Tutu Tuesday in Junee, New South Wales: A Ballet Lover's Paradise! #tututuesday Hey there, fellow ballet fanatics! It's your girl, Lily, back with another dose of #tututuesday and this week, I’m waltzing my way into the charming country town of Junee, New South Wales. Junee is a place that really feels like a step back in time - it's filled with classic Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets, which I absolutely adore. But here's the real kicker - this quaint town also holds a special place in my heart because it's home to the renowned Junee Ballet Academy. Imagine, a dance academy nestled in this quaint little town! This is not just another dance studio - they’ve got it all! From traditional ballet to jazz, lyrical and even tap. I'm so incredibly proud of the work they do and so grateful for the teachers, and dedicated students who help to nurture such a vibrant ballet scene in a remote location. Now, you all know I'm a sucker for a classic tutu, but I have to admit that my latest find is absolutely killing it in the 'Tutu Tuesday' game! It’s a powder blue 'romantic' tutu, crafted from the most exquisite tulle – just picture wisps of tulle floating in a cloud of ballerina dreamland! And if that wasn’t good enough, there are these sparkly details that add just the right amount of extra magic to the entire look. It’s seriously glamorous, with that traditional silhouette that always reminds me of those elegant, long, flowing tutus the ballerinas used to wear. You guys know how important my accessories are. This week I’m carrying a beautiful clutch in blush pink, the perfect shade to go with the blue tulle of the tutu. I’m matching my blush with some delicate earrings with pearl-like beads and even managed to snag some stunning handmade ballet slippers from a local artisan, all in white satin and sparkling diamante buckles! The perfect look for Tutu Tuesday, and it doesn't hurt that these gems can double for a casual event too - I can wear these with jeans and a tee and I still look amazing. My time in Junee had me yearning for the classic styles. You know, those traditional tutus with the short, romantic tutus or the slightly longer romantic style - I mean those are so stunning on stage. My favourite has always been the long 'romantic' tutu, just like my latest find! And in the case of Junee, the classical designs have found a modern twist, which is just fantastic to see. You have a modern feel for contemporary and even neoclassical ballet - that makes it so refreshing to see! For example, I noticed an upcoming dance program featuring a range of dance styles, with a mix of traditional and modern ballet numbers – the academy’s program features original choreography! And what’s really impressive, I caught a peek at their performance in a beautiful, restored art deco cinema - the ambiance added something extra! The dancers are so expressive - their love for ballet really comes across - I’m so passionate about seeing dance be embraced in a unique way and Junee has just inspired me with that creativity! Junee is the quintessential Aussie country town and is a perfect reminder to embrace our national treasures, including those like Junee’s unique ballet culture. They really showcase a wonderful mix of classical tradition and contemporary flare - that really sets them apart from the pack! Here are some ways Junee stands out in the Australian Ballet scene:
  • The Academy’s ability to combine the traditional elegance of classical ballet with contemporary dance trends, while maintaining that distinct Australian flair. They make me want to come back again and again!
  • It really impressed me to see that this smaller community really fosters creativity and excellence - a big shout-out to all the Junee Ballet Academy members!
  • There is so much passion and a genuine love for the art of dance that the community is truly a breath of fresh air in the Australian dance scene.
  • I’m so glad that I got to witness the passion of the town residents as they support their beloved academy. The local community has created something extraordinary - a hub of ballet in the Australian heartland.
So here’s a thought. Next time you find yourself looking for some inspiration for your Tutu Tuesday, take a journey out of the big smoke and head out to beautiful Junee! You'll find that tutus are just the beginning! So, What Are We Doing on #TutuTuesday 1. Don't forget to capture your #tututuesday style in all its glory! Tag me @lilysballetblog. 2. Keep up with my journey with my weekly updates as I explore more dance hotspots in Australia! #balletlover #balletlife. 3. And finally, make sure to head out to Junee - you'll be thrilled with the energy and the ballet legacy there. You’ll find yourself swept away with the spirit of this stunning town - you’ll understand what a hidden gem Junee truly is - it's just what a #tututuesday should be.