Beechworth, Victoria: Tutu Tuesday, a Celebration of Dance and Fashion

Hey lovelies, it’s your girl, Chloe here, back with another post about my life as a ballerina and, more importantly, the best thing that’s happened to the ballet world since the invention of the pointe shoe: Tutu Tuesday! I can’t believe this weekly celebration is spreading like wildfire – it’s like everyone’s suddenly obsessed with tutus (and who can blame them?!). Even though my home is in Melbourne, I had to take a trip out to the charming little town of Beechworth this week for some inspiration and, of course, some #Tutuesday vibes.

First things first: If you don’t know, Tutu Tuesday is a social media trend that encourages everyone to wear their favourite tutu – no matter if it’s a professional one, a cute little one, or a fluffy, whimsical one (which is definitely my favourite). I know I'm biased, but it's seriously a great way to unleash your inner ballerina and inject a bit of fun into your week.

I was seriously blown away by the amazing variety of tutus people were rocking in Beechworth. We saw everything from traditional Romantic tutus in soft pinks and whites to classic, elegant tutus in deep blacks and rich reds, and even some super cool, modern tutus that wouldn't look out of place in a contemporary dance show. Seriously, it was like a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity – absolutely amazing!

So, let's chat about those tutus. I saw some incredible styles! For a traditional look, there were stunning Romantic tutus. You know the ones, all floaty and frilly with multiple layers of tulle that create a soft, dreamy silhouette? So elegant, so dreamy – it's no wonder these styles are so iconic. On the other hand, there were also a lot of classic tutus. The kind of tutus you picture in your mind when you think "ballet". These ones are usually shorter, more fitted, and typically made with stiffer fabrics. They're really striking and showcase the beauty of the body’s movement in a classic way. Now, for something truly unique, the modern tutus really stood out. These babies break all the rules – some were structured, with geometric designs and unusual fabrics like velvet or denim. Others were asymmetric, deconstructed, or even layered with unconventional elements like feathers or netting. Super edgy, super stylish. I even saw some people rocking brightly coloured, bold tutus. These bold, expressive tutus with graphic patterns, metallic fabrics, or neon hues were certainly making a statement!

One thing I loved about Tutu Tuesday in Beechworth was that people were definitely not afraid to embrace the quirky and creative aspects of the trend. They weren't just wearing tutus; they were using them to tell stories, express their individual styles, and add a touch of whimsy to their day. It was really infectious, and I felt a huge sense of community watching everyone come together to celebrate dance and fashion.

But here's the real kicker: You don’t have to be a ballerina to join the fun. I met people who had never taken a dance lesson in their lives, and they were all rocking their tutus with such confidence! Seriously, Tutu Tuesday isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing the joy of movement and expressing yourself in a playful, whimsical way. I had so much fun chatting with fellow Tutu-lovers. From an elderly lady who reminisced about her own ballet days to a young girl who was excitedly sharing her dreams of one day joining the Australian Ballet, I saw how this simple act of wearing a tutu was bringing people together and sparking conversations. I even had some little girls run up to me, their eyes shining with excitement, asking to see my tutu. They reminded me of the joy and magic of dance, something I try to keep at the forefront of my own dance practice.

I know the Australian Ballet is incredibly diverse and strong with wonderful schools and programs across the country and one thing Tutu Tuesday is doing is getting people excited about dance. I’ve seen kids getting their first taste of ballet through classes offered at their local recreation centre, and older folks rediscovering the joy of movement. And then you’ve got people like me – people who already love ballet – finding new ways to express themselves and connect with their dance community. Seriously, it's amazing how a simple trend can have such a positive impact. So whether you’re a seasoned ballerina, a complete beginner, or simply someone who loves expressing yourself, I highly recommend giving Tutu Tuesday a try! Post a photo on Instagram, tag #Tutuesday, and watch the joy spread!

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and of course, a whole lot of twirling! It was amazing to see everyone having so much fun embracing their inner ballerina and letting their imaginations run wild. As I caught a glimpse of a little girl with pigtails bouncing and twirling in her tutu, a pink butterfly perched on her shoulder, I realized that the magic of dance truly knows no boundaries, no age limits, and no fashion restrictions.

So, my lovely dance enthusiasts, this week, I encourage you to put on your favourite tutu, embrace the playful side of life, and spread the Tutu Tuesday love! From the streets of Beechworth to wherever you are, let’s make the world a more sparkly and joyous place, one tutu at a time!