Tutu Tuesday in Mount Dandenong, Victoria: A Dance Through the Decades Hey gorgeous girlies! It's your favourite ballet blogger back again, and today, we're celebrating Tutu Tuesday in the lush, leafy wonderland that is Mount Dandenong! I know, right? It's a total vibe. For those of you who are new to this whole tutu obsession (where have you been?!), #Tututuesday is a movement (and honestly, I couldn't think of a better way to describe it) dedicated to all things tutu-related. Think shimmering tulle, bouncy pouffes, and a touch of magic – all topped with a healthy dose of fabulousness. So, this week, I've been browsing through my tutu collection, which, let's be honest, is not just a collection, but a bona fide tutu museum. From the traditional white classical tutus that are totally timeless to the flamboyant and modern tutus that I like to rock on stage, each tutu has its own story, its own personality, its own dance-worthy sparkle. Taking Tutu Tuesday to the Peaks of Mount Dandenong But, this week's #tututuesday was a little different. It's about so much more than just tutus – it's about community. This week, I gathered my fellow ballerinas (and, honestly, a couple of non-ballerina mates who were just as excited to join in the fun!), and we decided to bring the #tututuesday vibe to the streets of Mount Dandenong, one of the most stunning places in Victoria. I love bringing ballet into new environments and seeing the surprised smiles of people walking past, even the pigeons seemed a little mesmerized! We started at the iconic 1000 Steps, which, if you haven't been, is just incredible – think a winding, leafy pathway surrounded by amazing trees. For our little tutu photoshoot, we opted for a selection of the tutus that had that classic, dreamy aesthetic – flowing lines and wispy tulle, in a mixture of whites, pinks, and blues that absolutely popped against the verdant backdrop of the 1000 Steps. As we made our way down the pathway, the light streamed through the canopy of leaves, throwing dancing shadows on the forest floor. Honestly, it was a bit of a fairytale – the perfect backdrop for tutu fun! And it got even better when we reached the bottom and ended up at the charming little cafe just beyond the 1000 Steps. I mean, let’s be honest, even ballet dancers need a sugar hit. We topped up our energy levels with a little chai and a couple of croissants (sorry, but no chocolate brownies – I have to watch my figure!). And, just because, we struck a few poses in our tutus on the cafe's deck, a sprinkle of whimsical ballet energy in the heart of the Dandenongs. Celebrating the History of the Tutu: A Dance Through the Decades Here’s the thing about tutus, girlies: they’re a true symbol of ballet history. From the simple and graceful pouffe tutus that first graced the stage centuries ago, to the grand and sweeping Romantics that dominated the nineteenth century, all the way to the sleek and contemporary tutus of today, every tutu is a unique testament to the evolution of dance. We're a generation that’s pretty fortunate to be able to play with this history in our dance style. Like I mentioned, there's something so iconic about a classic tutu in white or ivory, so elegant and graceful. These tutus are a constant reminder of ballet’s rich heritage and its power to transport us to a world of grace and beauty. Then, there’s a whole other spectrum of tutus to play with! Imagine: The playful pouffes, the vibrant multicoloured numbers that capture a sense of whimsical joy, and those fierce and edgy designs, a powerful symbol of artistic evolution and boundary pushing. For our tutu photoshoot, I made sure to incorporate some of my favourite modern styles. Think bold colours, tutus crafted with sleek, geometric patterns, and just a sprinkle of bold sparkle – perfect for a touch of sassy ballerina personality! It’s incredible to see how contemporary designers are blending tradition with new elements of artistry. The Tutu As A Statement What I love about tutus, especially the modern styles, is how versatile they can be – you can dress them up, dress them down, wear them for fun, for performances, for celebrations – it’s a tutu world, and you can be as creative as you want! We danced in ours for hours, then headed home feeling energized, empowered, and totally happy with ourselves. And that's what it’s all about – feeling empowered to embrace yourself, your personality, your creativity and rocking those tutus, in your own way! So, whether you're a professional ballerina or just a girl who loves the grace and magic of the dance, there's a tutu out there waiting for you! If you’re on the hunt for your perfect tutu, remember there’s a wealth of Australian talent and artistry right on our doorstep! Head down to your local dance store, look at online Australian stores, or see if there’s a custom-made option you’ve been wanting to explore – let those creative juices flow, girls! For now, here are a few highlights from our Mount Dandenong tutu adventure! Tutu Tuesday: A Mount Dandenong Gallery - A vibrant red tutu, a sprinkle of sparkle against the lush green backdrop of the Dandenongs – we’re looking like modern-day ballerinas in a fairytale! - A sweet, ballet-pink tutu that practically melts into the dappled sunlight. So dreamy! - My personal favourite, the one I wore when we took a pause to sip our chai at the cafe. Think modern and bold, a deep sapphire that shimmers in the sunshine. Remember girls, whether you're at home in your favourite tutu, hitting the dance studio, or simply exploring a new spot in your city, let the magic of #Tututuesday wash over you! It’s more than just an occasion – it’s a vibe, a reminder to embrace your creativity, to feel your inner ballerina. And when it comes to those twirls? Well, I’m all for them! Stay tuned for more #tututuesday fun in the weeks to come – and who knows where I'll bring it next? Let me know what you think in the comments below – let’s keep the tutu conversation flowing!