Tutu Tuesday in Wichita Falls, Texas! #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Ashley, coming to you live from the sunny (but sometimes windy!) plains of Wichita Falls, Texas. I'm so excited to be here this week for a workshop at the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre, and I knew I had to bring my love of tutus with me! It's been a while since I've been back in my hometown, and honestly, it's so much fun to see the excitement for ballet blossoming here. They have some truly talented dancers in Wichita Falls! But let's get to the real star of the show: the tutus! I've got to say, the folks in Wichita Falls have impeccable taste when it comes to tutus. What Makes a Tutu Special?
A good tutu can make all the difference, y'all! Whether it's a classic romantic tutu with its airy layers of tulle, or a sleek, modern piece with sharper lines, a good tutu should be light as a feather and make you feel like a graceful goddess. This week, I've been seeing some fantastic examples of different tutu styles! Some highlights include: * The romantic tutus that the younger dancers have been rocking for their classical ballets are *chef's kiss*. Imagine wisps of cloud-like tulle cascading around the legs, each twirl sending up a mesmerizing whirl of fabric. * We also have the dramatic pointe tutus! These tutus feature tiers of gathered tulle that flare out from the hips and sometimes include more detailed beading and embellishments. It's an iconic look, perfect for embodying characters like Juliet, Aurora, and Giselle. The Story of the Tutu:
Of course, the history of the tutu is an adventure in itself! Imagine back in the early days of ballet, dancers would simply wear knee-length skirts. The classic, tiered romantic tutu was first introduced by Marius Petipa in the late 1800s, and the iconic style has been evolving ever since. For me, every time I step onto the stage in a tutu, I'm connected to that rich history, and that's truly what makes the tutu so special. It's a testament to the art of dance, it’s symbolic of beauty and grace, and it inspires new stories with each twirl. Why I Love #tututuesday:
My heart genuinely does a little happy dance whenever I see those hashtags, #tututuesday. It just reminds me that ballet is alive and well! It shows that people are getting creative and finding their own way to express their passion for dance! It doesn't matter what style or size you rock - whether it's a romantic or contemporary style, or a simple practice tutu; the key is to celebrate the beauty and creativity that shines through. So, if you're a ballet dancer, a dance enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates beauty, I urge you to join the #tututuesday movement! Texas Style Tutu Tips You already know that in Texas, we always go big and bold. Here's how I like to add a bit of Texas flair to my tutus. * Embrace the bold colours, y'all! My new favorite? Deep teal or emerald green - they stand out against any stage setting! Think classic tutus but with a bit more Texas sass! * Love to play with fabrics? Don't be shy to mix it up. Consider incorporating some gorgeous lace accents - especially popular with my Texas colleagues - and use them to give your tutu that touch of elegant Southern charm. * If you’re a seamstress or know one - consider customizing those tutus! Embroidered elements that pay homage to the Texan landscape can really make your tutu unique. And of course, don’t forget a fabulous pair of Texas-themed dance shoes to complete your #tututuesday look! I can’t wait to see all the amazing tutus you’re rockin’ out there! Let’s spread some #tututuesday love, Texas-style!