Tutu Tuesday in Carshalton: A Magical Ballet Adventure
#tututuesday
Okay, darlings, you know the drill. It’s Tutu Tuesday, and I’m bursting with more pink-hued, tutu-tastic inspiration than you can shake a sparkly wand at!
This week, we’re heading to Carshalton, Surrey, a quaint town with a hidden secret: it’s a haven for tutu lovers, a swirling vortex of tulle, sequins, and the sheer magic of dance! (I kid you not – they actually have a shop called "Tutus & Things". Just sayin'.)
I started my Carshalton adventure with a little brunch at a charming cafe, "The Ballerina's Bun". It was a perfect pick-me-up. I went for the “Strawberry Swan Lake Swirl” smoothie – absolutely divine – topped with edible glitter. (You know I love a bit of sparkle). You just can't go wrong with a bit of pink on a Tuesday. Pink smoothies, pink tutus, I'm a woman of simple pleasures!
After the sugar rush of my delicious pink smoothie, it was time to get tutu-ing! My first stop? "Tutus & Things," a treasure trove of tutus that had me practically doing pirouettes in the street. I'm pretty sure I did a single pirouette out of pure excitement. I have a feeling the other shoppers might've looked at me a little strangely - but you know, who needs to worry about things like looking strange when you have a new tulle creation waiting to be worn?!
As a total ballet fanatic, I just had to go into "Tutus & Things", my eyes nearly popping out of my head! It’s the kind of shop that just transports you to a whimsical wonderland – you know, the kind of place that's like the inside of a music box but a whole lot more sparkly. There were tutus in every shade imaginable - from classic white to bold rainbow stripes - and fabrics like you'd never believe! Organza, satin, silk - oh, the decadence! They had so many different styles – Romantic, Classical, even a few modern ones for those experimental souls! They've got tutus for every ballerinas from novice to professional, it's all there in that charming, tutu filled, heaven!
The shop had even inspired me to get into some fancy footwear – ballet flats and pointe shoes in every shade of the rainbow! Not to mention their collection of unicorn themed tutus! Can you imagine a tutu emblazoned with glittery rainbows, twinkling silver stars, and of course – a majestic unicorn! And if I haven’t mentioned enough already – tutus! They have absolutely stunning tutus from full circle romantic to classical designs, even ones adorned with lace – *cue heart-eye emojis*.
From "Tutus & Things" I danced on over to “The Carousel” - a little tea room, nestled right next to the shop, of course! I had to go, because what’s a Tutu Tuesday adventure without some yummy cupcakes? My advice – the lavender cupcake topped with sparkling fairy dust is an absolute must-try! And did I mention their pink champagne? Perfect for a ballerinas tea party.
I mean, seriously - cupcakes are totally in line with my Tutu Tuesday plans. Because when you wear a fabulous, whimsical tutu, a little sparkle in your life is just a must! I may or may not have left a little glitter on every surface I touched at The Carousel. It was simply irresistible, but let's just pretend that never happened.
After that little break, I headed over to “The Little Ballet Studio," - just outside of Carshalton. It was on my way to meet up with my friend, the resident Tutu Tuesday dance teacher! (There really is a reason she calls herself that, and no, it's not just because I thought it was a brilliant nickname - she really wears a different tutu every Tuesday!) This particular studio was a lovely, quaint little space with exposed brick and an energy that was infectious! You could feel the love and passion for dance! (I, naturally, just had to do a little impromptu barre session. No matter what your tutu occasion, you gotta stretch it out, right? Don't you love that satisfying "crack" you hear when you get to that nice deep stretch, I love that sound!)
We met up in their lounge area for a spot of tea (and of course, more cupcakes - my ballet routine requires some sugar, darling!). It turns out the tea room had a secret - a vintage record player that could blast out some killer disco grooves! Let's just say, I didn't shy away from busting a move, and my friend, well, she taught me some *amazing* moves that made my heart sing with delight! You guys have to check it out for yourselves.
Our dance session was *divine*, and, naturally, ended with us dancing the night away in the heart of Carshalton! As the day melted away, I was left with a heart overflowing with glee - after all, what’s better than a little ballet, disco, tutus, and tea in Carshalton? A really truly perfect #tututuesday!
But here are the *real* things that you have to check out on Tutu Tuesday:
- Tutus & Things: This magical shop will send your inner tutu enthusiast into a full-blown fantasy.
- The Ballerina's Bun: Treat yourself to the “Strawberry Swan Lake Swirl” smoothie – a pink-hued perfection!
- The Carousel: Don’t miss the lavender cupcake – perfect for a magical day in Carshalton. (And, just for you guys – pink champagne isn't actually a requirement, but you won't regret it. Pink bubbly for pink tutus!)
- The Little Ballet Studio: Go and see for yourselves, darling - I have to keep *some* secrets!
And if you go - let me know, I love hearing from my lovely, little dance bunnies!