Tutu Tuesday in Newcastle, NSW: A Celebration of Dance and Style #tututuesday
G'day fellow dance lovers! It's your girl, Ella, back with another Tutu Tuesday blog post. This week, we're kicking it off right here in the vibrant city of Newcastle, NSW, and lemme tell ya, the tutu scene here is pretty darn impressive.
Now, for those of you who are new to Tutu Tuesday, it's a weekly celebration of the iconic tutu, that symbol of grace, elegance, and of course, all things ballet. It's a chance to showcase different styles, experiment with colours, and basically embrace the artistry that comes with a good ol' fashioned tutu.
I've been living in Newcastle for the past few years now, and one thing that struck me about this city is the incredible ballet community. You see, ballet in Australia, and particularly in Newcastle, has such a rich history and culture. It's not just about being on stage; it's about a passionate community that embraces all forms of dance. You can see it in the vibrant street dance scene, the local dance studios, and of course, the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, which hosts world-class ballet performances.
And speaking of performances, last night was absolutely spectacular! I got to see "Giselle" at the Newcastle Civic Theatre, and oh boy, did those tutus steal the show! There were the classic Romantic tutus, the kind you imagine when you think "ballerina," all airy and soft, floating across the stage. They were made with delicate layers of tulle, often in pale pinks and whites, creating that dreamlike ethereal effect that I absolutely adore.
But you know, ballet and tutus have really evolved. The contemporary dancers brought out their more structured tutus - the kind with a bit more edge, with sharper lines and bolder colours. It was a fascinating contrast between the traditional and the modern. They were made from different materials, too. Some were stiff, giving them a sculpted, almost geometric look. Others had more fluidity, flowing with the dancer's movement. Honestly, it was such a joy to witness the different interpretations of this iconic garment.
It got me thinking about how the tutu has become a symbol of personal expression for so many dancers, not just on stage. I saw a few dancers at the theatre in these amazing streetwear looks with little tutu details. A sprinkle of sparkle here, a tiny ruffled layer there... They showed how a simple piece of fabric can make an outfit pop! That's what makes #tututuesday so fun; you can take it anywhere, with any style.
After the performance, a few of us headed to a new cafe downtown, the kind that serves perfectly-brewed lattes with decadent almond croissants (seriously, these things were divine!) We were still buzzing from the show, and of course, couldn't resist grabbing a few more photos. There was one gorgeous tutu, a shimmering silver creation with delicate embellishments that literally caught the light, a perfect fit for a Tutu Tuesday night out.
You know, even in Newcastle, the creativity knows no bounds. There are shops on Hunter Street dedicated to tutus and all sorts of dance gear, it's amazing! I mean, can you imagine having a dedicated store to one of the most beautiful articles of clothing in the world? You'll find anything from beginner ballet slippers to custom tutus for professionals! You can see how the city really embraces its creative heart.
Speaking of custom tutus, I've been working on a special project of my own - a new Tutu Tuesday capsule collection. It's gonna be inspired by all things Newcastle, from the beaches to the city's rich history. I can't wait to share it with you all! Keep an eye out on my socials!
But here are a few Tutu Tuesday tips from yours truly:
- Embrace your inner ballerina: The key is to have fun and experiment. You don't have to be a professional dancer to wear a tutu.
- Get creative: Play around with colours, textures, and even accessories!
- Share your love for ballet: Spread the word about Tutu Tuesday with your friends and fellow dance lovers!
- Follow the hashtag #tututuesday: This is how we connect!
Newcastle, you are officially making my Tutu Tuesday dreams come true! The city's spirit and dance culture, the beautiful tutus... This place really has it all.