Tutu Tuesday in Snug Tasmania, #tututuesday
G'day from the Apple Isle, where the air is crisp, the scenery is stunning, and the tutus are…well, let's just say they're as unique as this place itself. Now, I know what you're thinking: Tutu Tuesday in Tasmania? Doesn't that sound like a contradiction in terms? After all, we're talking about the Land of the Wild, not the Land of the Tutu.
But hear me out. Tasmania, for all its rugged beauty, has a vibrant arts scene. The Royal Tasmanian Ballet, which boasts an incredible history dating back to 1947, is one example. And these amazing artists have been embracing Tutu Tuesday with all their might.
Last Tuesday, I popped by the Theatre Royal in Hobart (it's been around since 1837 – Talk about a timeless classic!) for a sneak peek at their latest production. It's called 'The Land of the Whispering Pines,' a story woven from Tasmanian lore and ballet, with a touch of the fairytale-like and a dash of the contemporary.
As I stepped into the backstage area, a chorus of giggles met my ears. A group of dancers, all in their costumes, were prepping for their performance. My heart started to flutter with excitement! There was something incredibly powerful about seeing these beautiful beings adorned in tulle – from the delicate blush pink of the whimsical fairy tutus to the bold, dark crimson of the fierce Queen of the Forest's tutus.
The ballerinas were laughing, sharing stories, and even doing a few impromptu pliés. They had this air about them that was both graceful and effortlessly cool. Seeing them up close made me realise how much work goes into crafting their perfect, airy tutus.
Turns out, some of the ballerinas are absolute dab hands at tutu design! This is a whole other dimension to their creativity that I didn’t even know about. It turns out they're all about finding ways to adapt the classic tutu silhouette to fit a more modern, contemporary vibe – I'm talking asymmetrical lines, strategically placed feathers, and a touch of metallic detailing.
The production was magical – I'm still pinching myself! They danced on a stage, beautifully lit up with dappled sunlight that flowed in through the windowpanes, giving it that enchanting forest feel. One of my favorite moments was the ethereal duet between the ballerina playing the Forest Nymph, dressed in a flowy, silvery-grey tutu, and the handsome Prince who’d wandered into her domain. Her tutu, which was a gorgeous vision of white and soft blue, seemed to whisper the story of their meeting, with each swirl of her body, each pirouette. They brought the whole place to life with their grace and movement – talk about the magic of the human form, expressed through dance!
Speaking of the Prince, it was interesting how they had styled him. He had a contemporary twist to the classic costume – his ballet shoes were even more intricate! All of this to say that Tasmanian artists aren't afraid to embrace what's different, while still paying homage to traditions. I found it fascinating that the designers worked with elements that represent Tasmania's diverse nature. One minute you’d see the dark and powerful force of the island’s ancient forests reflected in the costumes, and then there’d be hints of delicate and enchanting flora in the designs.
Now, this is what Tutu Tuesday is all about, right? Celebrating the beauty, the elegance, the stories that the tutu embodies. The ballerina in me wants to grab the fluffiest tutu and leap onto that stage!
You know what's great about Tasmania? You can wear your tutu anywhere! It's not just limited to the ballet stage. So, I say to all you tutu lovers, head on down to Salamanca Place (we’re in Hobart, remember?) on a Tuesday and unleash your inner tutu. Explore the shops, admire the waterfront, and most importantly, enjoy the buzz of this vibrant city, with your tutu as a companion! I promise, it'll be a #TutuTuesday you'll never forget. Don't forget to share your style with me – tag me on Instagram!
P.S. – If you're looking for the perfect #Tututuesday look, be sure to check out the talented Tasmanian designers. From the stunning silk designs of "Tutus of Tassie" to the exquisite hand-crafted tutus of "Fairytale Tutu Co.,'' the creativity and skill here is breathtaking. So, what are you waiting for? Get your Tutu Tuesday on and join me in Tasmania!