Tutu Tuesday in Newtownards: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Style
Oh, the joy of a brand new tutu! It's like a ballerina's birthday suit – it makes you feel graceful, confident, and ready to take on the world. And last Tuesday, Newtownards, a charming town in County Down, Northern Ireland, was bursting with that special kind of tutu magic. You see, it was #Tutuesday, and we were all ready to celebrate the joy of tulle in all its forms!
I’ve got to admit, as a dancer who’s been wearing tutus for more years than I care to count, I’m a little obsessed with them. They come in so many different shapes and styles, each with their own personality: the classic romantic tutu with its layers upon layers of soft, billowing tulle, the structured neoclassical tutu with its clean lines and precise geometry, and the whimsical tutu that's more like a whimsical dream in a swirl of colours. There's a tutu out there for every ballerina's taste and every stage production, and #Tutuesday gave everyone a chance to celebrate all things tutu.
Now, I've been blogging for years about the fashion-forward world of ballet, but I'm not your typical ballerina – my style is bold and unafraid. I love mixing my love for classic ballet tutus with modern street style, and #Tutuesday gave me a perfect excuse to show off a few of my favourite looks. You’ve got to experiment with a tutu for all it’s worth, and that includes a whole world of style outside the studio.
Our morning kicked off with a pop-up tutu shop on the bustling Conway Square. The atmosphere was electric! Little girls and their mums were having a ball trying on all the different tutus, while a group of university dance students (including yours truly, of course!) showed off their choreographed street-tutu styles. We even had a 'tutu fashion show', where people from the town got the chance to walk the runway in their own special tutus - it was amazing to see so many creative looks.
The shop itself was a visual feast. We had romantic tutus in shimmering satin, sleek neoclassical tutus in bold colours, and playful tutus that were absolutely bursting with texture. Oh, and the sheer variety of colour options! There was a classic black tutu for a chic, edgy vibe, pastel tutus for something more delicate, and the showstopper for the day, a vibrant turquoise tutu that was screaming "boldness!" There were tutus that would have made any ballerina swoon.
Beyond the fashion fun, it was heart-warming to see the community spirit shine. I noticed the town had put up beautiful banners with little dancers wearing tutus in all their glory - it felt truly special to celebrate ballet in such a joyous and visible way. Even the local coffee shop had a special #Tutuesday drink that was pink, sparkly, and every bit as delicious as a successful performance.
As the day came to a close, it was hard to say goodbye to all the tulle and fun. My fellow tutu-lovers and I gathered in the town square for a spontaneous flash mob. We twirled and jumped with a mix of excitement and graceful precision. It was truly magical, and just another reminder that no matter how old we get, there's always something enchanting about dancing in a tutu. And #Tutuesday brought a little magic to Newtownards.
Here are some highlights of our #Tutuesday in Newtownards:
- Tutu-themed treats: Newtownards’ very own 'Tutu Tuesday' cake by a local bakery – the design was an edible version of the ballet steps I'd learned for our flash mob!
- 'Tutu transformation' contest: Participants in this fun competition had a chance to showcase their own unique tutu style - whether they had the right idea or not was up to the judges! We awarded points for originality, style and enthusiasm.
- Tutu pop-up studio: We brought in the local dance teacher to provide some tutu-themed dance classes for all ages, which was a smash hit.
- 'Tutu Inspiration' boards: Display boards were created around the town to showcase "Tutu Trends," and a collection of ballet tutu styles through history (with a fun reference to famous ballerinas).
Of course, #Tutuesday was not just about fashion – it was a chance to inspire a whole new generation of dancers and remind everyone of the magic of dance. It was an exhilarating blend of tradition and contemporary style, and I know that this was the beginning of something beautiful – not just in Newtownards, but hopefully in other communities around the world! I hope you’re inspired to celebrate #Tutuesday where you are. Go get your tutu out and join in!