Tutu Tuesday in Laval, Quebec: A Celebration of Dance and Style #tututuesday
Hey everyone, it's your girl, Chloe, back with another fashion-filled blog post! As you all know, I live and breathe ballet, and it's always been a part of my identity. But this week, I wanted to talk about a particular aspect of ballet that holds a special place in my heart – the tutu. Now, when you say "tutu," many people picture the classic Romantic tutu – that dreamy, billowing, knee-length skirt made of tulle. And yes, it's iconic, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful. But did you know that there's a whole world of tutus out there?
So today, in honor of #TutuTuesday, I wanted to celebrate the diversity and evolution of tutus. Let's take a little journey through the world of ballet skirts, and I'll be highlighting some of the most popular styles – from the Romantic era all the way to the modern day.
A Look Back at the Romantic Tutu
A symbol of freedom and airiness: It all began in the 19th century, with the Romantic era in ballet. Imagine ballerinas in those light, flowing tutus – the very definition of delicate grace! These tutus typically were very short and layered, and that helped create the effect of ethereal weightlessness. The iconic Romantic tutu became a defining feature of classical ballet and inspired fashion trends even beyond the dance world. I mean, have you ever seen a ballerina in a Romantic tutu and not been completely mesmerized?
Then came the Tutu of the Late 1800s
With the rise of the neoclassical era, tutus were made more elaborate – imagine layers and layers of tulle! We were seeing longer versions of the tutu, extending down past the knees. While it wasn’t exactly what you would call practical (more like a fashion statement), this was the time period when a greater emphasis on technical feats began to appear in ballet. And what could be better than having a stage costume that not only showed off graceful moves but also highlighted them!
Into the 20th Century, Ballet Became More Contemporary
Tutus began to take on even more interesting and avant-garde styles as ballet transitioned to contemporary. The modern ballet tutu saw the creation of different types of skirts: short tutus, bell-shaped skirts, and even some with long, trailing panels. Sometimes you can see elements of classical styling combined with innovative new fabric treatments like layering and strategically placed panels to create visually arresting tutus. Even in contemporary ballet, though, dancers will still wear variations of the tutu because of the ability of the fabric to convey motion – just not in the traditional way we would expect. This variety, in my mind, showcases the versatility of the tutu! It is not always about grace, but it is always about a dynamic stage performance. You’ll never see the tutu sitting on a rack of boring costumes!
So, let’s go back to the idea of "Tutu Tuesday!"
This is your chance to get creative with your outfit choices! Grab that tutu you’ve had tucked away in your closet and see where your imagination leads. Put it over your favorite dress or pants; the combinations are endless! I think about how ballet dancers are like athletes: we train constantly and focus on technical mastery of the art form – in other words, we work incredibly hard at ballet. Our costumes play an important part of how we feel onstage. Imagine a basketball player who felt awkward wearing their uniform! We are essentially in costume for most of the day – whether at dance school, at rehearsal, or for performance. Having the perfect tutu adds a confidence and excitement that makes a difference in my performance – I would call that empowerment!
And when I was a younger dancer, putting on my tutu felt so special. Every young dancer remembers their first time performing in one! It can feel very transforming and make you feel like you are part of the tradition of ballet history.
Don't be shy!
There are many Canadian ballet schools across the country and, here in Laval, Quebec, there are amazing studios dedicated to dance instruction. But even if you're not a dancer, you can still celebrate #TutuTuesday! Put on a skirt or dress that reminds you of a tutu – it can be an A-line skirt, a frilly one, anything that feels light and twirly!
And for extra fun, try adding a tulle scarf, or maybe a ballerina-inspired headband. We live in such a dynamic country and we have incredible access to fashion! Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit. Have a photoshoot at a local park or a landmark. If you love the art of ballet and are part of a ballet company, feel free to celebrate #TutuTuesday with your entire dance crew – the entire world is your stage!
Here are some of my favorite ways to rock a tutu on Tutu Tuesday:
- Pair a tutu with a crisp white shirt or blouse for a sophisticated and elegant look
- Throw on a bomber jacket or a denim jacket over your tutu – so comfy yet still fashion-forward
- Put on your favorite ankle boots or sneakers – whatever you’re most comfortable wearing to move about in the city
- Go with a simple, sleek bun for a polished touch that’s totally on-trend
As a fellow ballet dancer and fashion enthusiast, I think it's fantastic that we can combine these two passions to celebrate the tutu, this remarkable, enduring, iconic piece of dance wear! So go ahead and twirl your way through Laval, Quebec – with a stylish tutu in tow, of course. Be proud, express yourself, and show off that Canadian confidence.
Remember, with #tututuesday, the possibilities are truly endless – and who knows, maybe this could even become the new trend to launch the fashion of 2024!