Tutu Tuesday 10338

Tutu Tuesday in Burien, Washington #tututuesday Hey Tutu Twirlers! It's your girl, Lily, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday. This week, I'm taking the fun to Burien, Washington, a town that might not be immediately synonymous with ballet, but trust me, it has a story to tell! Let's get this #tututuesday going by acknowledging the awesome work of the Burien Performing Arts Center. For years they've been cultivating a diverse range of arts education for everyone from the youngest of kids to, yes, even our dear adults who feel like a little ballet could make their day. It’s not every day you see tutus floating about outside the city! There’s no doubt it's a special place for our ballet community, and frankly, a great way to showcase what it means to be a baller, whether you're dancing in a classic romantic tutu with layers upon layers of tulle or going modern with a simpler design for greater movement flexibility. Speaking of flexibility, that's what makes me so pumped to tell you about my newest ballet adventure. I’m headed to a private session with a ballet instructor named Michelle, and believe it or not, she's introducing me to the joys of a classic, fitted pointe shoe tutu, like what you might see in *Swan Lake*, for an immersive session focused on technical skills and movement control! Imagine me swirling around in my favorite shade of light pink! This week's ballet highlights: * **A Deeper Dive into Pointe Shoe Techniques:** Forget all those *Swan Lake* jokes and *The Nutcracker* sugarplum fairy fantasies! We’re focusing on form, grace, and, you know, *not falling down*. My goal: nailing that flawless fouetté en tournant - no room for “en dehors” faux pas. * **Behind the Scenes at the Burien Performing Arts Center:** I got an inside look at what they're offering, which is really important, because a lot of people don't understand that learning to dance goes beyond pirouettes and the graceful movements that you see on stage, but it's actually about understanding posture, discipline and respect, which I feel strongly are key values, too! It's more than just the magic of ballet; it’s building a sense of self that will ultimately strengthen and enhance a student's overall well-being. You could call that a total life-enriching experience, and Michelle and the team are totally on board with instilling this philosophy in their program. * **My New Pointe Shoe Tutu (and its Hidden Significance)** It’s kind of a cliché, I know, but this Tutu is really special, and I have to tell you, it’s bringing my childhood ballet dreams to life! Now, a classic tutu has many parts. It has the *bouffant* - the really full layered fabric you typically see which is sewn around a special belt that allows you to create those dramatic movements as you move. A pointe shoe tutu is designed to stay close to the body and typically incorporates the *bouffant* on a mini-skirt attached to a simple wrap that comes together in the front and ties in the back for an effortless elegance that's kind of, well, just really romantic, right? You have a choice between longer *paniers* - the petticoats that go under your tutu that make it appear bigger or shorter, for those ballerina’s who love that close to the body look. I love to see all the combinations with paniers of tulle fabric that make that full silhouette; but when you have to be flexible, then going minimalist with a tulle mini skirt, really gives you the space and the confidence to just dance. The truth is, the pointe shoe tutu reminds me of why I first fell in love with ballet, the passion that goes into every movement. The Pointe Shoe tutu is both practical for me as a dancer and incredibly versatile. You can really feel a part of something magical in the elegance and femininity of the classic tutu design and Michelle has re-ignited my passion in an unforgettable ballet experience. My week in Burien was packed with unforgettable memories and dance moments I’ll always cherish. Burien, Washington was a total revelation. It wasn’t just my first ballet adventure in a smaller city. It was a powerful reminder that ballet, in all its forms and styles, can take root anywhere! The Burien Performing Arts Center is creating something very special here. From the students and their enthusiasm to the instructors’ dedication, I see a thriving, connected community ready to share ballet’s beauty and artistry with the world. It was also amazing to spend a day with Michelle! See ya soon, Lily #tututuesday