Tutu Tuesday 20653

Tutu Tuesday in Barmera, South Australia #tututuesday G’day, fellow dance lovers! It's Tutu Tuesday, and I'm channeling my inner ballerina right here in the heart of Barmera, South Australia. Today, I'm putting a spotlight on the beauty of tutus, the iconic symbol of ballet that has captivated audiences worldwide for centuries. But let’s face it, even though tutus are a mainstay in the ballet world, it’s hard to avoid the fact that they are still a little controversial. You see, for someone like myself, a tutu is much more than just a fancy costume – it's a symbol of strength, artistry, and a way to communicate with the audience through movement. But there are still so many misconceptions out there about tutus – for example, I’ve often been told by people outside of the ballet world, that they are 'too girly', or they ‘aren’t practical’. Well, I’m here to say, tutus are more than just girly. Sure, some are delicate, like the **classic romantic tutu**, that would have been favoured by ballerinas such as the iconic Margot Fonteyn, or the **bell tutu** – both typically crafted from layers of tulle that gracefully flutter and billow with each twirl. But, don’t forget the **bell tutu** made for the athletic dancers – the **boulevard tutu**, the **poule** and the **short tutu** made popular by George Balanchine and used for more athletic and energetic pieces that demand leaps, turns, and quick changes of direction. And practical? That’s easy. Every detail of a tutu is chosen for a reason – they aren't just about frills and thrills. From the **tight-fitting bodice** to the **layers of tulle** designed to give the illusion of ‘floating’ through the air – each part of the tutu is designed to aid in the dancers movements. It may take hours of training to learn to wear them gracefully, but trust me, a ballerina can move with more agility, and more fluidity when they’re wearing a tutu than they could if they were in regular attire. There is so much to celebrate in the tutu – so join me as we dive into the world of these beautiful pieces of garment, here in Barmera! I’ve decided to have some fun this #tututuesday.
### Let’s talk tutu styles. • **The Romantic Tutu**: This tutu is what you typically think of when you imagine a ballerina – it's the classic fluffy, billowing shape that was first popularised by ballerinas such as Marie Taglioni in the Romantic era, and still worn to this day, notably in productions like **Giselle**. • **The Bell Tutu**: The Bell tutu is my personal favourite because it resembles a bell, wider at the bottom and more closely fitted to the legs. I think this style is particularly captivating. Think of the classic ‘swans’ scene in **Swan Lake**. That's usually done wearing a bell tutu. • **The Short Tutu**: Unlike the longer tutus which generally sit at the knee, the Short tutu stops at the thigh and showcases the leg lines and muscular physique, adding a touch of sensuality to ballet routines. • **The Pointe Shoes**: They might not be technically a tutu, but I love how they complete the look and enhance the ballerina’s movement on stage, so we have to include them. I’ve always admired the beauty of a well-worn pointe shoe. Every shoe holds stories of dedication, grit, and resilience. As a passionate dancer from Australia, I feel lucky to be surrounded by a strong community of dancers that also embraces ballet in our country. While Ballet has had its ups and downs in terms of popularity and accessibility over the years, in Australia, I am happy to report that the love of the art form is thriving – and I hope to play my small part in this!
**A Little Bit of Barmera Inspiration.** This tiny town in South Australia has been an unexpected source of inspiration for me this week – we are currently enjoying some lovely spring weather. I don’t think it has even occurred to the locals that tutus would work here! And that's exactly what makes Tutu Tuesday even more fun! Barmera is such a different vibe from what you would usually see in a traditional ballet studio setting – think of a city like Sydney or Melbourne. But, I am all about re-imagining the tutu and making it work no matter the setting. The colourful landscapes in Barmera inspire me – with the golden sunsets reflecting off the water in Lake Alexandrina. It feels as though I am part of a dream. This area is known for it's history in the grape industry. I love strolling through the local markets to take in the abundance of delicious fruit! It is a completely different world than the world of ballet. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. And maybe it’s about time we find some more unexpected ways of experiencing this beloved form of art. This week I have taken a few photos at Lake Alexandrina, and of course have even managed to incorporate a couple of twirls around the iconic River Randell, an important watercourse that meanders through the landscape here. So much for embracing the natural beauty of the South Australian countryside! But I know what you’re thinking. . . Would ballet fans love to see these photographic opportunities here in Barmera, or would they be totally unimpressed?! It’s a little risky – but there is a certain charm and innocence to this unusual way of expressing a love for tutu culture. . . I’m taking the plunge. It’s a great example of bringing an element of ballet to this unexpected environment. I think we should be challenging the typical assumptions of ballet, especially in places like Barmera, South Australia, so let’s go forth with that bold ambition in mind. After all, why should our tutu style be defined by the venue?! This #tututuesday is all about having some fun and pushing boundaries. Let me know what you think. Let’s get this tutu party started!