Okay, so maybe I'm not in *two* cities, exactly. I'm actually in beautiful Yorba Linda, California, for the week visiting family. But the spirit of a true tutu-lover knows no geographic bounds! Which is exactly why I couldn't resist getting a Tutu Tuesday post up. Especially with the sheer plethora of gorgeous tutus I have discovered at this *fabulous* ballet studio right in my aunt's backyard.
My life is kind of like one of those kaleidoscopes with the little mirrored pieces. Each tiny turn of the world shows something a bit different, and as a ballet dancer, each city has its own unique vibe. And let me tell you, the dance scene here in Yorba Linda is just as dynamic and fascinating as any city I've seen!
First, let's talk about tutus. Because, well, duh. #tututuesday
These tutus are not your typical, run-of-the-mill, standard ballerina fare. Okay, so there's definitely a classic **"romantic"** tutu here with its soft layers of tulle, reminiscent of a vintage Giselle. It has a sort of ethereal quality to it, just dreamy with every swirl and pirouette. There's also a **"classical"** tutu in the studio, super structured with an abundance of layers. I'd probably choose this one for a grand Swan Lake. It’s totally the star of the show!
And then…we’ve got these wild card tutus!
The **"modern"** tutu? Seriously. So sleek, almost architectural, and in a super modern navy. The contrast between this tutu and the others in the studio was simply exhilarating, it’s as though the studio is literally reflecting a clash between artistic generations. I also saw this really, really interesting **"contemporary"** tutu - all unstructured, just wispy layers. A definite must-try for some expressive contemporary choreography!
Beyond the tutus, this studio itself has this really interesting backstory. I learned from my aunt that it used to be this old church, you know? Now, it's been completely transformed into this amazing studio space with an absolutely enormous dance room that could fit, I swear, all of Broadway. That big ol’ dance floor is practically begging for a flash mob or a *big* recital!
My week has been jam-packed with dance activities.
- There’s a community outreach program to help people from all walks of life learn the art of ballet and learn about the magic of movement. This is definitely the part that truly warms my heart - that’s why we dance, right? To bring people together!
- And get this - on Wednesday we're taking a little ballet-themed field trip! Can you guess where to? It’s Disneyland, my friend! How can a day at Disneyland *not* be baller? Seriously, though, how many people can say they've done a little *pirouette* next to Cinderella’s Castle?
It's a testament to ballet's ever-growing presence in the USA. Yorba Linda just showed me there's still so much more to learn, even in the tiniest towns. In my mind, Yorba Linda’s like this small town ballet pearl, hidden in plain sight.
Speaking of pearls, my auntie took me on this adorable vintage clothing and accessory hunt to this cute little shop just down the street from the studio! My ballet teacher back in New York would lose her mind for the tutus that are for sale! She would *live* in the tiny little sequined leotards, not to mention all the feather boas that they had there.
But beyond all this tulle, let's talk about why #tututuesday matters to me.
It's so much more than just a fancy dance outfit.
- Tutus make a statement, you know? They're a visual celebration of artistry, dedication, and yes, even a little bit of fabulousness. Think about it - the delicate details, the careful construction, they just ooze 'I can do hard things' kind of attitude, you know? You just have to get your head in the game!
- More importantly, they remind me to never stop dreaming, no matter where I am. That magical feeling, it’s not about the location. It's all about getting your heart and soul out there, doing your thing and having fun while you're at it! #tututuesday
And you know what? Yorba Linda’s really taught me this week that the joy of ballet can bloom even in the most unexpected places. If you see me out here in California with a tutu, it's not a joke - it's a #tututuesday celebration! Because even though I'm here for just a short time, my inner ballerina will always be out there swirling, twirling, and dreaming in all the colors of the rainbow. Until next time!