Tutu Tuesday in Olinda, Victoria: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Twirls Hey everyone, it's your friendly neighbourhood ballerina, Sarah, back with another #tututuesday blog post. Today I’m taking you on a journey to the whimsical world of tutus in my hometown of Olinda, Victoria. This charming town, perched on the Dandenong Ranges, has always held a special place in my heart for its quirky charm and its vibrant community of artists and creatives. And it seems I'm not the only one embracing the tutus! As the sun peeked through the eucalyptus trees casting dappled light on the quaint streets of Olinda, I felt a sudden urge to embrace the whimsy of life. What better way to celebrate this than by donning a classic tutus? But first, a coffee! A stop at The Little French Café for a strong double shot and a slice of lemon tart is always a good idea when it comes to embracing the whimsy of tutus. I settled on a light and breezy lilac tulle tutu, a modern twist on the classic ballet style with a playful, flowing silhouette. This tutus is so versatile that you can style it up with an elegant fitted blouse and a blazer for a cocktail party or dress it down with a graphic tee and sneakers for a relaxed casual look. The perfect example of "classic meets modern". I strolled through the bustling Olinda markets, soaking in the sights, smells, and sounds of a vibrant community that thrives on creativity and artistry. Everywhere I turned, the colours and textures of a colourful life unfolded before me - the rich burgundy of a hand-painted pot, the soft beige of a hand-knit shawl, and the iridescent blues and greens of a hand-blown glass pendant. As I stopped to admire a colourful mosaic artwork featuring a whimsical depiction of a dancer, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I were to twirl with a touch of tutu flair. This sparked a great conversation with the artist, who revealed his passion for incorporating dance and movement into his artwork. As an Australian ballet dancer who knows a thing or two about the captivating world of ballet, we got to talking about how we felt there wasn't enough appreciation for the ballet industry in Australia. He was inspired by ballet dancers and how graceful they are and it reflected in his artwork. We talked about some of the challenges and joys of being involved in the art form in Australia, especially here in Victoria. As the morning light turned into a golden afternoon hue, I couldn’t help but think of all the fantastic tutu ideas I had. What are the most fabulous and trendy ways to wear a tutu this year, especially with it being a significant year in ballet in Victoria? Let's explore! Tutu Trends in Olinda * **The Modern Tutu:** These contemporary tutu variations boast clean lines, sleek silhouettes, and innovative designs. Forget the traditional tiered layers; they come in minimalist forms with chic colour palettes that exude effortless style. A beautiful, blush-toned tulle skirt can be worn with a casual denim shirt or dress up for an evening look. They work equally well with sneakers or high heels - all about styling and a love for the beautiful softness of tulle. * **The Statement Tutu:** Not for the faint of heart, this is your chance to embrace a splash of bold colour and dramatic texture. It's an explosion of tulle, layers, and vibrant colours. From playful neon shades to breathtaking jewel tones, the statement tutu is perfect for a fashion-forward approach that's truly head-turning. Consider a multicoloured statement tutu or a dramatic, bright pink number for your next fancy dress party or birthday celebration. I like to think it can be accessorised to look like a princess-meets-rockstar fusion for a cool and casual look. * **The Everyday Tutu:** We've seen them in high fashion, and now they're hitting the streets of Olinda, Victoria! Tutu dresses are taking on a more accessible and casual feel. They come in a multitude of colours, patterns, and fabrics to suit different styles. Opt for a chic and sophisticated little black tutu dress for a classy evening or pair a flowy and playful white tutu dress with sandals for a breezy day look. Styling Tips to Remember: * **Embrace the contrasts.** Tutus can create a visual interplay by blending feminine tutu textures with rugged fabrics like denim, leather or even some statement jewellery. The mix and match adds depth to any outfit, and shows off the versatility of this magical garment. * **Don't shy away from layers.** Create a unique look by combining layers, with tulle skirt layered over pants or a denim jacket worn with a playful tulle skirt. I know a few girls here in Olinda who layer their tutus with leggings for extra comfort, or with a longline sweater over the top for a sophisticated chic look. * **Experiment with footwear.** The great thing about tutus is they can easily be styled with everything from sneakers and ballet flats to high heels and boots. Don't be afraid to mix and match, as you will be surprised at the exciting combinations you can create! * **Be bold and don't be afraid to embrace the extraordinary. ** Ultimately, #tututuesday is all about having fun and expressing yourself through fashion, and I know I am looking forward to many more years of twirling it up! It was an absolutely incredible experience and I couldn’t wait to show off the great style of Olinda to my social media audience. And finally, what would #tututuesday be without some killer photo ops? With a picturesque setting and the perfect mix of charm, Olinda Victoria truly embraces the spirit of tutus, and there is nowhere else quite like it.