Tutu Tuesday in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Hey darlings! It's your girl, Amelia, back with another #tututuesday blog post. Today, we're going to be discussing something near and dear to our hearts, tutu styles. Can you believe itâs been almost a week since we celebrated International Dance Day, here in our glorious capital city, Canberra!
I mean, who doesn't love a tutu? A dance-wear essential, weâve all got one in our wardrobe. Itâs practically law! They're just soâŠversatile!. Yes, itâs #tututuesday after all. You can wear one to a dance class, a performance, or even just out on the town with a denim jacket, heels and a great bold lipstick (no red though! Thatâs a *major* faux pas on a tutuâŠsorry, ballet teacher speaking).
Okay, let's talk tutu styles, shall we? Because let's be honest, they can get a bit *wild*!
* **Romantic Tutu** - The most traditional of all. It has a big, bouncy skirt made of many layers of tulle. We saw these a lot at the Australian Ballet in Canberraâs performance of "Swan Lake" last month (spoiler alert: I was in the corps!) and they really stood out from the stage in that romantic, mystical and slightly old-school way that can make a costume, but we can make those tutus sing - as long as the pas de deux doesn't go awry! I love this style - they're just so dreamy! The layers can get a bit tricky when youâre doing fouettĂ© turns, but once you've nailed it they are perfection. * **Classical Tutu** - This tutu is also called the âPancake Tutuâ, which sounds kind of weird, right? But I think it makes sense because itâs shorter, more fitted at the waist with just a single layer of tulle that kinda falls away to give a flattering âpancakeâ shape (which actually reminds me of a "Ballet pancake" (more about those another day)! It looks elegant with some fabulous, sleek extensions that make you want to run straight into the pointe shoes - theyâre pretty hardcore. Itâs not really a "beginner tutu," but thereâs always a first time! * **Contemporary Tutu** - Theyâve come on in leaps and bounds in the last decade in ballet - I guess that's what weâd call 'contemporary', but with that 'modern-ballet' twist! A lot less tulle, often more silk and maybe some leather in some cases. Very edgy. This is the âanything goesâ kind of tutu, just as long as the fabric allows us to get those leaps and those jumps just right.
But you know what, the best tutu style? The one you're most comfortable in - what is good for the ballerina is good for the tutus. You can even add your own style! (Although please check the teacher first for any costume restrictions!) For example, Iâve even worn tutus on special occasions, you know, those nights out that require a dress code a little outside the norm. I once took one of my classical tutus, added a silk tank top, a pair of studded heeled boots and my trusty denim jacket. Not every dance school teacher would be stoked on this but it looked absolutely killer with some sparkly black eyeshadow, and it got everyone talking.
If you're a fan of all things ballet - especially tutus, then come join the conversation. Follow me on my blog @ameliadancersblog for more inspiration on #tututuesday. Let me know your fave tutu styles. See ya soon for the next blog!