Tutu Tuesday 23195

Tutu Tuesday in Kersbrook, South Australia - #tututuesday

G’day, fellow dance lovers! It’s your girl, Amelia, back with another dose of tutu-tastic fun from the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Kersbrook to be precise. You guys know I’m a sucker for a good tutu. Seriously, what's not to love about twirling in a garment that’s a symphony of layers and tulle? But, my tutu journey doesn't stop there. Every Tuesday, I dive deep into the fascinating world of tutu styles and history, all for you guys.

Let’s face it, when you think of ballet in Australia, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the Australian Ballet in Melbourne or the Queensland Ballet, right? We all love our ballerinas, and their exquisite tutus are works of art themselves. However, I think it's high time we give some love to our other ballet gems like the Adelaide Ballet and smaller, regional dance schools. Don’t get me wrong, I'm totally Team "Sydney Opera House Swan Lake" (sorry Melbourne!), but let’s be real, there's a tutu for every kind of dancer out there, no matter where you’re from!

Speaking of tutus for everyone, let’s talk about the diversity of these magnificent dance-wear essentials! From the romantic and ethereal classical tutu to the sharp and geometric contemporary tutu, it’s an endless ocean of fabric and form. But today, we're not just gonna sit here and admire the pretty things; we’re going on a #tututuesday deep dive, all about the different styles, a little history, and how to choose the perfect tutu for your dancing style!

Your Tutu Journey - It’s More Than Just Fabric!

First things first, it's not just about what looks cute (even though they *do* look very cute!), it's about finding the tutu that fits your dancing style. The wrong tutu, for example, a super rigid classical tutu for contemporary dance, is like trying to fit your favourite high heels into a night of street dancing - good luck with that!

So, where to even begin with picking a tutu?! Well, let’s start with the classics.

This is where I tend to spend most of my time. Let’s explore some common classical tutu styles:

* **The Romantic Tutu (or the Romantic, or the Romantic ... ):** This little darling was all the rage in the 1800s, right at the start of romantic ballet, and, boy, did it set the standard! Think longer layers of tulle with intricate, detailed stitching, it’s the very embodiment of elegant ballet history. Think tutus for Swan Lake and La Bayadère. This style of tutu helps a dancer move beautifully on stage with a nice, flowing quality. * **The Bell Tutu:** Oh, the majestic bell! This iconic tutu is also known as the “Romantic Bell”, which may sound a little confusing. I get it - let me break it down! Picture those beautiful bells of fabric all layered, getting bigger as they go down. Think tutu in a tutu, layered to perfection, just like how ballerinas are known for being layered! It’s one of the most dramatic tutu styles, making its grand entrance with Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty” back in the day. This is also perfect for performances of Don Quixote, Paquita, and La Esmeralda! * **The Platter Tutu (Also known as the 'Pagoda' tutu):** The name just screams “stylish,” but really, it’s a whole lot more than that. If we're talking practicality, this is one of the most versatile tutu styles! Its key features: a flat, structured skirt that hugs the dancer's waist. This can come with any length, making it perfect for all sorts of styles. Modern Tutus: Just As Exciting!

But of course, ballet isn’t stuck in the 1800s! (Thank goodness - let's face it, the fashion is far less fun nowadays. Haha!) Modern tutu designs offer just as much artistic expression!

* **The Contemporary Tutu:** Imagine the fluidity of modern dance and the flair of traditional tutu styles. That’s the contemporary tutu! Think layers of light, fluid fabric creating an effortless feel while still incorporating the elegance of classic tutu shapes and techniques. Contemporary dancers use their whole body and require tutus that move with them! They might even incorporate the classic ballet tulle in contemporary styles, showing a true combination of old and new. * **The Tulle Skirt:** A great way to stay on the style forefront without completely tossing away the traditions. These beautiful little things, also sometimes called "a tulle overskirt," are a wonderful alternative for contemporary pieces and often paired with leggings, pants, or shorts! I mean, seriously, how amazing is it to get your movement and still wear your fave ballet staple?

Now that we’ve got a crash course in the styles, you may be wondering how you can put your very own #tututuesday spin on it. Well, that's where the fun starts! It's like an art project, an excuse to add some pizzazz to your practice gear! My personal fave? Pairing a simple tutu skirt with my best activewear combo, making the tutu an eye-catching accent!

From tutu newbie to #tututuesday Queen!

Let’s get down to it. As much as I love diving deep into tutu history, I also know a lot of people out there have questions! Maybe you’re a newbie looking for tutu inspo. Or maybe you’re wondering, what in the world is the difference between a pancake and a bell tutu anyway?!

* **Pick Your Style:** I’ve given you a little peak at some common styles to get your started. But seriously, explore all your options. What type of dance are you most drawn to? Are you looking for something fun to wear to a rehearsal, or are you wanting to create a costume for an audition? The tutu is like your outfit - it needs to be just right for what you’re up to! * **The Fit is Crucial:** A well-fitted tutu is everything. There are two major points to look for: * *Bodice* (or waistband) fit! You want your bodice to be snug (but not tight!), so the skirt doesn’t slip or sag. It’s just like wearing a beautiful, structured piece of fabric that won’t get in your way! * *Length!* Whether it's an extended classical tutu or a short tulle skirt, you need to feel like you can freely dance. Don’t sacrifice your steps for a pretty skirt. Trust me on this. * **Color, Pattern, and Everything In Between!:** * **Colour!** It’s no secret, it’s a fun thing to choose the right colour, just like picking your dancing shoes! (And maybe a hint of your stage costume - just sayin’…) I have a secret soft spot for pale pinks, just like a ballet slipper. * **Pattern!** Classical styles often go with one solid colour for a more elegant, timeless feel. But that doesn't mean contemporary designs aren't fun with their pattern choices! A little sparkle, or a subtle graphic design, makes your tutu really pop, showing a bit more of your unique dance style! * **Fabrics!** A whole world of fabric awaits! Cotton or silk are classic, but tulle is what creates that magic of dance and twirl. I am sure you're looking for light, free-flowing movement and just enough structured form to support those impressive dance poses. A tutu journey doesn't end here, folks!

Keep on learning, experimenting, and always, always embrace the joy of tutus. This isn’t just a dance thing, it’s about being creative, taking some time for ourselves, and expressing ourselves through movement. Keep in touch, drop a comment below and let me know your favourite style - what’s yours? What style do you like the most? Or do you even wear a tutu?! I want to hear about it all! Now, until next time, happy tutuing, and don't forget, Tutu Tuesday is every Tuesday!