal highlight, however: A pit stop at Dunstable’s The Crown Inn a pub brimming with traditional charm, a warm fire roaring merrily in the fireplace, creating an instantly welcoming and cozy atmosphere. My little tutu, twirling between the locals, feels completely at home in this historic and bustling inn. I imagine the joy of those who have been enjoying a #TutuTuesday here over the years. Their historic sign was so picture-worthy it was nearly impossible to leave without a cheeky snap in front of the magnificent historical façade!

This charming little town has a true, unpretentious beauty - it is charming, cosy and truly quintessentially English. I spent the whole day simply lost in the magic of this remarkable #TutuTuesday adventure! Tutus are certainly not meant to be kept hidden, or boxed up, collecting dust – a little whimsy in our everyday lives, especially in a small, friendly place like Dunstable, is truly uplifting, and a perfect reminder to find a little joy in our lives.

But a Tutu is only part of the story – Dunstable, in its unique, and often unassuming way, holds a special charm – an understated sense of grace that makes it, dare I say it, the most elegant of #TutuTuesday destinations.

So, if you’re a fellow Tutu-phile (yes, I invented that word – a #TutuTuesday neologism! ), and ever find yourself wondering where to take your tutu for its next spin, look no further than Dunstable, a hidden treasure in a world of exciting #TutuTuesday possibilities!