Tutu Tuesday in Quincy, Massachusetts! #tututuesday Hey, fellow dance lovers! It's your girl, Blair, bringing you another Tutu Tuesday, this time live from the beautiful and historic city of Quincy, Massachusetts! I've been on a mission to bring some extra flair and fun to Tutu Tuesday and celebrate the glorious tutu – the cornerstone of any ballerina's wardrobe – while shining a light on the vibrant ballet scene throughout the USA. Today, I’m here to show you just how diverse and magical these feathered, frothy masterpieces can be, and hopefully, inspire you to embrace your inner ballerina! Quincy holds a special place in my heart. It's not only a haven for history buffs, but it's also brimming with talent and artistic spirit, particularly in the realm of ballet. With its charming atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene, I couldn't think of a more fitting backdrop to celebrate the tutu. Tutus and Traditions My favorite thing about ballet in the USA is the diverse nature of the dance scene. You can find classical ballets at big companies like the Boston Ballet, of course. You'll see them perform classics in amazing, classic tutus, everything from *romantic tutus* for *Giselle* and the *Sleeping Beauty* with their billowing skirts to *the iconic “swan” tutus* for *Swan Lake*, those are just breathtaking! There are also those tutus for classical variations with a fitted bodice and a *more structured skirt* with just the right amount of flair for solo pieces. Let’s Go to the Museum! While in Quincy, you just have to stop by the *Thomas Crane Public Library*. Built in 1899, it’s not just for books; they also have an incredible art collection. They even had an amazing exhibit with beautiful historical costumes on display that got me thinking: there's so much more to explore than the world of stage and stage costumes. I know that when you think of *ballet tutus*, you usually think of the full *Romantic tutu* – like the tutus seen in classic ballet works like “Giselle” – with all the *pancake layers* that give those amazing poufs. But, we can look back to the history and find *tutus that started much simpler*. For example, the *early ballet skirts*, those are much more streamlined than a full pancake, just a layer or two, but those simple shapes allowed dancers so much more freedom of movement and even allowed for faster spins, as well as giving them a chance to express themselves, to truly be able to use their bodies and to let the tutu enhance their beauty and the beauty of their art! And it's just *inspiring to me* when I think of those simpler designs. *They* *are still used for many styles of contemporary and modern ballets!* But today, it’s more about having a fun day! So, let’s take a trip down the *Tutu Time Tunnel*, shall we? Tutu Transformation – from Stage to Street! Here's a secret: *it's all about how you style it*, even on Tutu Tuesday. Forget those old-school thoughts of a boring pink and white palette. It's about letting your personality shine, creating your own style. *Because, tutus don't just belong in the ballet studio; they are versatile, and *ready for street style*. Today I'll show you what I mean! I love me a good *fluffy tutu* but it's about *taking the everyday* *Tutu* to *another level!* Here’s where it gets super exciting for *Tutu Tuesday*, it's the day we can put all of our personality on display and mix our tutu styles! First off, I have my classic pink tutu that would be perfect for the stage or just taking a twirl down by the shore. You can add to this simple beauty with an *elegant scarf,* maybe some sparkly headwear to dress up a traditional style for the perfect street style and glam. *It’s* about *thinking out of the box* because there are no rules for Tutu Tuesday! *Maybe* *this Tuesday* you’ll add a *leather jacket* and some killer *boots* for an edgy-chic look. The leather is sleek, smooth, strong… and even a little sassy! *Adding a *bold lip* or a *bright lipstick* will help you really tie that look together! You know, you've got to embrace that rockstar edge! What else is so fab is to play with *different styles* for Tutu Tuesday. Like if I am wearing *an ombre-style tutu*, you can layer it under a super cute, *stylish jacket*, add a bit of texture with *mesh, lace, or satin, *even a *cropped sweater* and even layer that *cropped sweater over a blouse or a shirt*. Now you are not just a *pretty ballerina,* but *a fashionable rockstar*, ready for *fashion shows in the heart of the city!* This year, as *a celebration of* the spirit of *tutus*, and the artistic freedom *we have* *through dance*, you can embrace *your creativity* with *color-blocked tutus* that can really *jazz up* the city, a great combination with a *crop top, a bold sweater or an awesome t-shirt with an original statement*. Don't forget that with a *tutu*, you *always want to feel great.* You want to feel that *comfort*, *ease of movement,* that confidence *from head to toe*... because, at the end of the day, *it’s about having fun! The most awesome thing? *These styles aren't just about tutus*, *it’s about using them as inspiration* *for what to wear*. There are so many amazing places for style inspiration! Think *the Metropolitan Museum of Art* and *fashion museums* across the US or * even those classic ballet movies that feature all the dazzling tutus.* It's a mix and match fashion spree, *it's a celebration of the power of the Tutu!* We have to show how *Tutus and fashion* can *make us confident and empowered*. Tutu Tuesday Spotlight Okay, here’s where the *magic happens!* Each week we're going to *shine a spotlight* on *talented ballerinas* *in our city and state*. Let’s hear it for Quincy, Massachusetts, for *its creativity, talent* and *enthusiasm*. Today I'll chat with Amelia who is also known as @AmeliaBallerina. I am so glad we could chat about tutus and about *ballet here in Quincy*, Amelia. Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself? *What's your style? How did you get into ballet?* *Can you share your passion for this amazing art?* (Amelia tells Blair about how she discovered her love for dance when she was very young, how she started learning ballet at *Quincy Ballet* and all her favorites.) Oh, how I love *ballet in the USA* – It really is everywhere, so cool! I’m always so glad that ballet keeps attracting so many new dancers *who love* what they do. *So tell me,* Amelia, what *Tutu Style* is your go-to, *what's your fav* *for this week's Tutu Tuesday?* (Amelia answers about how she has a favorite Tutu, and shares how her Tutu style reflects her confidence and power, that it allows her to really *express herself*, as dancers do.) Amelia! Thanks for talking with me today! *What great* *inspiration!* We can really *feel* your *passion and love* for *ballet in the USA! Well, it is getting late but before we go *here's what you need* to make this Tutu Tuesday amazing: * A killer outfit featuring a tutu. * Your dance shoes or some super comfy shoes (the more comfy, the more you can twirl, and the more twirls, the better!) * A friend to share in the fun * A selfie or two or more! You got this! * Some extra sparkle! Think body glitter, colorful nail polish… *get that glitter* on! * Don't forget to post photos of you rocking your tutu. Use hashtag #tututuesday and be sure to tag me! I'm always on the lookout for creative #tututuesday styles. Don’t forget to *hashtag #TutuTuesdayQuincy* or *#QuincyMA #TutuTuesday!* You could be featured next week. So go out there and let your inner ballerina shine! Because even if you’re not *a pro dancer* you are *a star* *ready for your Tutu moment* on Tutu Tuesday, so enjoy every step of the way! This is what Tutu Tuesdays are all about – a great time to dance, celebrate our creativity, express ourselves and most importantly, have some fun! Until next week! See you on social media, and always keep dancing! Ciao! Blair, the Tutu Guru! #tututuesday