Tutu Tuesday in Sunrise, Florida #tututuesday

Hey Tutu Lovers! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for my favorite weekly tradition: Tutu Tuesday! I'm always on the lookout for ways to incorporate ballet into my everyday life, and what better way to do it than to rock a tutu every week? Let's face it, nothing makes me feel more like a princess (or a prima ballerina) than swirling around in a tutu. Today, I'm bringing the tutus to Sunrise, Florida, where the sun shines just as brightly as my tulle!

This week, I decided to go for a more casual look, choosing a pale pink tutu from my personal collection. You know how much I love classic styles! This one is knee-length with layers of delicate tulle, just soft and flowing. Perfect for a breezy afternoon of exploring all that Sunrise has to offer. I paired it with a white T-shirt, some simple denim shorts, and my trusty Converse sneakers, for that touch of cool. The key to rocking a tutu? Confidence, baby! When you wear it with confidence, you'll be able to rock any look, whether you're going for a traditional ballerina aesthetic or a more street-style vibe.

Let's dive into the history of this amazing garment, the tutu. Ballet in the United States, which first flourished in the 19th century, played a major role in how the tutu evolved. It really is a quintessential part of the ballerina’s costume. In its earliest form, it was much fuller, and was used mainly for Classical and Romantic ballets, where it had to allow the dancer to move freely with beautiful fluidity and grace. This form is also called a "Romantic Tutu," as you might have seen in “Giselle” or "Swan Lake" by some of the top dance companies in America, like New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and many more.

Over time, ballerinas started adapting their looks. More “modern” or "neoclassical" forms evolved into variations. In fact, for ballets like "The Sleeping Beauty", choreographed by Marius Petipa, which was more visually spectacular, a more streamlined "classical tutu," which you often see today, had to be invented. These forms feature tiers of very stiff, layered netting, so that you get that classic, cone-like ballerina skirt. Imagine your favorite tutu! It was probably born out of some version of this form. As for the more recent styles? The ones where you see contemporary ballerinas really breaking free? Well, this has gone back to what's really about expression, and not necessarily what is considered "classical" or traditional ballet. For that, we have more of a “modern” or “contemporary” tutu style, often made out of less layers and sometimes less tulle. And of course, there are some choreographers who go completely against the traditional, by doing away with the skirt completely, or using pants or jumpsuits!

Let’s keep on track! It’s Tutu Tuesday, and my mission is to inspire you to get creative with this timeless wardrobe staple, no matter your ballet style. I've even made a checklist of ways you can take Tutu Tuesday to a whole other level:

  • Grab a Tutu:
    • If you’re in the area, there are a lot of local dancewear stores, and there’s also an option of ordering one online, even in many cool colours! Check it out!
    • Find an older tutu! The stores with second-hand or gently used costumes can be amazing finds – there's a classic feeling with one of those beauties!
  • Accessorize for Your Style:
    • A bold lipstick will tie everything together and make you feel as glamorous as the Prima Ballerina you are!
    • And a little something glittery on your fingertips doesn't hurt, either. A lot of ballerinas I know go for a little touch of glamour. What else is Tutu Tuesday for?!
  • Dance in the Street:
  • There's always something great happening at the Broward Center, and I can guarantee you’ll find dancers all over. But the greatest thing about dancing? It makes you happy, so get out there and spin, twirl, and move!
  • Even just try a graceful move at home. Try your favorite move from your ballet class!
  • The most important thing about Tutu Tuesday? That feeling of being free to be yourself. It doesn't have to be about perfection. It’s about expressing yourself with a little touch of dance in your life! Whether you’re twirling down the street, taking a ballet class, or just lounging around your apartment, you'll feel the joy and empowerment of a tutu! So, let’s continue to shine bright, Tutu Lovers, and embrace our love for this beautiful, empowering, and versatile fashion statement, whether you’re on the dance floor or exploring the Sunshine State. Happy Tutu Tuesday!