Tutu Tuesday in Apple Valley, California #tututuesday Okay, my fellow twirling enthusiasts, let's talk Tutu Tuesday! I mean, who doesn't love a day dedicated to the iconic symbol of ballet, the tutu? It's the ultimate twirling companion, the epitome of elegance, and it makes every dance look magical. And, as a ballet dancer and self-proclaimed tutu aficionado, I'm all about celebrating the beauty of this fashion icon. I think all dancers have a special connection to their tutus. Today, I'm taking you on a tutu adventure in Apple Valley, California, my hometown, to share some of my favorite tutu styles, tips, and inspirations. Tutu Tuesday in Apple Valley, it's more than a fashion day, it's a feeling! **Here's the rundown on tutus** First, a little history lesson. Tutus have been around for ages. The earliest versions, made of wool or silk, were much shorter than what we see on ballerinas today and often paired with big romantic and flamboyant ball gowns that added tons of volume and draping, which is so romantic, right?! The "classic tutu," the iconic, short, multi-layered, airy garment, became popular in the mid-19th century with romantic ballet like Giselle, Swan Lake, and the Sleeping Beauty, the iconic storybooks that we know so well today, all featuring iconic tutus. These iconic tutus had the pouter skirt or “cage skirt" that create that romantic, airy look with all the layers of netting. They helped ballet to flourish in the US! Think about all the most famous dancers, Anna Pavlova, and Margot Fonteyn they were the stars wearing these classic romantic styles, as well as the contemporary dancers, who brought the ballet art to a broader audience and changed how tutus looked. There's lots of amazing, beautiful variety in all the different tutu styles, like Romantic, the Tutu de Pointe, the Classical, the Tutu Plat and even a modern Tutu of the contemporary style - so different, it really shows the diversity and depth of our dancing world! Today, tutus come in various styles and colors - black, white, pale pink, bright yellow, the choices are endless! My favorite is the “Pancake" or "Romantic" tutu. You know the one - big, puffy, it creates the iconic pouter skirt look that just screams drama. It's just so dramatic and enchanting! We also have the Tutu de Pointe, it’s like a little, tight skirt, really simple and just covers a little bit. Then there’s the classical tutu – shorter than a romantic tutu but still airy and full. These tutus create the perfect shape to lift our lines and movement with effortless ease! What’s cool, is they are made in such amazing detail with many layers. When picking the perfect tutu, consider these important tips. **My top Tutu Tips** * **The fabric is key:** If you're looking for that classic pouter look, netting and tulle are your go-to fabrics! These give the skirt a romantic, flowing vibe and the look that all my ballerinas in Apple Valley and across the USA want for that dance perfection and elegance on stage, and when they take a bow! * **It’s all about comfort** When it comes to the tutu fit - it’s all about ease and movement and support. There are options out there like waistbands and elastics that offer support that you can adjust according to what you are doing and make your Tutu feel more personal. I have seen dancers adjust their skirts so that they are just right! * **Let’s accessorize:** The options here are amazing, whether you are a dance instructor or student, and we want the dance outfit to match the dance so there’s the ribbon or trim that can be included on the tutu skirt but don’t forget the shoes that go with it! If we're thinking romance and dreamy we’re going for pointe shoes - there’s just no more elegant pair of shoes on a ballet stage than these beauties! And what’s a dancer’s outfit without jewelry?! I’m thinking long chain necklace for some ballerina glamour! If you love simple style, go for minimal bling – there’s so much variety out there you can style them with any outfit! **Tutu Tuesday Inspiration** The beauty of tutu Tuesday isn't just about rocking a classic dance garment; it's about celebrating the art of ballet itself. **Apple Valley Inspiration** Okay, now let’s talk inspiration. In Apple Valley, we're not just dancers, we’re twirling queens and it’s easy to let that dance spirit come alive! I mean, look around you, the scenic beauty is perfect for tutu time! If you’re in Apple Valley you know exactly what I mean – there are the high desert mountains, beautiful rolling hills, open fields where you can twirl as if you are in the center of the stage. Let’s twirl under the open California sky! It’s truly magical. We can even organize a fun, impromptu dance party on the street and in our dance studios! Let’s spread the joy, inspire young dancers and show off that beautiful and amazing tutu! It’s all about celebrating ballet in our community. **Let's make Tutu Tuesday bigger** Let's make Tutu Tuesday more than a day, let’s turn it into a movement, a chance for all dance lovers across America to wear those magical dance skirts! It's a chance to be your own fairy godmother - let’s have a flash mob to give a little burst of magic and creativity - you can inspire others and let those dance dreams come true! No matter where you are, make Tutu Tuesday about fun, about letting your creativity blossom! I'm already thinking about next week's Tutu Tuesday. We’ll dive into Tutus of all colours. And there’s something fun coming too! I might organize a ballet class or even a photo shoot for all you fabulous twirlers. Stay tuned! And until then, keep twirling! #tututuesday