Tutu Tuesday 11107

Tutu Tuesday in Lakewood, Ohio! #tututuesday Hey dancers and fashionistas! It's your girl, Olivia, back with another Tutu Tuesday. I'm so excited to be sharing my love for tutus with all of you. If you're in Lakewood, Ohio (or even if you're not!) get ready to twirl into the week with me! Okay, let's talk tutus. I love them! They're so graceful and beautiful and have such a history. Did you know that they evolved from women's traditional dress styles? Over time they were adapted and refined for ballet, especially by the brilliant French ballet mistress, Marie Taglioni. But enough about history, let's get into the styles, You guys already know the classics, like the Romantic tutu. These long and flowing styles evoke dreamy fairytale imagery with their soft tulle. I think I even once spotted someone sporting a tutu with a tiara and a butterfly headband - you know, real life fairy vibes! I especially love the way Romantic tutus drape over the body, so chic! And then you've got the variations: The shorter tutus, which I call my "twirl buddies" and then the longer versions, those are the real show-stoppers! And those tiny little peek-a-boo glimpses of your pointe shoes peeking out? Totally iconic. But there's so much more than just the Romantic Tutu. Today's world of dance fashion has created these fantastic variations. I think everyone loves the fun and frilly, layered tutu with tulle as its main ingredient. You see it a lot in ballet classes for young dancers (those super-sized, tulle-ball-gown styles!). I even saw a variation of a tutu for my pointe classes, the tulle wasn't gathered on top - just layers of delicate tulle flowing to create a beautiful cloud of movement! Oh, my word! So stunning, I think it would work in an open space like Cleveland's Edgewater Park - think of how the tulle would move in the wind with all of the movement! Of course, no Tutu Tuesday is complete without a shout-out to the most iconic tutu style, the tutu for a dancer’s debut, The classic **"Tutu for Giselle"! ** Oh, and you can’t forget the tutus from the *Royal Ballet of London*, with those beautiful traditional-style tutus with intricate details. Those would fit right in at the *Cleveland Museum of Art*. Look, every Tutu Tuesday I find myself at some cute cafe (usually the Lakewood, Ohio, branch of *Melt* or *Rising Star Bakery*) just enjoying a few bites and then going back to work, because as much as we love tutus there’s always that “work on that artistry and technique” thing to consider for us ballet girls! We definitely take inspiration from dancewear as fashionistas! There are these amazing Tutu Instagram accounts - I follow *The Tutu Project* on Instagram and you should too, for super inspiring photos of different tutu styles! I am not afraid to admit my dancewear addiction is quite bad - so every Tuesday it's just like an internal fashion show in my head! I am already thinking about the tutu I am going to buy next! My dance bag already has way too many, but the ballet shoe shop on the West side is my favorite store to peruse (even if I can’t buy a single thing that day, but I don’t let the cashier know)! My tutu-wearing heart belongs there! That’s just a glimpse into my inner-workings - I don't even want to mention my ever-growing tutu collection – I know, I know it’s pretty embarrassing for a *real ballerina*, I’m still working on that, ha! But it’s still a pretty awesome part of my "inner world," like a little hidden closet that I'm going to open up for the rest of you! I love this **#tututuesday ** hashtag – it just inspires me! We’re bringing the spirit of the dance into *every day life* and not just in Lakewood Ohio – but for every place you find ballet in the USA (because if it’s ballet we love it and want to embrace all those who make it happen)! So, let's celebrate #tututuesday together. What's your favorite tutu style? Share it in the comments! If you’re not a ballet girl, no worries. There are tutus in every size and shape for everyone, whether it's for Halloween, a dance party, a wedding (I bet my girls could pull it off and create a *dream* tutu design to complement a gown!) There is truly something for everyone! And don’t forget the history! It makes the tutus all that much more awesome, knowing the amazing people that came before and shaped this amazing little garment for ballet. Here are some fun #tututuesday ideas: * **Rock a Tutu:** Pick your favorite tutu and wear it with pride (it might be a perfect way to wear a statement piece). You never know when your confidence and tutu skills will shine, in the cafe or at the coffee shop. * **Strike a Pose:** Take a fun and silly picture in your tutu for social media (or maybe some more professional poses!), #tututuesday * **Embrace the Beauty of Dance:** Think about how incredible tutus are. And go ahead, watch your favorite ballet performances. * **Get Creative:** Use your favorite tutu as inspiration to create a fun project, like crafting, drawing, painting. * **Explore Tutu History:** Discover the rich history and stories of ballet and tutues, let those facts and stories shape a sense of the legacy behind this clothing item! And while you’re at it, dive deeper into ballet in the USA and learn about how ballet in the USA came to be! I love #tututuesday! What are you guys wearing for this #tututuesday ? Share those images! I'll be looking at you in my cute (maybe even crazy ) little outfits with tutus for *every occasion*! We’re the future generation bringing tutus back to fashion – I have to think *Coco Chanel* would be totally into our look and aesthetic - can’t forget a shout out to one of my fashion idols! You girls will see! And don’t forget! Every time you wear your tutu, don’t forget to post pictures and videos with this hashtag! #tututuesday in Lakewood Ohio. Let's share our passion for dance and for the tutu with the rest of the world! Enjoy it, because you deserve a good dose of tutu and it will give you that “inner-sparkle.” That’s it for this Tutu Tuesday, you girls, I love hearing from all of you, stay in touch and don't forget to keep twirling! Peace, out.