Kiama Downs, NSW, Australia – #tututuesday G’day lovelies! It's a bright and beautiful day here in Kiama Downs, and guess what? It's #tututuesday! Now, I know what you’re thinking - "Tutus in Kiama Downs? Surely not!" But hear me out, because this coastal town has become the unlikely home of a burgeoning tutu revolution. Ever since I moved to this beautiful seaside haven, I've noticed something rather peculiar - people here *love* their tutus! It’s not just the locals either; every time a ballet tour hits the mainland (Sydney or Melbourne being our usual ballet haunts, with the odd Perth or Adelaide visit), I see more and more visitors sporting their own stylish dancewear around the Kiama Downs streets. Maybe they get inspired by the vast, serene ocean views that are strangely reminiscent of a dreamy ballet set. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying it's replacing a cheeky shrimp burger at The Hungry Duck or a sun-drenched walk along Bombo Head - not by a long shot. It's simply another beautiful and utterly delightful part of what makes life in Kiama Downs so unique and so, well, fabulous!
A Tutu For Every Occasion So, how exactly do you find your inner Tutu Queen, Kiama Downs style? First of all, forget the stereotypical "ballerina" tutu, the puffy, full-length number that can only be seen on the ballet stage. These days, tutus are a fashion statement, coming in every shape, colour and material you could possibly imagine. And there's a tutu for every occasion, from a casual brunch to a fancy wedding (I personally adore a delicate chiffon tutu with a little sparkle for these types of affairs - the tulle adds a touch of effortless chic). * **A Short Tutu With a Hint of Edginess** For a more relaxed day spent catching a surf with mates or exploring the Kiama Downs market, a short, cotton tutu is perfect. The light material allows for maximum comfort and air-flow. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for a black or grey tutu and layer it over your fave black tee and skinny jeans for an edgy yet feminine look. * **The Flowy Bohemian Tutu** For a relaxed vibe that echoes Kiama Downs's free-spirited aura, you can't go wrong with a flowy, long chiffon tutu in a pastel or floral print. Throw on a relaxed flowy top, your fave sandals, and a vintage sun hat, and you’re set for a day of lounging around at the beach with the girls (or guys!). * **The Party Tutu** But listen up, because if you're looking to turn heads at Kiama Downs' iconic lighthouse lookout for a sunset session with a vino, nothing screams ‘party time' more than a vibrant coloured, sequined tulle tutu, paired with a simple cami or tank top and some killer heels (platform sandals are definitely trending, as seen on recent #tututuesday uploads by local bloggers).
Beyond The Tutu - Exploring The Dance World Of Kiama Downs While #tututuesday is a fun, carefree way to embrace a trend, I’m also discovering an exciting dance culture emerging in Kiama Downs. Sure, we don’t have a ballet academy in the way that the major cities do. But we have something else – the dedication of a tight-knit community who come together to celebrate dance, no matter their background. * **Finding Your Rhythm** In fact, one of the best aspects of Kiama Downs is its diverse dance community, with locals coming together in all sorts of classes. Think jazz, hip-hop, contemporary - even burlesque workshops are starting to pop up. So even if you're not the 'ballerina' type (I still love my classics, but hey, every dancer's journey is unique, right?) you can get your dance fix here. * **Community-Led Dance Experiences** As a professional dancer who’s spent her life in studios, it’s inspiring to see that the heart and soul of Kiama Downs' dance community lies in the community-run initiatives. The "Tutu Takeover" at the Kiama Downs Community Centre is just one of the many events that come to mind. Locals of all ages and abilities (and yes, a wide range of tutu styles) come together for a fun and inspiring evening filled with music, dancing and lots of laughs. * **Beyond The Tutu - Finding Your Own Story** There are many other groups, from dance clubs that hold regular socials, to pop-up dance classes on the beach during summer. Every day, I’m finding a new reason to be proud of my chosen dance career in Kiama Downs, and a reason to share my love of this community with everyone!
I hope you enjoyed this little insight into the tutu-loving side of Kiama Downs. You see, it’s all about embracing the unexpected and embracing who you are, all while sporting the cutest dancewear around. After all, there’s something truly magical about slipping into a tutu and letting your inner dancer shine through. So next time you're in Kiama Downs, New South Wales, don't be surprised if you see a few tutus swirling around. Maybe you'll even feel inspired to give it a go yourself, and join us on a Tutu Tuesday, in Kiama Downs. Remember to share your tutu selfies with us, and tag them #tututuesday, so we can celebrate the beauty and joy of dance, together. See you soon! X