Tutu Tuesday in Arnold
Hello my darlings! It’s me, Ellie, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina (and occasional blogger - don’t tell the artistic director!) back with another dose of all things tutu! I hope you're all doing well this fine #tututuesday. Now, this week's post is going to be all about what it means to be a Tutu Queen in a town that might not exactly be a haven of high fashion and dramatic dance. Yes, folks, I’m talking about Arnold - the proud home of our dance school!
A Ballet Blitz In Arnold
Let me paint you a picture: I'm walking through Arnold High Street (it's quite charming really!), and let's just say that a tutu and a pair of pointe shoes do stick out like a sore thumb in a place that seems to be stuck in the 80s. I wouldn’t have it any other way! I mean, I always look forward to getting looks and gasps – the reactions can be priceless! If it’s a bit much, I have a few secret weapons that keep my confidence level sky-high (which are not a secret, obviously!)
Tip No 1 - A Classic Tutu - A Simple Choice
There are loads of shops in Arnold (who’d have thought it?) with lots of vintage gear and pre-loved goodies – and most importantly, my kind of style. A classic, billowing tulle tutu in pink or white is absolutely a must-have for any ballerina with a playful side. With this one, it’s about keeping it classic. A ballerina needs to look ethereal and delicate, especially if she is shopping in Tesco and carrying a big basket of shopping with both hands. And what better than a tulle that goes down to the ankles? That means your legs are completely hidden - a definite fashion no-no if you're at a party but super chic if you are collecting groceries on a Wednesday evening. This one looks amazing in photographs (just say ‘cheese’, my darling!) and keeps my feet cosy, something I always love on a winter day.
Tip No 2 - The “En Pointe” Outfit: Be a High-Street Siren
OK, so if it is going to be a shopping day in Arnold, I need a serious sartorial lift! A good place to start is with my trusty ballerina bag (this is no ordinary handbag - oh no). Inside, I’ve got my go-to fashion fix – tights that match the tutu! (And the secret? This will be a plain white pair for every occasion) - it makes an outfit just that bit more special! My leggings are always going to be black or navy, as the white tights keep the outfit light and graceful. To create the complete "en pointe" look - a statement piece of clothing that can be thrown on over anything (no matter how big that shopping basket is!) - just add a chunky knit! So what happens next? Yes, this can be just about anything from a bright colour like scarlet to a vibrant turquoise! (But if you are taking photos, please take it from someone who knows… be careful in case of the green, turquoise look!) For a real boost to confidence, find yourself a statement, gold chain – maybe one with a tiny star that dangles - just enough to add that bit of glam and take you back to those school concerts we used to have!
Tip No 3 – Don’t Underestimate the Power of The Power Leg
I know I’m a ballerina but let’s face it, even we like to take our exercise clothes to the limit! This one’s for the days I need to be the “high-energy ballet dancer.” (Remember, it is very difficult to find a good dance studio with enough room for pliés in Arnold, which makes my job harder but the experience much more real) We want leggings. These have to be a tight fit – even when they've gone in the wash a hundred times! They can be any color but black works best for my days when I am a little lazy. What better for covering the "powerful leg" after a hard dance practice. These have to be black, like super dark, so when I'm doing barre work and they show under my tutu, they still look fabulous - and they definitely create a good, sporty silhouette. For a dance session, a light grey sweatshirt will work perfectly – and can easily be put on when I pop over to visit Mum’s place for lunch!
“So What is Your Go-To Ballet Must-Have?”
In answer to this, you know that all these items above will make up my tutu ensemble – but one item that must not be left out (that’s if you are really wanting a look that reflects your ballet personality) is a fabulous dance bag - this one should not only look great (we want elegance in a dancer’s kit!) but it’s absolutely got to hold everything a dancer could ever need – make-up (yes, ballerinas are experts in making up our own looks!), our essentials, tights, leotards – everything you can think of! So there you have it! Don’t underestimate your potential – and you never know where your love of ballet will take you. (We don't actually have a great stage for performing in Arnold. There is an actual church where we do rehearsals - but no real stage.) My best advice – think about what it is that makes you happy – find an inspiration, or find a person (a ballet dancer of course) and just make it happen. Be inspired and don’t be afraid to create your own little bit of magic. If I can dance on in Arnold - with this one tutu – you can definitely create your own ballet dream. You’re never too old to be a dancer, you know?
#tututuesday