Tutu Tuesday in Thirlmere, NSW: A Ballet Dancer's Guide to the Perfect Twirl
G'day, lovelies! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another blog post. And guess what? It's Tutu Tuesday! Today, I'm taking you all on a whirlwind tour of my favourite spot in the land down under - Thirlmere, New South Wales, for a day of tutu-filled fun!
Thirlmere has always held a special place in my heart. Not only is it surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Blue Mountains, but it's also home to some of Australia's most passionate dancers. The Thirlmere Theatre & Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant hub of creativity, showcasing breathtaking ballet performances and giving aspiring dancers a stage to shine. This week, the theatre has put on a spectacular production of Swan Lake. From the graceful movements to the intricate costumes, it was truly captivating. Seeing such incredible talent in the heart of this little town reminded me of the extraordinary power of dance and the beauty it brings to the world.
And let's be honest, no ballet performance is complete without a tutu! But the real question is, which one to choose? We've got the classic Romantic tutu, all layers of airy tulle, perfect for those grand pirouettes and soaring arabesques. But maybe you're feeling a bit more contemporary? There's the shorter, more form-fitting tutu, designed for modern choreography and fierce expression. Whatever your style, Thirlmere's got a tutu for you! The sheer range of styles - from traditional, to modern and even experimental, is amazing! They really have something for every dancer.
Speaking of styles, I decided to go for something a little different today: a blush pink tutu with silver embroidery. It's the perfect balance of delicate elegance and playful shimmer. Plus, it totally pops against the emerald green foliage surrounding Thirlmere Lake! Just imagine it: the lake sparkling under the sun, the trees whispering secrets in the breeze, and you twirling in a perfect circle, your blush pink tutu catching the light! Oh, the sheer joy!
After the show, I headed to the Thirlmere Markets, which was an absolute explosion of color! Hand-knitted scarves, colourful macrame wall hangings and, of course, more tutus. You could say the locals here are pretty passionate about their dancing. My friend even told me there's a yearly competition in Thirlmere - "Miss Tutu". Honestly, you can’t make it up! I had to nab a few souvenirs – a sparkly lavender tutu hair clip (just for my bun!) and some hand-made knitted tutu warmers - because honestly, the mornings here can get pretty chilly!
While we’re on the topic of dance and fashion, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite local Australian ballet wear designers. Here in Thirlmere, “Dance Diva” is a little gem with custom designed tutus that really take your breath away. They're dedicated to crafting tutus that are not only beautiful but also comfortable to wear and built to last – perfect for both professionals and passionate hobbyists. The Thirlmere theatre actually has its own workshop for tutus which they sell alongside costumes and shoes! What a beautiful way to support our creative communities.
As the day draws to a close, I find myself standing at the edge of Thirlmere Lake, tutu flowing in the gentle breeze. I breathe in the crisp mountain air, feeling incredibly grateful for this amazing experience. This is Thirlmere at its best – beautiful, inspiring and full of creativity. A place that celebrates dance and art, where every twirl is a statement, and where the magic of ballet unfolds.
So, lovelies, next time you’re thinking of where to go for some tutu fun, put Thirlmere on your list. It's truly a hidden gem! And don't forget to tag me in your tutu pics and use #tututuesday – I can't wait to see your twirling styles! Til next time, lovelies!
Love, Chloe xx
#tututuesday #Thirlmere #NSW