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Tutu Tuesday in Drouin, Victoria: A Fashionable Feast for the Eyes #tututuesday

Gā€™day, fellow dance lovers! As a ballet dancer and fashion enthusiast living in Melbourne, I'm always on the hunt for the next big style inspiration. And this week, my Tutu Tuesday adventure took me to the charming town of Drouin, Victoria, about an hour and a half east of the city. Now, I know what youā€™re thinking: "Drouin, really?" But trust me, this hidden gem is a real fashion paradise, especially when it comes to tutus!

I've always been obsessed with the artistry of ballet. From the grace of the dancers to the sheer beauty of their costumes, there's a magic that takes my breath away. But the tutu ā€“ oh, the tutu! Itā€™s the piĆØce de rĆ©sistance of the ballet world, the quintessential embodiment of feminine elegance and ethereal grace. The classic tulle, the frothy layers, the perfect swirl of fabric - each and every tutu tells a story.

For me, Tutu Tuesday isnā€™t just about wearing a tutu ā€“ itā€™s about celebrating the sheer joy of dance, the beauty of the art form, and the endless possibilities of fashion expression.

My adventure started with a trip to Drouinā€™s quaint local library. To my delight, it was holding an exhibition on the history of ballet in Australia. I spent ages mesmerized by photos and memorabilia that captured the stories of pioneering ballet dancers, the evolution of tutu styles, and the impact of ballet on our national cultural identity.

The exhibit featured everything from the romantic tutus of the 19th century, featuring a single layer of soft tulle, to the grand tutus of the early 20th century, with their dramatic layers of fabric and intricate embroidery, showcasing the evolution of the tutu design over time.

Drouin might be small, but its local art scene was alive and kicking! The library exhibition really ignited a fire in me to bring the spirit of Tutu Tuesday to Drouin and explore the many faces of the tutu. After leaving the library, I visited Drouinā€™s iconic general store. There, I was immediately drawn to a display of antique lace and vintage ribbons ā€“ perfect inspiration for tutu upcycling!

Then, it was time for my "tutu crawl" across Drouinā€™s delightful main street. This wasn't just about picking out the perfect tutu, it was a way to discover the spirit of Drouinā€™s fashion scene ā€“ the shops, the cafes, and the friendly faces. This small town was a haven for artistic souls!

And letā€™s be real, thereā€™s nothing like exploring the fashion world of Drouin in a tutu. This was my chance to bring the ballet-inspired beauty to the streets and celebrate all things tutus! It was definitely a conversation starter - and I made so many new friends! One lovely lady told me her mother had been a ballet dancer in the 1950s and how excited she was that I was keeping the Tutu Tuesday tradition alive.

What really set Drouin apart for me, though, were the local makers and creators. This was a place where passion and creativity blended seamlessly. From handmade tutus, lovingly crafted by local seamstresses, to vibrant upcycled fabric creations at a charming little antique store, I found so much inspiration for future tutu styling adventures. It wasnā€™t about high fashion, but a celebration of unique and heartfelt design.

After an afternoon of exploring, it was time for a coffee at a cafe owned by an amazing lady who used to dance professionally in London. She was thrilled to see my tutu and we talked about the challenges of pursuing dance as a career and the important role dance plays in peopleā€™s lives. She was also a huge fan of Tutu Tuesday!

By the time the day ended, I was not only enchanted by Drouinā€™s charm and creative spirit, but I had a bag full of inspiration and newfound knowledge about tutus! It was a total fashion immersion, showcasing that the spirit of tutu can be found anywhere ā€“ and there's no wrong way to wear it. Whether itā€™s a romantic tulle tutu, a vibrant colorful one, a sassy mini-tutu or an everyday ā€œtutu skirtā€ - embracing a love for the tutu and embracing self-expression in our own unique way is truly what matters!

Here's a list of my Tutu Tuesday must-dos in Drouin:

  • Visit the Drouin Library and discover their stunning history of ballet in Australia exhibition.
  • Head to Drouinā€™s General Store for vintage lace, ribbon, and inspiration.
  • Explore the vibrant shops and boutiques on Drouinā€™s main street.
  • Have a coffee with a chat at The Red Door CafĆ©.
  • Pick up a unique tutu at The Dusty Attic or Little Gem Fabrics ā€“ thereā€™s nothing quite like handcrafted, local tutu magic!
  • Visit The Little Market where youā€™ll find the most charming selection of unique handmade tutus, perfect for Tutu Tuesdays!

To sum it all up: If youā€™re looking for a place where Tutu Tuesday is more than just a hashtag, Drouin is your haven! The community embrace, creative spirit and charming atmosphere makes for the perfect blend of art, fashion and fun. Who knew a small town in Victoria would become my new haven for all things tutus?! So go ahead, embrace your inner tutu princess and plan a visit. You might just be surprised by the magical treasures that await!

Now, letā€™s talk tutus. My personal favorite for this adventure was a romantic pastel-toned tulle tutu, reminiscent of the soft ballerina costumes I've always admired. This tutu perfectly reflected the airy charm of Drouin's atmosphere. Plus, it was perfectly comfortable for all my exploration. I even added a little bit of flair by pairing my tutu with a floral print blouse - a nod to the vintage fashion trends of the area.

Speaking of trends, donā€™t be afraid to play around with different styles of tutus. If you're looking for something more casual, a tutu skirt might be the way to go. I saw so many wonderful variations on a theme! From a cute mini-tutu that paired perfectly with jeans to a full-skirted tutu that was a little bit bolder. Iā€™d also encourage you to experiment with fabrics and textures for your tutus ā€“ a simple cotton or even a silky chiffon can create a stunning effect! Remember, when it comes to tutus, you have a whole world of style and creativity waiting to be unleashed. Thereā€™s something special about embracing the timeless allure of the tutu while still reflecting your own personal style.

I hope my Tutu Tuesday adventures in Drouin inspired you to take the plunge and try something a little bit different. Now, I'm ready to spread the tutu love far and wide! Stay tuned for more Tutu Tuesday adventures across Victoria and beyond. Until then, letā€™s make the world a more stylish, more whimsical place. Remember: it's all about celebrating the beauty of movement and fashion. So get out there, be brave, and wear your tutu with pride! And don't forget to use #tututuesday to share your own inspiring stories.