Tutu Tuesday in Decatur, Illinois: A Tutu Celebration
Hey, fellow dancers and fashion enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Sarah, back at it again with another installment of my #tututuesday adventures. This week, I decided to venture a little further outside my usual stomping grounds in Chicago to explore the hidden gem that is Decatur, Illinois. Now, I’ll be honest – ballet wasn’t the first thing that popped into my mind when I thought about Decatur. But after a bit of digging, I discovered a vibrant ballet scene with passionate teachers and enthusiastic dancers who just happened to be ready to embrace my #tututuesday mission.
The folks at the Decatur Ballet School were absolutely amazing, welcoming me with open arms (and a warm cup of tea) into their cozy studio space. I felt an immediate connection with these dancers. I was reminded that ballet is about so much more than fancy tutus and grand stages; it’s about the love of movement, the pursuit of artistry, and the beautiful bonds that form between passionate individuals who share the same dream. It truly transcends geographical boundaries!
Our little tutu exploration kicked off with a quick stop at the Dancewear and Tutus Boutique, which, surprisingly, boasted a curated selection of classic and contemporary tutu styles. I tried on a few favorites – from the whimsical pouille de soie tutus (think airy, dreamy tulle, perfect for that classic ballet look) to the modern contemporary pieces crafted from bold materials like stretch fabrics and mesh, which screamed both power and elegance.
One of the things that stood out most was the diversity of dance styles that are alive and thriving in Decatur. It wasn’t just the traditional ballet classes that filled the studios. There were jazz and hip-hop dancers moving with electrifying energy, tap dancers whose shoes clicked out intricate rhythms, and even some lyrical contemporary classes, where the dancers moved with fluid grace and profound emotion. It was an exhilarating display of talent and dedication to the art of dance!
Later that day, we joined a masterclass with one of the instructors from the Decatur Ballet School. She brought to the table a level of artistry and technicality that I haven’t experienced in a long time! I picked up so many valuable tips and insights on movement and form, even on the types of fabrics used for contemporary pieces!
We wrapped up the day with a delightful picnic at the beautiful Decatur Park, complete with sunshine, laughter, and of course, some more tutu talk. We reminisced about our favorite tutu styles – my personal faves include:
- The Classic Romantic Tutu (You know, the one with multiple layers of tulle, offering a beautiful billowing effect)
- The Modern Contemporary Tutu (Often shorter and featuring daring shapes, it showcases the dancer's powerful and contemporary lines).
- The Contemporary Tutu (It can be sleek, flowing, asymmetrical, or structured; it allows for freedom of movement and artistic expression in a variety of dance styles. )
What's exciting is that even outside of Decatur, the tutu spirit is catching on like wildfire in different cities across the United States! We found an incredible community on Instagram with the #tututuesday hashtag and I’ve seen tutus of every shape, style, and color imaginable – from the traditional pouille de soie to modern-day creations featuring bold, dramatic designs! #tututuesday is proof that the world of ballet is an inclusive space for all, regardless of style or background.
And remember: Tutu Tuesday isn’t about simply sporting a tutu – it’s about embracing the art of ballet in all its forms. It's about embodying the grace, elegance, and strength that ballet brings into our lives. It’s about finding beauty and expression in movement and finding those moments that make your heart sing, be it in a classical ballet studio or simply as you take a spin in your tutu.
Now, tell me, what’s your favorite type of tutu? And if you’re ready to jump on board the #tututuesday train, make sure to share your pics! Until next time, happy twirling! XOXO, Sarah!
PS: Keep an eye out for our next #tututuesday adventure! I can't wait to share where it takes us next. Maybe it will be Springfield? Or maybe even Peoria? Let me know in the comments if you have suggestions for places to visit in Illinois or anywhere in the United States! We'll be happy to feature your town!