Tutu Tuesday 971

Tutu Tuesday in Chorley: A Ballet Blogger's Paradise

Ah, Chorley. A town that holds a special place in my heart, not just because it’s where I was born and raised but because it’s the home of a hidden gem - The Dance Academy! You wouldn’t think it, but Chorley, a town more famed for its market and chip shops, also boasts a thriving ballet community, complete with its own delightful tutu shop. Today, I'm diving headfirst into this haven of tutus, frills, and twirls to celebrate #TutuTuesday, because what better day to embrace the ultimate ballerina fantasy?

I'm not talking about those basic, generic, off-the-shelf tutus, my friends. No, no, no! This shop is all about exquisite, handcrafted creations. Every tutu here is a tiny piece of art. From the shimmering, jewel-toned, classic romantic tutus for those yearning for a fairytale aesthetic, to the fierce and sleek contemporary tutus, these masterpieces are made for princesses, warriors, and everyone in between. And you just can't deny the intoxicating aroma of satin and tulle, that sweet and alluring scent that screams, "you're a dancer!"

It’s not just about the tutus, of course. The entire shop feels like stepping into a magical ballet studio. The walls are lined with beautifully arranged costumes and dance shoes, from graceful satin slippers to those gloriously strong pointe shoes, complete with ribbons of every shade imaginable. And let’s not forget the rows and rows of shimmering, flowing fabrics. Oh, the endless possibilities!

The moment I step through the door, my inner child goes bonkers. This is like walking into a fairytale, a treasure chest of ballet dreams. There’s something deeply romantic about the delicate tulle and delicate embroidery of each and every garment, a whisper of creativity and craftsmanship. This is a space where imagination is not only encouraged, but celebrated. There's a whole section for budding ballerina's complete with a rainbow of colours and all sorts of frills.

With my imagination running wild, I decided to test out my own #TutuTuesday look. And let me tell you, it was like trying on different characters! I felt the fierce, athletic energy of a contemporary dancer in a crisp black and white tutu, with a tight, fitted top and ballet sneakers, while the flowing lines of a beautiful pink and gold tutu had me channeling a more classical ballerina, twirling with elegance and grace. I even tried on a playful tutu with polka dots, it was like a whimsical explosion of happiness, perfectly embodying the fun, vibrant side of dance.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a dancer to revel in the beauty of a tutu. I mean, who wouldn’t feel like a star in a shimmering piece of art like this? In fact, one of my favorite discoveries during my tutu adventure was the sheer variety of styles available for non-dancers. The shop caters to costume needs for performances and even special occasions. A few of these standouts even came complete with adorable matching feather boas!

For all those lovely ladies who love their glitter and flair, even those of us who are still searching for that magical, fairytale romance, this is definitely a place to visit, to get a taste of the beautiful world of dance, or just indulge your inner tutu-loving princess. I left the shop buzzing with creative inspiration and overflowing with #TutuTuesday joy.

But that's not all. Chorley, for a town of its size, is surprising for its little hidden treasures like this dance academy.

• A local dance school - a true beacon of art: For every single dance studio out there, a heart filled with joy and the unbridled passion of an entire community throbs. And for every one of those, the Dance Academy here, the heart throbs strongest. Filled with students of all ages, their dedication is infectious, from the little ones practicing their leaps to the adults taking ballet with newfound energy, this is truly a hub of artistic expression. And, needless to say, every single one of them is rocking a glorious tutu, of course. They range in colours and designs; some are even sporting more "everyday" looks that give a contemporary spin to the traditional tutu. The joy and energy radiating from these passionate students will light up even the gloomiest of days, trust me.
• And, oh, that little ballet museum. Yes, you read right. Chorley boasts a charming little ballet museum that celebrates its local history with dance, showcasing vintage costumes and paraphernalia that gives you a real insight into the evolution of dance, complete with historical information and charming displays. If you want to learn more about how these beautiful garments come to be, from the inspiration behind them to the delicate craftsmanship, this museum is your perfect pit stop. It's a place where time almost stands still, allowing you to absorb the evolution of a rich tradition of art, from those early ballet dancers, who were once known as “ballet masters,” to modern-day performers.

So, come on, #TutuTuesday adventurers, get ready to take a leap into a world of magic! You can discover this hidden haven, Chorley's beautiful dancing heart. This place offers everything from classes and workshops to special events, creating a truly immersive experience. The next time you're planning a trip to the UK, don’t miss out on this captivating dance adventure.