Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Tutu Tuesday in the Heart of America
It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means? It’s Tutu Tuesday! 🩰 As a ballet dancer and self-proclaimed fashionista, I'm always looking for ways to express my love for dance in my everyday style. And there's no better way to do that than with a tutu! 💕
Tutus have been a staple of ballet since the 1800s. From the romantic tutu worn by ballerinas in Giselle, to the classical tutu in Swan Lake, the different styles are a beautiful reminder of ballet’s rich history and its place in the hearts and minds of Americans.
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, we're celebrating Tutu Tuesday with a new twist! We're exploring the unique ways in which tutus are being embraced beyond the dance studio, incorporating this beautiful symbol of grace and artistry into our everyday lives.
Let’s start with a fun fact. Did you know the tutu is a form of dancewear that comes in different styles, like:
- The Romantic tutu, often called the “bell tutu,” is a light and airy tutu characterized by layers of soft, diaphanous tulle arranged to resemble a bell. It was born in the late 1830s with the Romantic period of ballet.
- The Classical tutu is another classic design. Also known as the “pagne” tutu, this style consists of several layers of hard tulle and is supported by hoops and boning. It gained popularity in the mid 19th century, with choreographers and dancers like Marius Petipa, often credited for its enduring legacy.
- The Tutu à la Francaise or "French" style is known for its longer form and more gathered, flowing fabric.
Here’s what’s been exciting me lately in the realm of ballet, fashion and #tututuesday in the heart of America, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
For a day of errands and running around, my favorite outfit for Tutu Tuesday includes a short tutu in a fun print or color, like a bright floral design, a whimsical polka-dot, or a stylish animal print. Paired with a simple white T-shirt, this look is perfect for casual yet fashionable comfort. My best advice: find the right kind of tee to make your tutu outfit a "standout," while keeping it classy and fun, never tacky. Think a cute boatneck T-shirt, a basic tank top or even a tee with a cool message.
If you are like me and prefer a more toned down look for Tutu Tuesday, consider the more practical and modern versions of a tutu in the form of a midi-skirt. A delicate tulle skirt paired with a black turtleneck, a cozy sweater, a smart, elegant blouse is an excellent option for work. Or you could embrace the tutu-inspired style in your everyday fashion with tulle skirts of all different lengths.
In my recent visit to a local craft fair here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I stumbled across some delightful examples of how you can bring Tutu Tuesday into your own life. Here are a few ideas:
- There were these amazing custom-made tulle headbands - these can be perfect to bring the ballerina-inspired look into the real world, and also look chic for all those "mom on the go" looks. I bought one in pink with tiny flower details for my hair!
- One artisan was offering to upcycle vintage and new ballet clothes, into handbags. So chic, and a true testament to what's so wonderful about Tutu Tuesday!
If you’re in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, area or if you’re simply looking for ways to add a bit of whimsical ballet-inspired elegance to your wardrobe, I highly encourage you to experiment with a Tutu Tuesday. The look is effortless to wear, it’s so empowering to see tutus outside the stage, and who knows - you might even be inspired to add a tutu-related accessory to your own look. 💕
Remember to tag your #TutuTuesday posts and share your look with #TutuTuesdayEauClaire! I can’t wait to see what creative fashion inspiration we will see. Let’s make Tutu Tuesday in Eau Claire a true testament to our appreciation of the beautiful world of dance!