Tutu Tuesday in Mankato, Minnesota: A Celebration of Ballet and Style #tututuesday

Hey everyone! It’s your girl, Annabelle, back with another blog post, and today I’m going all out for Tutu Tuesday. We all know that Tuesday is the unofficial day of the week to celebrate anything and everything tutus, and what better place to do it than in the heartland of America? Here in Mankato, Minnesota, we may be surrounded by cornfields and the occasional cow, but let me tell you, there’s a vibrant ballet scene happening here. We’ve got the Mankato Ballet Company putting on dazzling shows that would rival anything you’d see in the big cities, and there are tons of local dancers, like myself, who are passionate about our art form.

But before we delve into the ballet world, let’s talk tutus! As a ballerina, I have a soft spot for anything frilly, but even I have to admit that the tutu is a truly magical garment. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique history and story. I'm talking classic Romantic tutus with layers of tulle and a pointed bodice, to the more contemporary, free-flowing skirts that dance with the body. Today I'm rocking a fun and flirty **short tutu** in a bold floral print that's perfect for a casual Tuesday vibe. The short length makes it easy to move around and perfect for adding some extra pop to my everyday look! You can wear your tutus wherever you want, from the studio to a weekend brunch. Honestly, who needs a day off when you can embrace the elegance of a tutu?

For Tutu Tuesday in Mankato, Minnesota, here’s what I have planned. I'm starting the day with a special ballet class that focuses on the history of the tutu and its evolution through time. We’ll be learning about famous choreographers who have made their mark on ballet, with their innovative and expressive styles and tutus. There’s the classical ballerina, Clara, who's favorite is a long, **romantic tutu**, and her pointe shoes are perfection! Her stage presence radiates beauty, grace, and power with each movement. In the class, we'll explore techniques and how the different types of tutus complement different styles of movement. Then, I'm treating myself to a lunch date with fellow dancers from my studio and we're planning to check out a couple of local shops that carry tutu-inspired fashion accessories.

Don't get me wrong; ballet is a very serious form of art in the USA, but here in Mankato, we're all about having fun, and tutus help make it so! There's a whimsical charm about them, which somehow lifts my mood and puts a pep in my step.

Speaking of step, you guys know I gotta give a shout out to my local dancewear store. They always got my back when it comes to finding the perfect leotard, tights, and of course, a **beautiful, versatile** tutu. And let's not forget about their shoe collection! These girls are pros. There’s nothing they can’t find to keep me feeling fierce on stage and ready to take on any dance challenge.

While tutu-themed activities might not be for everyone, if you are in Mankato and are even remotely interested in trying out ballet, I highly recommend taking a drop-in class. You don’t have to have any experience and you can wear a tutu to class. Trust me, there's a tutu style for every dancer!

We might be a small town, but that doesn’t mean we’re not bursting with style and a passion for the arts. I’m telling you, it's contagious! Come visit us, try out a ballet class, and you might just find yourself joining our community. Until next time, keep your tutus on and your spirit shining!

Things you can do for Tutu Tuesday:
  • Share a photo of yourself wearing your favorite tutu on social media with the hashtag #tututuesday! And mention the state and city! #Mankato, MN #tututuesday
  • Watch a ballet performance or video. We've got tons of online resources!
  • Go shopping for tutu-inspired accessories, whether it be a **cute tutu skirt** for an everyday look or a new pair of dance shoes! I find the best deals in small shops that sell one-of-a-kind tutus for those ballerina-inspired outfits.
  • Bake tutu-themed cupcakes or cookies for a little sweet treat.
  • Grab your girlfriends and throw a tutu-themed party, just because! Who says Tuesday can’t be fun?

Have an amazing Tutu Tuesday, friends. See you next time!