Tutu Tuesday in Saginaw, Michigan: A Ballet Blogger's Dream Come True
It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means! It’s #TutuTuesday! Every week, I take you behind the scenes of the ballet world and dive into the fabulous fashion of tutus. This week, we’re hitting the streets of Saginaw, Michigan. I'm a Saginaw native who was fortunate enough to train at a renowned ballet school in New York City, and I’ve always been passionate about keeping ballet relevant and exciting, especially for younger generations. It's not all about the "big city." Small town USA has tons of dedicated dancers and studios - and we can't forget the beautiful tutu outfits! I'm beyond excited to highlight some of the amazing styles I found right here in the Mitten State.
Saginaw is a city with a rich history of ballet, and I'm so happy to see it continuing to flourish. This week I was honored to be invited to teach a workshop at the Saginaw Ballet Conservatory. Now, let's get into the #TutuTuesday highlight – The Tutus!
First up, the "Romantic" Tutu. Think sweeping tulle skirts that just float across the stage. They're light and airy, just perfect for those whimsical ballets. For this #Tututuesday, I spotted an amazing "Romantic" style on one of the dancers. The soft, pastel colors and the beautiful layers of tulle made it a true eye-catcher.
Next, the "Classical" Tutu. These tutus are all about structure. Imagine stiff, layered skirts that are perfect for dramatic poses. This is the style of tutu that I wore in the "Swan Lake" performance at the New York City Ballet. Think of these tutus as the queen of tutus – there’s a real "prima ballerina" feeling you get with one on!
Lastly, the "Contemporary" Tutu. The style has definitely gotten more "creative." No longer just traditional skirts. They incorporate fabrics like stretch silk, chiffon, or even simple cotton. It allows for a greater range of motion and lets dancers explore a modern, powerful movement aesthetic. This week at the Saginaw Ballet Conservatory, a young dancer nailed a particularly stunning “Contemporary” Tutu, complete with a black base, and long, shimmering tulle streamers.
- My #Tututuesday journey doesn't end with just showcasing these incredible tutus – it’s about inspiring young dancers. Whether they are getting ready for a big performance or just beginning their ballet journey, seeing a pro rock a beautiful tutu can motivate them. They may never dance on the big stage like me, but a tutu brings out the artistry and wonder in each of them, no matter their skill level.
- Tutus are about expression. They tell a story – one of grace, passion, and beauty.
- You may not have seen Saginaw as a ballet capital. It’s more of a "hometown" for ballet lovers, which gives it its charm.
This Tuesday, I encourage you all to find your favorite ballerina or tutu and show off your ballet love using the hashtag #Tututuesday! From the city of Saginaw to yours, remember, dance is a universal language and fashion can help us communicate it so beautifully.
Don't forget to follow my social media pages, [Your blog name], for more behind-the-scenes peeks at my world, and to continue exploring #Tututuesday every week!