Tutu Tuesday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina: A Ballet Love Letter #tututuesday Hey everyone! It's your girl, Claire, back with another Tutu Tuesday! This week, I'm taking my love of all things twirling and fluffy to the charming town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. I've always loved the south - the hospitality, the history, and the southern twang just melt my heart! But I had no idea how much Rocky Mount was gonna steal it! Let's face it, when we think of ballet, we usually think of major cities like New York City, San Francisco, or Chicago. But did you know that there's a thriving ballet scene happening right here in the heart of North Carolina? And Rocky Mount is totally rocking the tutu game. You might think the ballet world in a smaller town might not be as fancy, but you would be wrong! The talent and passion I saw at the Carolina Ballet Theater in Rocky Mount blew me away. And guess what? They're super supportive of #tututuesday - yay! Finding My Inner Ballerina in Rocky Mount: Tutu Time When I stepped into the Carolina Ballet Theater studios, I was instantly transported. It wasn't just about the dance, but the atmosphere. It was like being in a whole other world - full of dedication, beauty, and even a little bit of drama, haha! I just loved the energy! And did I mention those stunning tutus? Oh my goodness. I'm talking classic tutus in traditional white and romantic shades of pink and blush that felt timeless. They just whispered elegance and grace. You know those tutus with the multiple layers of tulle - I felt like a ballerina out of a fairy tale! The Carolina Ballet's creative director was wearing a simple white tutu, super chic. There was one special tutu that totally caught my eye - a modern tutu made with navy blue layers of netting with pops of vibrant pink. It felt like a cool, new wave vibe mixed with the ballet aesthetic. It's no wonder these dancers had so much power and expression. Seriously, when I put that on - I felt fierce. The sheer volume of the skirt made me feel strong and ready to conquer the world! I am pretty sure everyone felt that! Why Tutu Tuesday Matters: #tututuesday Let's be real, ballet in the US can sometimes feel like a closed-off world. Maybe it's because I feel that so much emphasis is on major cities, or perhaps it’s the whole "ballet elitism" stereotype. But guess what? This isn't true! You don't have to be a pro or live in the big city to be a ballerina. It’s about how ballet makes you feel. For me, it’s about passion and love of art, not the rules of ballet. Tutu Tuesday is about embracing that joy, that feeling of being beautiful and powerful in a simple garment like a tutu, no matter what your skill level or where you come from. It's about sharing this incredible art form and finding community, even in the most unexpected places. The Rocky Mount Ballet crew got this whole #tututuesday thing! They even had a little surprise for me - they made a special Tutu Tuesday display in their studios, showcasing the tutus they use in their productions, all set to some of their most inspiring choreography! So gorgeous! A Heartfelt Message from Rocky Mount: A City of Passion and Dance When I left Rocky Mount, I was beyond inspired. I’ve had a lot of chances to travel for dance over the last few years but Rocky Mount has become a truly special place for me. Maybe it was because I was so taken with their love for the art of dance. Maybe it was their commitment to nurturing dancers of all levels, or perhaps it was simply because they really got what Tutu Tuesday was all about! They had me completely embracing the spirit of dance and showing off my love of all things Tutu, while also reminding me to appreciate the magic of ballet, no matter where you are. You can catch their shows - or even join a class - at their studio on the edge of downtown. So grab your favorite pair of dancing shoes, head on over to the Carolina Ballet Theater in Rocky Mount and discover for yourself the hidden gems in your own backyard! Remember: You can feel like a ballerina anywhere! You don't need a big stage. You just need your love of dance, a passion for life, and maybe a sprinkle of glitter, too, for that extra magic touch. #tututuesday **Love, Claire **