Tutu Tuesday in Strood: A Dance Through the Streets

Hello, my fellow dance enthusiasts and fashionistas! It’s your girl, Clara, back with another #tututuesday post. This week, we’re stepping out of the studio and into the heart of Strood, Kent, for a day dedicated to the glorious tutu. Yes, you read that right! We’re bringing ballet fashion to the streets, embracing the twirl-worthy life in all its glory.

Now, Strood might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ballet, but hold on a second! This small town has a hidden heart of creativity just waiting to be discovered. And let me tell you, Strood embraced #tututuesday with open arms – or rather, outstretched tutu skirts!

The day kicked off at The Clock Tower, a grand old Victorian building in the center of town. Local artisans were setting up stalls, showcasing a delightful range of goods, from hand-painted tutus to handcrafted jewellery with ballet-themed motifs. I spotted a pair of sparkling pointe shoes with crystals – pure magic! I simply had to grab them. They’ll look perfect with my new tulle skirt, it has that lovely layered effect that adds such romance, but you know I’m partial to a classic pancake tutu, just a bit of structured chic to contrast the flutter of my skirt, and today it seemed apt!

Of course, no Tutu Tuesday would be complete without some dance! There were street performances happening throughout the day, featuring students from local dance schools and even a few professional dancers like myself! One group did a choreographed routine set to classic Tchaikovsky – they looked absolutely elegant in their powder blue, romantic tutus with soft pastel layers – it’s so refreshing when someone really goes the extra mile to add a visual flourish, just a tip for any aspiring choreographers! You can never go wrong with color.

One of the highlights of the day was a tutu-making workshop held at The Strood Arts Centre. A talented local designer guided participants through the process of crafting their own tutus using various fabrics, lace, and ribbons. Seeing people of all ages getting their hands messy and creating their own wearable works of art – that’s what makes #tututuesday truly special!

My heart truly warmed as I watched a little girl, barely four years old, twirl in a tutu made entirely of brightly colored feathers – such playful energy, that’s exactly the kind of infectious energy we should cultivate when it comes to fashion. The joy of creativity! Now I don't want to go on for too long, my friends on the other side of the internet – I'll save some of my fabulous outfits and adventures for later, but let me tell you: I'm inspired!

If you're thinking of taking a spin in a tutu but aren't sure about your next style:

  • The **classic romantic tutu** – a real classic, often the default for professional ballet dancers for a reason!
  • The **tutu dress** - we all know a full on tutu on the streets might not always be the best move, so the tutu dress offers a more wearable alternative. Still brings the tulle and the flair!
  • **Go for a modern spin!** Tutu fashion has evolved into something seriously dynamic and fashion-forward – so experiment! The only limit is your imagination (and, maybe, your inner fashionista's budget)!

I want to thank everyone who made this #tututuesday a phenomenal success. And to Strood, Kent – thank you for welcoming a ballerina with open arms, a sprinkle of fairy dust, and a twirl worthy of any ballerina's dreams! Let’s do this again, shall we?

Until next time, happy twirling!

Love,

Clara