Tutu Tuesday in McMinns Lagoon, Northern Territory, #tututuesday G'day lovelies! So, Tutu Tuesday in the NT - yeah, you read that right! - and it's definitely an experience. It's not exactly the Royal Opera House, but McMinns Lagoon has a certain charm that definitely made me want to embrace the #tututuesday vibe. You see, this week I decided to swap my usual Melbourne rehearsals for a whirlwind trip up north. It was time for a bit of a change of scenery. Who knew there'd be tutu opportunities here in the Top End?
Now, McMinns Lagoon, you might think, wouldn't be the place to sport a tutu. Think dusty outback landscapes, crocs lurking in the waterholes, and maybe a kookaburra or two. But here's the thing: I love that there are unexpected ways to incorporate ballet, dance, and even tutus, in any place - even if you have to get a little creative!
The Tutu Challenge So, here's the low-down on my Tutu Tuesday adventures: first, I decided to push the boundaries and rock a tutu for a sunrise walk through Kakadu National Park. The combination of my pastel-pink tulle tutu, with its airy, flowing layers, and the stunning natural beauty around me was just something special. The ochre landscape, the dramatic rock formations, and the glow of the rising sun - they were a ballet dancer's dream backdrop, making it feel like the stage was set for a breathtaking performance! The locals were a bit curious to see me rocking my tutu, especially when I took the opportunity to pose for a couple of snaps in front of the ancient rock art sites!
The Perfect Match It’s the whole reason I love to experiment with tutus! It’s so amazing to see how a single tutu can totally transform your style and be suited for so many locations. Of course, you gotta know which tutu to use. There's a world of difference between the fluffy romantic tutu and a simpler, more modern tutu with a structured look. But with Tutu Tuesday, it’s not about looking fancy but rather bringing elegance into your day! And who knows what crazy places your creative spirit will lead you to!
My Thoughts But, let's face it, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. You gotta be careful where you put your tutu here. Those pesky crocodiles are always lurking in the billabongs, you know. And trust me, crocs aren't exactly fans of ballet (and even more so not Tutu Tuesday). So, we had to be very strategic and I definitely did not put on my tutu when going for a swim! I don’t want to accidentally become part of the swamp!
Where I Got My Tutu From Of course, I just HAD to pick up a couple of new tutus while I was in the Northern Territory, as part of my mission to bring the Tutu Tuesday magic to even the most unexpected locations! I scored a couple of awesome, locally handmade ones at a small shop in Darwin (just south of McMinns Lagoon). They were just beautiful and super comfortable to wear!
More than just Ballet in Australia It’s really inspiring for me to experience all the amazing places and cultural locations within the Northern Territory. It’s easy to be caught up with all the hustle and bustle of big cities like Melbourne (I am always happy to come home and to the Melbourne theatre world!), but there is so much out there to see. It's awesome to get outside of the bubble of ballet and be inspired by new things! It's something I know I will carry back to my work.
So, whether you're in McMinns Lagoon, the heart of Sydney, or any other part of the great Australian continent, embrace Tutu Tuesday. Turn every day into an opportunity to add a touch of elegance and fun!
Catch you on the next adventure!