Tutu Tuesday in Ottawa, Ontario: A Whirlwind of Fashionable Flourishes #tututuesday

Hey fellow dance enthusiasts and fashionistas! It's your girl, Chloe, here, back with another #tututuesday update from the heart of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada's cultural hub. And boy, oh boy, are you in for a treat today. Tutu Tuesday in this city is more than just a trend, it's an attitude, a way of life. So, grab your coffee, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for a whirlwind of fashion and ballet, all rolled into one.

I'm not gonna lie, walking through Ottawa on a Tuesday, especially around the National Arts Centre or the ByWard Market, you'd be hard-pressed not to bump into a few Tutu Tuesdays. It's like the whole city embraces this quirky, fun, and totally chic way to express themselves. You’ll see it on the streets, at the cafes, even in the offices. I spotted a couple of teachers sporting tutu-inspired outfits while giving a presentation on the latest ballet advancements at the University of Ottawa. I’m telling ya, tutus are taking over Ottawa!

As a professional ballet dancer, I love this Tutu Tuesday trend. For us, tutus are so much more than just fancy frills. They symbolize dedication, grace, and a love for the art of ballet. This week's trend in Ottawa is taking the romantic ballerina style and twisting it into a street style for the modern woman, who doesn’t take herself too seriously and enjoys adding a bit of whimsy and fun to her day.

Speaking of modern woman and whimsical fashion, here's a breakdown of some Tutu Tuesday styles I spotted out on the streets and online.

  • The "Classic With a Twist" Look: This is the look for the ballerina at heart who wants to keep things sleek but add some fun details. Think a chic black pencil skirt paired with a ballet-inspired top that has tulle accents, or a gorgeous floor-length gown with a tutu-like detail at the bottom. There’s just a hint of tutus but enough to say you’re following the trend.
  • The "Day-to-Night" Look: A versatile, feminine look perfect for everything from coffee dates to evening events. This outfit incorporates ballet-inspired silhouettes like A-line dresses and skirts but with added pops of colour and accessories. Imagine a bold printed tutu skirt paired with a stylish blouse and statement earrings. And what would a modern day ballerina be without her comfy sneakers for day, or those killer heels for a night out.
  • The "Effortless Ballerina" Look: Perfect for a carefree, easy-going look. This look is all about layering, textures, and that relaxed feel of a professional ballerina's warm-up gear. A soft white ballet sweater with a delicate tutu skirt or maybe some chic leggings that look just like a tutu under a cozy knit cardigan and boots. There are lots of comfy layers for your look.
  • The "Full Tutu" Look: For those who don't shy away from making a statement, it's all about embracing the tutus with open arms. Think vibrant, colourful tutus paired with stylish tops or jackets, and maybe even some daring thigh-high boots for an extra dose of drama. You might not be performing at the NAC, but with a little practice, your street moves might turn heads on the sidewalk!

Ottawa, Canada is truly becoming a hub for ballet lovers. We've got our very own professional ballet company, the National Ballet of Canada, showcasing some of the most exquisite ballet productions you'll ever see. These productions are a true inspiration and really reflect the ballet talent that is thriving right here in our nation’s capital. And when it comes to Tutu Tuesdays, well, Ottawa is leading the charge for embracing the fun and creativity of this global dance fashion phenomenon.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and rock those tutus, ladies (and fellas!), embrace your inner dancer, and let the Tutu Tuesday spirit guide you. From downtown Ottawa's Parliament Hill to our chic ByWard Market, the city is your stage! Don't forget to share your awesome Tutu Tuesday outfits using #tututuesday #OttawaTutus so we can all join in the fun. Remember, even if you’re not a pro like me, tutus can make any day feel like you’re in the spotlight, so dance your way into the week with confidence and flair!