Tutu Tuesday 10257

Tutu Tuesday in Salem, Massachusetts #tututuesday Okay, so I know what you’re thinking. Salem, Massachusetts, tutus, what’s the connection? It’s not exactly the heart of American ballet. Trust me, I get it, I’ve been living in New York City for the past four years with my dreams set on becoming a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, so believe me, I know the struggle! I’m here to tell you, it’s not just about big cities with famous companies. Dance is everywhere! There's beauty to be found in every community and honestly, you’ll never know who you’ll meet. Just imagine your next big inspiration showing up in a *perfectly* crafted *Romantic Tutu*!
This week I’m taking #tututuesday on the road to Salem, Massachusetts. It’s a bit of a detour, even from my regular schedule, which is why you should really keep reading – it’s about more than just tutus. Yes, they’re my favorite topic, and this trip was fueled by a vintage *Tutu du Jour*, which I think was *designed* for Salem! Picture this: a vintage *Romantic Tutu* (it's kind of the *Tutu* with the really, really full skirt, remember?), made with silk that I’m pretty sure was *spun* in moonlight, with antique ivory beading that looks like frost. The first time I saw it, I was struck by this overwhelming feeling, “It has to go to Salem.” And with that, my life took an unexpected turn.
I’ve been fascinated with Salem forever. It’s an historical town with this amazing spooky edge. There’s even a really great theater – the Salem Theatre Company. As much as it sounds like I’m going off on a tangent about the city and not about tutus, bear with me. They are totally intertwined in this story, and this whole week of traveling really had a huge impact on my dancing!
This whole tutu story began when I got invited to a ballet master class led by my favorite dance teacher from when I was a teen. I think I probably said ‘yes’ without thinking, even before looking at the calendar to see where she’d set up the workshop. I learned from my teacher when I was back home in Maine, so you know – it wasn’t going to be anywhere near a major dance center – no Broadway shows! The thing about this town, Salem, it is *so* full of history. When I told my dance teacher about the vintage tutu I brought with me – you know the *Romantic Tutu* I just had to bring, she got so excited, which was just awesome. She actually has connections to some historical theatrical costuming people – Salem is big with the old theater people!
The other amazing part about Salem was how much *ballet* they were into. My dance teacher had me perform in a show. The show itself was amazing, really intense. You’ve probably seen shows that incorporate *dance*, right? You’re all probably wondering what the show was about? I thought you’d never ask! The show we did had such *spooky* themes! It had all the dramatic elements: suspense, betrayal, a bit of mystery. And the other amazing part was, everyone in Salem is so into *art* – it felt like everyone there got it – the dance movements, the feeling the costume gave, everything. That vintage *Romantic Tutu* *truly* brought the story together, like it *was* destined to be in this production, with those dramatic silk petals billowing with the dance steps!
Here are my takeaways from the experience:
* You never know where your *next* *inspiration* for dancing will come from, and the amazing thing about #tututuesday is the inspiration is really a thing to celebrate – I definitely don’t want anyone to ever think ballet has to be about a single place or style! * Find your own #tututuesday – whether it’s in your bedroom, the *studio*, or a performance venue in a city with all the historic *charm* of a small town, be true to you, and most of all *have fun* !
So what are your tutu goals?
I know that I want to keep spreading the word about *dance* in every community – Salem was an amazing place to get started, and there are lots of great things in store. Let me know – are you excited to learn a *little* bit about Salem and dance? Share your thoughts with me – what does #tututuesday mean to you, where do you see your ballet dream unfolding? Let me know in the comments! Don't forget to tag me @DancingInNewYork, on my new YouTube video, my latest #tututuesday outfit in all its glory, you can catch it here: (link to YouTube video).