Tutu Tuesday 21545

Tutu Tuesday in Serpentine, Western Australia #tututuesday Okay, darlings, get ready for a serious dose of tutu magic! It's Tutu Tuesday, and this week I'm bringing you all the frills, tulle, and fierce fashion from right here in Serpentine, Western Australia! Now, let’s get this straight: when you think about ballet, you think about the grand traditions, the artistry, the technical prowess of the dancers...but what about the outfits, the dazzling displays of sheer fashion sorcery? The tutu is, after all, an iconic symbol of dance. Imagine walking through the world and all eyes are on you. Every glance is captivated by your flowing form as the tutu's fabric swirls around you. The weightlessness of the tutu becomes a metaphor for the very nature of the art of ballet – elegance, finesse, grace. And Serpentine, Western Australia, where I grew up, has always been my haven, a place of inspiration. It's where I began my ballet journey, my feet light as a feather, twirling across the wooden floor, mesmerized by the ethereal quality of the tutus. I still vividly remember that first moment, the soft rustle of the tulle, the gentle, intricate pattern of the pleats – I could barely believe I was a ballerina. The magic, the enchantment...it all began there. I was lucky. As a teenager, I had a teacher who not only embraced classic tutus but introduced me to a spectrum of different designs - romantic tutus for the ballets of Giselle and La Sylphide, and the lavish, extravagant tutus from the classical Swan Lake, all swirling and gliding effortlessly as I moved across the stage. Now, before I dive into the tulle heaven of my personal collection, I must share that I'm truly inspired by the vibrant community of dancers, young and experienced, across Western Australia, all sharing the same love of tutus. There’s something about those layers of tulle, something that just feels incredibly powerful. Tutu Tales: The History For those who are unfamiliar, the story of the tutu is a fascinating one! It's evolved over time, and trust me, the change has been as beautiful as it has been bold. From those early days when ballet costumes resembled elegant long skirts to the grand explosion of color, intricate embellishments, and the ever-evolving shape and style – the tutu’s story mirrors the art of dance itself. Every tutu speaks of the beauty of dance. Here's the thing – for many of us in the ballet world, the tutu is so much more than just an outfit, it's an emotional connection, a history intertwined with moments of pure exhilaration. It embodies every emotion of dance: joy, love, pain, strength... My Tutu Love: A Confession And you know what, I am head-over-heels for all types of tutus. I love a classic, structured Romantic tutu. That tightly bunched layered tulle with its structured silhouette is pure magic. Every delicate swirl of tulle seems to tell a story. But honestly, my heart is stolen by the “Bell” tutu with its beautiful layered skirt that flutters and swirls, making the dancer seem to be floating as she moves. And oh, the freedom of those big, bold, fluffy tutus – the sheer joy in twirling! There is nothing like dancing in a tutu – that weightless feeling as you leap, your movements becoming fluid and effortless as if you're a part of the fabric of the dance itself. I've worn more than a few of my fair share of tutus on stage, and trust me, each one feels unique, personal, as if it is an extension of who I am. And then there's the endless world of colour! I have my "go-to" colour of course, black, but I’m not shy about a splash of vibrant fuchsia, emerald green or the graceful softness of baby pink! My most-used tutu is a custom-designed, emerald green beauty, one that is both bold and incredibly graceful. You wouldn’t believe the power that it holds. A Look Inside My Tutu World Today, I’ll let you into my own world of tutus, some treasures, some classics, and maybe even a few secrets! * My favorite for the barre is my ivory silk Romantic tutu. It’s light as air. And the fact that it’s ivory is important. The colour allows you to focus on your form, the curves and lines of your body as you work. * Another favourite of mine is the deep blue Bell tutu that was my stage "star" in The Nutcracker last Christmas! The dark colour made it almost disappear on stage except for the way the tulle floated behind me as I turned – simply enchanting. And let’s be real, a Tutu Tuesday celebration isn't complete without some inspiring tutu styles that I can’t get enough of. Here are my all-time favourites that represent a beautiful evolution in ballet design: * **Romantic tutu:** They epitomize elegance, grace, and ethereal beauty. With their delicate tulle layers that seem to float like a dream, romantic tutus capture the very essence of delicate movement. This is a style that takes me right back to the golden age of ballet. * **Bell tutu:** The iconic Bell tutu with its circular layered tulle skirt allows such wonderful freedom of movement! It’s all about the elegance of a grand pirouette and, of course, it's super versatile. I’ve seen this tutu used to stunning effect across different types of ballets and on stages all across the globe. * **"The Bournonville" tutu:** Ah, this is the tutu that embodies classic femininity. Those simple, neat folds are simply timeless. This is the kind of tutu that lets the ballerina stand out and gives her freedom to tell a story. * **Modern Ballet Tutus:** The contemporary movement in ballet gave rise to more creative, playful, and artistic forms. Tutus can now be seen in a dazzling range of colors, bold fabrics, and a wider selection of shapes. I particularly love tutus that are designed to have texture and asymmetry to them! The tutu is truly becoming more and more of a beautiful statement of artistry. The beauty of Tutu Tuesday is that it reminds us that ballet isn’t all about grand theaters and elaborate performances. Serpentine's Tutu Stories Back in Serpentine, the love of the tutu goes way back. The stories whispered in the studios – the dreams that took flight and the tutu was right there for every single one. Here are a few memories that stand out – * The ballet recital that I can’t forget! I remember being only 8 years old and wearing this lovely, frilly white tutu that came with a cute little bonnet! There were six little ballerinas onstage. To this day I still remember that rush of joy, that feeling of being surrounded by fellow ballet enthusiasts. That shared experience brought us all closer. * Years later, one memorable event at the Serpentine Recreation Centre brought back the magical aura of tutu magic! It wasn't about costumes or being “perfect”. It was about passion and love for the dance. The excitement was real, as families shared the spirit of the stage. * And then there are those moments that just resonate in a different way! For instance, the senior year performance with that simple but elegant navy blue "bell" tutu that, of course, sparkled a little bit...it was truly a poignant evening filled with bittersweet emotion. It marked a big transition, a turning point in our lives, a moment of shared gratitude for the beautiful journey that the dance had brought us on. And my dear readers, that's what makes Tutu Tuesday a special thing – it’s about these little moments of shared love and memories! The magic isn't just on stage. It’s in the backstage, the laughter, the whispers, the struggles and triumphs, the camaraderie. And, to be honest, with my latest adventures with the **Serpentine Ballet School**, a little Tutu Tuesday love has been helping me keep my spirits soaring high! The Serpentine Ballet School was, in a word, amazing! It offered a beautiful blend of the traditional ballet approach and a space to experiment with creativity. A highlight for me was a modern ballet session where the instructor let us design our own tutu creations - the colours, textures, fabrics, and even incorporating feathers into the designs! It's like magic. You can dance for hours in that space. There is just something about tutus that can create this incredible world that makes all those hard hours worth it. It's where we really discovered how the power of the tutu helps you make dance more than just steps, it helps you make a personal connection. **To all my fellow Tutu Tuesday devotees!** Join me every Tuesday and we'll journey into the wondrous world of tutus! This will be my way of celebrating dance and giving you a glimpse of this magic that inspires me. To all the dancers out there, I urge you to embrace the tutu – the joy, the freedom, and the powerful emotion! Because Tutu Tuesday isn’t just about tutus! It's about expressing yourself. It's about inspiring others. It's about creating art! Happy Tutu Tuesday everyone! #tututuesday