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Tutu Tuesday in Bendigo, Victoria: A Celebration of All Things Tutu #tututuesday

Hey everyone, it's your girl, Ashleigh here, back with another blog post. Itā€™s Tuesday, and you know what that means - Tutu Tuesday! As an Aussie ballerina living and breathing this incredible art form in Bendigo, I just can't resist a little celebration of tutus. These feathered and frilled wonders are not just costumes, they're works of art, a symbol of grace, and letā€™s face it, pretty darn sparkly.

The History of the Tutu

Now, I know what youā€™re thinking: ā€œA tutu, Ashleigh, a tutu! Really?ā€ But hold your horses! These airy masterpieces have an intriguing past. The tutu, as we know it, evolved from the romantic and whimsical designs of the 19th century. Back then, dancers used voluminous, billowing skirts. It wasnā€™t until Marie Taglioni graced the stage in *La Sylphide*, rocking a short, flowing tutu that resembled a Grecian chiton, that a new era began. Talk about iconic! It redefined the ballet aesthetic.

Nowadays, there are different types of tutus that are used in ballet. Hereā€™s a glimpse of the most common ones.

  • The Romantic Tutu: The one that took centre stage (and revolutionised ballet history) .Think *La Sylphide*. Romantic tutus are often made with layers of soft, gauzy tulle, creating a billowing, ethereal silhouette.
  • The Classical Tutu: These tutus have a longer, rounder shape, resembling a cone, made with multiple layers of stiffened tulle, allowing for intricate turns and leaps. This is your signature tutu style in classics like *Swan Lake* and *Sleeping Beauty.*
  • The Contemporary Tutu: These tutus have more fluid shapes, and are designed for greater freedom of movement. Think modern, artistic interpretations and explorations.

These three types are only the tip of the tutu iceberg! Thereā€™s the tutu pas de deux, and letā€™s not forget about the ballerina tutu. Each type plays an essential role in the world of ballet.

Why Tutu Tuesday in Bendigo, Victoria?

Bendigoā€™s always buzzing with something going on, from festivals to exhibitions and workshops. It's a town that's definitely got heart, and the vibrant art scene here inspires us all. And if thereā€™s one place that gets my tutu heart beating a little faster, itā€™s the Bendigonian Ballet studio. Their dedication to passing on the joy and passion of dance to the younger generation just warms my soul. They recently had their annual fundraising gala, where all eyes were on those glorious tutus and their inspiring performance. So, whether you're a seasoned ballet aficionado or just a Tutu Tuesday enthusiast, Bendigo always offers something amazing to experience.

I hope this little Tuesday tutu treat brought a smile to your face, my friends. Be sure to follow along on social media - tag me in your tutu pics with the hashtag #tututuesday . It's your time to shine! Remember, no matter your age or experience level, the tutuā€™s just another tool that can help unleash the artistry and creativity that lies within us. Letā€™s spread some Tutu Tuesday love all over Bendigo and Australia!