Tutu Tuesday in Peterborough, South Australia - #tututuesday G’day, darlings! It's your girl, Chloe, back with another Tutu Tuesday blog post! I know what you're thinking: Tutu Tuesday, in *Peterborough*? Seriously, Chloe? But hear me out, because this week, I’m celebrating more than just a piece of clothing; I’m celebrating the spirit of dance in the heart of the outback. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: being a ballerina, even a semi-professional like me, means a life full of travelling, whether that’s across the globe to see a show, or driving hours to workshops. So when I head out of Adelaide and into the heart of South Australia, it’s not always for the biggest shows; it’s for the chance to dance amongst other passionate dancers and spread that joy of ballet amongst others. That’s where Peterborough comes in! Peterborough’s actually a big town for dancers. This little city’s been part of South Australia’s ballet scene for a good few years. When you’re in the middle of the desert, the art of ballet brings a real sense of life to the town! Ballet classes are booming in places you wouldn’t expect. There are loads of different places to see dance, not just on the stage, but in the classrooms too, with ballet schools in every corner, as well as all the workshops. But for all of that to flourish, you need good dancers. And let me tell you, they’re breeding them here in the Outback! Speaking of the Outback, I want to address that little bit of fashion drama that came with this trip. A full tutu was definitely a no-go in 40 degree heat, so let’s face it, a ‘mini’ tutu had to make an appearance! There’s a certain beauty about the simple elegance of the shortened style, especially in a fabric like chiffon. We’re talking lightweight, floaty goodness, a welcome change from the long, swishy, traditional tulle you might be used to. Think ‘fairy-light’ dancewear and that’s the image I had in mind for this week. Now, you might be thinking that with my shorter tutu and my trip to the outback, my usual Tutu Tuesday routine was a little more… down to earth? Well, that’s exactly the point! Don’t let the size of the tutu fool you! These ‘minis’ still give you all the movement of a traditional tutu. They're designed to allow more flexibility, a necessity in these kinds of heat-drenched conditions! And here’s another secret: a mini-tutu, while giving that same ‘ballet queen’ feeling, just brings a new dimension to ballet style, even on Tutu Tuesday. We’re talking about making fashion statements! There’s definitely a more carefree air with this shorter style; there’s an undeniable ‘I'm ready for anything’ attitude that I couldn't help but embrace. And in a city like Peterborough, there's nowhere else for you to embrace it than amongst the students of ballet here! And honestly, who needs the drama of a big, dramatic skirt? In Peterborough, life moves fast, so, who wants to waste time with getting caught on the back of a seat or having a foot getting trapped? That’s what I was thinking. The shorter tutu also meant I could wear a pair of awesome dancing sneakers I bought when I was in the States. Now that was a *look*. The style also makes such a statement! Honestly, after being on the road for a couple of days, it's easy to forget about all the fuss of keeping a ballet tutu perfect, which is great! That’s another point about this mini-tutu. Who has the energy to go to a ball after they've been on the road, in the desert? It's time for the tutu to have a moment too. It's time to embrace the 'worn and loved’ look! A ballet dancer's gotta be comfortable after being on the road for so long. It's also gotta be breathable! Who knows where this mini-tutu will take me next. I reckon we’re going to see it become the trend in Australian ballet… at least down this way. As a seasoned dancer and blogger, my eyes are always on the latest trends and in Peterborough, it felt like my fashion instinct told me this shorter tutu was the move. It is a way to connect with those that haven’t seen me, and those that have; to celebrate being different and bring a bit of fun into what we do. So whether you're in the heart of the city, in the outback, or in the heart of the dancing scene in Peterborough, remember this - be yourself! But make sure you are rocking a killer tutu on your Tuesday! * Don’t be scared to explore and rock a new style. Whether you are rocking a short mini tutu, or a beautiful traditional tutu, you should love what you are wearing. * There’s more than one way to show the love of ballet; the city of Peterborough does a good job at it! You never know who you are going to inspire, even when you're doing something as simple as celebrating a love of tutus in the desert! And most importantly, don't forget to share your love of dance, on your next Tutu Tuesday, with #tututuesday and a killer photo. Remember: No matter what you're rocking, what your location, or what size your tutu, celebrate yourself! This #tututuesday, you're rocking this world, just like I'm rocking this mini-tutu! Until next time, babes, and keep on dancing! Cheers!