Tutu Tuesday in Monash, South Australia: A Tutu-tastic Celebration

Hey lovelies, it’s your girl, Mia, back with another post for Tutu Tuesday! This week, I’m stepping outside my usual Melbourne haunts and bringing the tutu love to the beautiful city of Monash in South Australia! It’s been a long time since I graced a stage here, but the magic of #Tututuesday calls me back. This vibrant community is bursting with talent, passion, and a whole lot of tutus - who could resist?

Today, I’m not just sharing my own tutu picks (although you’ll see plenty of those). We’re going to take a deep dive into the local Monash ballet scene, uncovering some of the city's hidden tutu gems and, of course, getting those #Tututuesday vibes flowing!

Before we get started, let's talk tutu styles! Today’s my signature black romantic tutu. You know the ones – layers and layers of tulle, that floaty, ethereal feel, all those pretty frills – the whole romantic vibe. This one is my absolute go-to when I’m feeling both graceful and sassy, like a ballerina who knows she's a total knockout!

Now, back to our adventure. Our first stop is the stunning Monash Arts Centre. The place oozes elegance, and with their year-round ballet performances and workshops, it’s a true gem for local dance lovers. They’ve got this amazing exhibit right now showcasing the evolution of the tutu – it’s an absolute must-see for any ballet enthusiast. I just spent an hour immersed in history – who knew a simple piece of tulle could tell so many stories? They've got the classic tutus, like the ones from the romantic ballet era – long and flowing, dripping with tulle, you know the ones I mean. There’s also some incredible modern pieces – sleek and minimalist, with pops of colour, these were so cool! I’m actually dreaming up my next costume design now based on what I saw - talk about inspiration!

My next stop is the vibrant Monash University. Known for its strong arts faculty, the campus has become a hub for young dancers. I was fortunate enough to drop by the Ballet Club, a lively group of passionate students putting their all into ballet, which is really something. The energy here was contagious. You could just feel the raw talent and dedication – these guys are about to explode onto the scene and change the face of ballet in Australia!

One of the things I absolutely love about Monash is their embrace of community. I popped by a local cafe in the afternoon and what do you know? A tutu flash mob! This amazing group of women of all ages – and backgrounds – were dancing to ‘Swan Lake’ on the main square. You couldn’t help but smile. I can honestly say there's nowhere quite like Monash for bringing people together! It was also incredibly heart-warming to see some traditional tutus and then a few more modern takes with some fun and unique variations, but with a clear love of dance.

No #Tututuesday is complete without a trip to a local boutique! You won't believe this. I walked into this adorable store – a hidden treasure trove – and discovered the owner, Annelise, makes all her tutus by hand! This is the real deal, lovelies. Every detail, from the layering of tulle to the intricate hand-stitched embellishments, is just pure perfection! She even showed me how to sew a delicate bow using her unique techniques – so intricate! The best part is her tutus come in every shade and style imaginable. You want a sleek, modern look? Annelise can whip it up. Dreamy and romantic? Got you covered!

I was actually completely charmed by Annelise's collection – she’s got something for every dancer. I picked up a few little goodies for my own wardrobe. And the amazing thing? I saw these other dancers – probably just starting out – with the same spark in their eyes as me. These girls are definitely tutu lovers. They were just completely mesmerized! I love finding gems like this – it reminds me why I do what I do!

My #Tututuesday adventure in Monash has been incredible. I love the way the city truly celebrates ballet and makes it accessible to everyone! I mean, think about it, I met local ballerinas, designers, and artists – I even had my Tutu Tuesday flash mob moment!

If you're ever looking for a new place to find inspiration and tutus, be sure to visit Monash. Trust me – it'll be an experience you won’t forget! And until next Tuesday, my dears, keep spreading the love and dancing to your heart’s content!