Tutu Tuesday in Covina, California, USA: #TutuTuesday
Hey there, fellow ballet lovers! It’s your girl, Chloe, coming at you live from the sunny streets of Covina, California, and let me tell you, things are about to get *seriously* tutus.
It's Tutu Tuesday, y'all, and this city is buzzing with the excitement of a thousand pirouettes! As a professional ballerina and proud Californian, there’s no better day than today to celebrate our love for the ethereal grace of the tutu. This week, I'm bringing you all the latest in tutu styles, from the classic to the contemporary, the pouffy to the sleek, and everything in between.
Where did Tutu Tuesday begin?
As you all know, I'm a total ballet nerd, and one of the things that I love most about the world of dance is the rich history behind it. Did you know that the tutu has been around for over 200 years? It's evolved from its beginnings as a short, ankle-length skirt to the long, flowing, and breathtakingly dramatic designs we see today.
In fact, the evolution of the tutu has mirrored the evolution of ballet itself. From the romantic era with its long, flowing tutus that created a sense of ethereal beauty, to the classical ballet period with its shorter, tighter, and more geometric tutus that emphasized power and precision, the tutu has played an important role in shaping how we experience ballet today.
So, what better way to celebrate this iconic garment than with a weekly hashtag like #Tututuesday! While the origins are murky and somewhat lost to time, it is clear that Tutu Tuesday is now the official day of the week dedicated to showcasing the grace and beauty of this dance-defining piece of clothing.
From the Classic to the Contemporary:
- The Romantic Tutu: This is the quintessential ballet tutu, the one that instantly conjures up images of ballerinas floating effortlessly across the stage. It's characterized by its long, flowing skirt that is often layered with multiple tiers of tulle, creating a mesmerizing effect.
- The Classical Tutu: In stark contrast to its romantic counterpart, the classical tutu is short, tight, and generally features several layers of stiffened tulle for a dramatic effect. This is the signature piece of the more structured, neo-classical dance style.
- The Contemporary Tutu: Now we are really getting creative. Contemporary dance brought with it new design elements. We see everything from shredded fabric that gives an element of ragged beauty, or to the completely abstract looks that don’t really resemble the classical style at all.
Here’s How We’re Bringing Tutu Tuesday to Life in Covina, CA:
Today, I decided to walk through the heart of Covina with a little ballerina flare, and it is awesome to see just how many people are excited to celebrate Tutu Tuesday! Check out this adorable couple who totally get it, rocking tutus as a tribute to a beloved memory of their dance days in highschool.
And check this out: There’s a little boutique called "The Tutu Shop" right in the center of town, and it's jam-packed with everything from basic tutu classes to elaborate and fully customized tutus made from top of the line materials. If you’re in Covina today and see them walking around in a custom Tutu, they may just be an amazing tutu shop patron. I might have to pop in later and try on a few new designs for a new YouTube video!
What Can You do on Tutu Tuesday?
Well, here are some ideas I’ve been putting together with other dancers all over California:
- **Wear a Tutu!:** Even if you’re just strolling the grocery store, try pairing a simple tulle tutu over jeans for a dash of ballet chic. It's the easiest way to show your support for #Tututuesday, and you can express your love for the elegance of dance without necessarily being in the studio.
- **Support a Local Ballet School:** Many local ballet schools throughout the U.S. offer classes for students of all ages and abilities. There are also schools specifically for those interested in taking the next step towards professional performance. If you have kids or have always been interested in ballet, I would strongly suggest seeing what’s in your area and even signing up yourself!
- **Go to a Ballet Performance:** There’s no better way to celebrate #tututuesday than by immersing yourself in the beauty of a live performance. There are lots of different companies performing across the US, especially during the ballet season. It’s always exciting to get a backstage tour after the show!
- **Watch Ballet Videos:** For those of you who can’t catch a live performance, there are tons of amazing ballet videos available online. From YouTube to streaming services, you can discover famous and new productions that showcase every era of ballet history.
- **Create Your Own Ballet-Inspired Art:** I'm totally going to get on Instagram Live tonight and work on a ballet-themed collage with you! Get creative by sketching, drawing, painting, writing, even making some jewelry inspired by this day’s beautiful memories. Ballet is so visual and inspires so much expression.
- **Use the #Tututuesday Hashtag:** It’s the easiest way to show that you’re participating in a nationwide community. When you use the #Tututuesday hashtag, other ballet dancers and enthusiasts from all across the US can easily find your post! This will create a more connected community through online collaboration and communication. And you can always start by following your local companies on Instagram and Facebook!
So, there you have it, my fellow dancers. From the Covina streets to the stage and beyond, #Tututuesday is here to bring joy and inspire a new generation of ballerinas everywhere. And let's not forget, the beauty of ballet extends far beyond just the tutu – it’s about discipline, creativity, self-expression, and the incredible ability of the human body. Let’s all celebrate the amazing artform of ballet in our own unique way, wherever you are!