Tutu Tuesday in Goulburn, New South Wales: A Whirlwind of Twirls and Tutu Love!
Hey there, fashion-loving fellow dance enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Amelia, back with another whirlwind of a blog post. Today, we’re taking Tutu Tuesday to the heart of country New South Wales, the charming town of Goulburn! As a ballet dancer who's toured the world, I've seen some incredible tutu designs, but the spirit of #tututuesday is truly special.
I know what you're thinking, Goulburn? What could a small town in the bush possibly have to offer the world of tutus? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's got plenty! From the quaint boutiques lining the main street to the local dance schools, the town has embraced the spirit of Tutu Tuesday, and boy, oh boy, it's a sight to behold.
I started my #tututuesday adventures in Goulburn at "The Sewing Room", a tiny shop packed with fabrics and notions that could rival any fashion house in the big smoke! Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a stash of shimmering silk tulle in every shade imaginable, just waiting to be transformed into tutu dreams. I snagged a beautiful shade of sapphire blue and let the creative juices flow! Now, I know what you're thinking - a sapphire blue tutu? In Goulburn?! I hear you. It's not your typical "country" look, but trust me, the shade is gorgeous against the red dirt roads. I’ve never seen such rich colours in fabric!
From there, I headed to the local Goulburn dance school, "Steps Ahead". These kids, you wouldn’t believe the talent in this small town. They had some pretty spectacular tutus - all hand-sewn by the teachers, they told me, a true sign of the community’s commitment to the arts. Their enthusiasm was so infectious - I ended up getting a mini ballet lesson, they even let me borrow one of their tutus! What a blast! Let's face it, we all love to see a little ballerina in their element, but I especially love seeing young girls get involved in ballet. It’s more than just a dance form; it’s a lifelong passion, and one I hope these girls will continue to embrace!
As I made my way around town, I noticed a distinct "tutu trend" taking hold - not just in the shops, but everywhere! The bakery had a cute little display of mini-tutues fashioned from cupcakes, the local bookshop had "Twirl for a Cause" fundraiser with tutu-shaped donation boxes, and even the local butcher had his wares draped with frilly pink ribbons and called them "tutu steaks!" This is what #tututuesday is all about – making fashion fun and embracing a community's passion for anything dance!
My favourite discovery though? A little gallery tucked away in a cobbled alleyway - "The Art of Dance". Here I discovered the works of local artist, Emily, who uses recycled materials to create amazing tutus. Not just tutus either! She’s created ballet-inspired fashion sculptures made entirely out of old tyres! Who knew there was so much talent tucked away in this quaint town?
It was truly inspiring to see a place like Goulburn embrace #tututuesday with so much enthusiasm and creativity! And you know, seeing ballet celebrated in a small town like Goulburn, made me realize just how much of a legacy we have in ballet here in Australia. It’s so often in the news – the Bolshoi Ballet or the Paris Opera – we think about it in such an international context but we forget about our own. It’s our tradition – our heritage! This really was a Tutu Tuesday to remember – one where creativity and passion flowed freely and I was reminded why I’m so grateful to be part of the Australian ballet community!
Now, onto the tutu styles!
Here’s my take on what #tututuesday in Goulburn, New South Wales looked like:
- Romantic Tutus - There were some gorgeous variations of the classic romantic tutu. It’s a classic for a reason, isn't it? I saw many with soft layers of tulle that danced in the breeze, and others adorned with delicate embroidery, pearls, or crystals.
- Modern Tutus - This wasn't all about tradition. I also saw some daring, contemporary tutu designs. Some featured unconventional materials, like recycled denim or woven tapestry. There was one especially unique design - a tutu that incorporated actual leaves from the town’s gum trees, woven in with the tulle! This was a tutu for those who love to make a statement and take some risks.
- The Everyday Tutu - Now, let's talk about some practical designs, just because it's Tutu Tuesday, doesn't mean it's about big ball gowns. A fun take was everyday fashion blended with the "tutu aesthetic", think tulle overlays on denim jackets, tulle scarves, even tulle accents on hats. These gave off that effortlessly stylish look.
#Tututuesday in Goulburn was all about fun, creativity, and community. It's a reminder that ballet and fashion aren't just confined to city streets - it can bloom anywhere!