Tutu Tuesday in Collie, Western Australia: A Celebration of Dance & Style #tututuesday
G'day lovelies! It's your girl, Elle, back again with another fabulously frivolous post about all things dance and fashion. Today, we're going to be waltzing through the charming town of Collie, Western Australia, because, well, it's Tutu Tuesday! And who doesn't love a bit of tulle and twirling?
Let me tell you, finding a Tutu Tuesday theme to work with in Collie wasn't easy! While the place is buzzing with natural beauty - the Collie River, the picturesque scenery, even some amazing craft beer - there's not a ballet school or dance studio in sight.
But, that just made me more determined! My mission was to bring a bit of ballerina magic to the heart of this hardworking regional centre. My aim? To inject some twirling fun into the daily routine, and maybe, just maybe, spark a love for the elegant world of dance in some unsuspecting Collies!
Now, Collie might not have a ballet school, but they have something even better - a wonderfully supportive community that's up for anything! So, my journey to Collie started with reaching out to local groups and individuals. The response was overwhelming! The Collie Visitor Centre embraced the idea, helping me find local businesses willing to jump on board and put their own spin on the Tutu Tuesday theme.
And oh boy, did they ever!
Imagine my delight when I walked into the local bakery and saw a whole display of delicious, twirling-worthy cakes! These creations were more than just treats - they were edible art. Imagine cupcakes with swirling buttercream frosting, carefully placed to mimic the ruffles of a romantic tutu, and pastries dusted with shimmering sugar that looked like dewdrops on a pristine white tutu.
Next stop, a cafe with a gorgeous patio, serving up some truly delicious "Tutu Time" delights. My absolute favourite was the "Pas de Deux" pancake stack – light as a feather, with fresh fruit and whipped cream arranged to resemble a delicate, multi-layered tutu. It's like a little piece of ballet magic on a plate!
For a more spirited vibe, we even managed to get a local pub onboard. And what better way to celebrate Tutu Tuesday than with some bespoke, tutu-inspired cocktails? I'm talking about shimmering purple concoctions served in champagne flutes decorated with candy floss and fairy lights, truly delightful and Instagram-worthy!
The highlight, however, had to be the collaboration with a group of talented young locals, the "Collie Crafters." Now, this amazing group of women wasn't about ballet but had an incredible flair for the creative! They created their very own Tutu Tuesday displays that showcased the power of handmade creations with a twirling twist.
We had everything from delicate origami paper flowers arranged into the shape of tutus, beautiful macrame wall hangings incorporating delicate, thread-like materials, and stunning hand-painted murals featuring abstract dancers. Each of these pieces celebrated a different style of tutu: - **The Romantic Tutu**: Known for its long, flowing skirt and delicate embellishments, epitomised by the paper flowers. - **The Classical Tutu**: Often featuring a shorter skirt with a stiff and starched fabric, embodied by the intricate macrame design. - **The Modern Tutu**: Explores non-traditional silhouettes and materials, seen in the vibrant, hand-painted murals that fused abstract art with a ballerina form.
Walking through Collie that Tuesday felt like a daydream! Even the locals were getting in on the action. They weren't exactly sporting tutus themselves, but they were definitely dressing to impress. I spotted one dapper chap with a pastel pink button-up shirt – subtle nod to the ballerina theme, if I've ever seen one! The spirit of Tutu Tuesday, even if only slightly embodied, was truly infectious!
Now, let's be honest, a Tutu Tuesday in Collie, a town with a strong connection to its mining heritage and more focused on grit than glamour, isn't exactly your typical tutu scene. Yet, it wasn't about having the right kind of shoes, it was about the right attitude. The attitude of letting go of your inner critic, celebrating joy, embracing creativity, and most importantly, embracing the simple joy of a dance!
If you ask me, the real magic of Tutu Tuesday was the way it brought the whole community together. It showed that a little bit of whimsy, even something as silly as a tutu, can go a long way. And, it was proof positive that you can celebrate dance in any form, even when you're miles away from a dance studio.
It made me reflect, that as much as ballet is about precision and technique, it's also about joy. The joy of creating something beautiful, the joy of pushing your boundaries, and the joy of connecting with others through a shared love of art and movement.
So, here's to all you gorgeous dancers out there – you can embrace the Tutu Tuesday spirit, no matter where you are! If you're in Collie, don't be shy, come down and join the fun! And if you're not, remember to find a local café, a community event, or a creative corner that you can inject with your own bit of dance-inspired magic.
Because, you never know, you just might inspire a little tutu-twirling fun! And remember: If you can dream it, you can wear it!
Love and sequins, Elle
P.S. Keep an eye out for more tutu-rific adventures, as we’re taking the #TutuTuesday spirit to different locations in Australia. It’s time to spread the dance love!