Tutu Tuesday in Llanelli: A Whirlwind of Frills and Feathers
Llanelli, my friends, is a town steeped in history, charm, and a surprising love for all things twirly. I know this because this week, I discovered that it's home to a burgeoning tutu scene. I'm talking not just the classic tulle pancake, but a veritable smorgasbord of styles, colours and fabrics - the kind of tutu collection that would make a seasoned ballerina blush.
Yes, you heard that right, #TutuTuesday in Llanelli was an absolute explosion of fluttery fabulousness! I was in town for a performance with the National Ballet Company, and my Instagram feed - and indeed the whole town centre - seemed to erupt in a wave of fluffy pink and peach, a sea of tutus in every colour under the rainbow, and I realised it wasn't just me who loved a bit of tutu-tastic fashion.
Now, Llanelli is known for its rugby team and its legendary market. But as I wandered through its bustling streets, I discovered a whole new layer of local flair. Shops windows were adorned with shimmering tutus - the kind that would have made a prima ballerina weep with joy. Forget the traditional 'en pointe' style of ballet. These beauties were all about creative flair. Some were classic romantic, all airy layers and delicate tulle, perfect for a whimsical promenade through the town.
Others embraced the avant garde. I saw one particularly striking number that wouldn't look out of place at a fashion show - it was black, asymmetrical and edgy. And that's what made the whole thing so thrilling. The sheer variety! I even saw a couple of guys sporting tutus. Now, we can all agree a tutu on a man can be a bold statement - but it wasn't done out of irony, they rocked it! They paired them with skinny jeans and some killer sneakers. No one was ashamed to let their inner twirler loose, which I found rather refreshing.
My Tutu Tuesday in Llanelli began in the heart of the town market. It was a bustling, chaotic symphony of sights, sounds and scents, a feast for the senses and for my tutu loving soul. Here, the creative spirit of Llanelli really shone through.
My Tutu Tuesday Llanelli Bucket List:
- Shop until you drop at the "Twirl & Twirl Boutique." A tiny shop packed with everything a Tutu-loving heart could desire - feather boas, sequined shrugs and the most amazing collection of hand-stitched tutus you could ever imagine.
- Indulge in a cuppa and cake at "The Sugar Plum" tea shop. You can't go wrong with the ' Ballerina Breakfast'. The decor is adorable - every detail, from the vintage teacups to the floral arrangements, seems to have been chosen by a tutu aficionado.
- Join the #Tututuesday flashmob! The town square was a whirlwind of pink every Tuesday as the locals came out to dance. There were tutus everywhere. We danced to a medley of classical pieces and some of the latest pop tunes, and let me tell you, those Llanelli folks have some serious moves.
- "A Night of Ballet in Llanelli." I found myself on a whirlwind tour of this historic town's unexpected cultural riches, but there was a lot to love even for this seasoned ballet dancer.
- A real local treasure is "The Old Theatre". It may be quaint but there's an abundance of creative energy radiating from every nook and cranny, especially on #Tututuesday.
So, my advice? Next time you’re in Llanelli, remember that Tuesdays are about celebrating life, a bit of silliness, and above all, about finding a fun way to express yourself.
Llanelli, you've shown me that even the smallest of towns can have a big, big heart. You've inspired me to embrace a little more frill and a little more flair in my own life.
And who knows? Maybe we’ll see a #TutuTuesday flashmob taking over London’s Trafalgar Square. One can only hope!
Now go on, put on your fanciest tutu and join the dance! See you in Llanelli!
#Tututuesday #Llanelli #TutuLovers