Tutu Tuesday in Numurkah, Victoria: A Tutu Takeover
G’day, lovelies! It’s your girl, Lily, back with another instalment of my sartorial adventures. This week, we’re hitting the road, literally! I’m jet-setting (well, more like road-tripping) to the charming country town of Numurkah, Victoria, for a Tutu Tuesday like no other. Numurkah – you might be thinking, “Where on earth is that?!” – Well, let me tell you, it's a little gem in the Goulburn Valley, bursting with country charm and the most welcoming community you could ever wish for.
Numurkah's Tutu Love Story Let's rewind for a sec. I was scrolling through Instagram, a bad habit I'm slowly trying to break (because who doesn't love a little Insta-scroll?!), when this glorious photo popped up on my feed. It was a shot of a group of adorable little girls, their faces beaming with pride, rocking tutus in various colours and styles. The caption read: "Tutu Tuesday in Numurkah!" My heart melted! What a beautiful way to spread joy and let little girls feel like ballerinas, no matter where they are. I'm a big fan of anything that encourages creativity, self-expression, and the simple joy of getting dressed up. This felt right up my alley. A bit of spontaneous Tutu Tuesday inspiration and a yearning for adventure sent me on my way to Numurkah.
On the Road to Tutuville Now, I’ll admit, Numurkah wasn't exactly on my usual fashion route, which usually involves dodging the paparazzi and dodging pigeons at Federation Square in Melbourne. (But honestly, a pigeon is just as scary as a paparazzo sometimes!) I’d driven past Numurkah many times before, on my way to my folks’ place, way out in the bush. But I’d always whizzed past it, seeing the old brick buildings, the big old gums lining the streets. It seemed like such a different world to my usual Melbourne fashion-frenzied life. But then I thought, “Life is about experiences,” and my Tutu Tuesday brain said, "Go for it!”
A Warm Welcome in Numurkah The second I drove into Numurkah, I felt it, the country hospitality. It's that kind of warm feeling that makes you feel instantly at home. I pulled up at a cafe called "The Bakehouse", and as soon as I stepped inside, I was met with a chorus of 'Gidday' and 'Welcome to Numurkah'. You know that feeling you get when someone makes you feel instantly welcome? Yeah, that’s how I felt. I found myself chatting to this delightful lady called Shirley. Turns out she’s the brainchild behind Tutu Tuesday in Numurkah! It all started a couple of years ago, she told me, with her granddaughters. Shirley said she wanted to do something special for them every week, something to bring a bit of magic and laughter into their lives. So, they decided on Tutu Tuesday. Shirley explained, "It started as a fun thing for them. Now, it's taken off!"
From Tea Parties to Town Festivities The little girls are no longer the only ones donning tutus, as Shirley’s love for tutus caught on with the whole town. What started as little tea parties and backyard playtime has blossomed into a whole town celebration. Every Tuesday, Numurkah becomes Tutuville, as everyone from preschoolers to grannies (and yes, even the blokes!) embraces the tutu spirit. And honestly, these aren't just your average run-of-the-mill ballet tutus! It's amazing the level of creativity.
The Tutu Explosion There were glittery tutus, neon tutus, tutus made out of recycled materials. The mayor himself sported a Tutu with the council crest embroidered on it (Talk about a fashion statement!), and I even spotted a group of fellas rocking full tutus at the pub after work. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, shall we?
The Tutus - a Style Guide for the People First of all, we have the **Classic Tutu**: A ballet ballerina's dream. Picture delicate layers of tulle, floating gracefully around the legs. Then you've got the **Contemporary Tutu**: It's like the cool cousin of the classic, ditching the strictness for a more modern and edgy vibe. Think edgy silhouettes, daring colours, and even a splash of sequins. Now, the **Creative Tutu:** This is where the true artistry takes over. We're talking tutus made out of anything imaginable, from discarded materials to repurposed treasures. I even saw a couple rocking tutus made of recycled newspaper (A little bit edgy for the fashionista in me). This is the epitome of upcycling. So chic, so conscious, so cool! And don't forget about the **Festival Tutu**: These were vibrant explosions of colour and flair! Made to be noticed, perfect for dancing the day away. You want to be noticed, wear this style. And my personal favourite, the **Mini Tutu:** A darling of all ages, these little darlings come in the most playful hues and can be worn from the office to the playground! But this isn’t just about the tutus. It's about bringing the community together, finding the lightheartedness in everyday life, and making people smile.
More than a Tutu: Numurkah's Heart This isn't just about fashion or dance (although the tutus were a visual treat!). It's about making the world a brighter place, one tutu at a time. There's something incredibly touching about seeing an entire community embrace this joyful act of self-expression. I learned so much in Numurkah. I learned about the power of kindness and community. I learned that you don’t have to be in the biggest city to experience the biggest joys.
Take Away from Numurkah This isn't just a tale about tutus, it's about community. It’s a celebration of finding a reason to smile in a sometimes-chaotic world, it's about bringing back childhood wonder and reminding ourselves of the beauty that surrounds us. Numurkah’s Tutu Tuesday has shown me that creativity and joy are truly universal languages. So, if you find yourself cruising down the Goulburn Valley, be sure to stop by Numurkah, put on your most flamboyant tutu, and join the celebration! You never know what you might discover. #tututuesday #numurkah #victoria #australianballet #balletlife