Tutu Tuesday in Oakville, Ontario: A Celebration of the Ballerina’s Best Friend
It’s Tuesday, which means one thing: tutu time! For those who don't know, #TutuTuesday is a social media celebration of the iconic tutu, that most quintessential symbol of ballet. Whether it’s a fluffy romantic tutu with a layer of tulle, or a more contemporary, minimalist take, the tutu continues to hold a special place in the heart of any dancer – and many non-dancers, too. I, for one, feel my love for ballet – and all things tutus – grow stronger every single day.
Of course, growing up as a dancer in Oakville, Ontario, you learn to appreciate a well-crafted tutu. The dance community here is vibrant, and the city truly loves its dancers. Just the other day, I was at a local dance studio, and one of the kids asked me about the different types of tutus, and I realized it’s something I’ve taken for granted! With that in mind, I decided to dedicate this #TutuTuesday post to showcasing some of my favourite styles – both classic and contemporary. I can’t forget those amazing tutus of Canada’s National Ballet, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and, of course, the world-famous ballet company, The National Ballet of Canada. These are companies whose dancers I strive to be like. Just the thought of swirling onstage in a pristine tutu... I get chills.
As a ballerina, I have a special connection to the tutu, a feeling I know so many other dancers share. So, if you see me on #TutuTuesday, don’t be shy. Stop and say hi!
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some tutu styles.
The Classic Romantic Tutu
- This is the iconic tutu you see in "Swan Lake", “Giselle”, and most of the traditional ballets. It has several layers of tulle arranged in a full skirt. The top of the tutu is fitted to the waist, often with a belt.
- For beginners and those learning about different tutu styles, you often see a shorter version called the "training tutu" used. The “training tutu” is the ideal entry-point tutu as it gives beginners the "big" ballet dancer look while being lightweight for practice and rehearsal.
- The classic romantic tutu truly does scream “ballerina!” and is so popular that, you'll likely find the romantic tutu used as a costume at a Halloween party or used as decor for ballet-themed parties.
The Contemporary Tutu
- Unlike its more traditional cousin, the contemporary tutu, isn’t meant for just a single ballet or ballet-themed dance. It is much more adaptable, making it a real dancer’s friend. It is meant for all genres, including contemporary and neoclassical works, with a much smaller shape, often featuring only one layer of tulle or even none at all! Some modern tutus have more form-fitting shapes to achieve a modern and minimalist feel. The best contemporary tutus often have layers of mesh fabrics and sheerness that add just the right amount of structure and flow.
- I especially love the way contemporary tutus play with the body, embracing its natural curves and making movement flow with the body, rather than in spite of it. The effect is powerful, fluid and just magical.
- While many might think the contemporary tutu doesn't carry as much symbolic power, that’s not quite true. Its minimal style still connects the dancer with the spirit of ballet, just in a more contemporary way.
The Importance of the Tutu
But why is the tutu so important? To put it simply, it embodies the essence of dance, especially classical ballet. Think about it – you’re standing en pointe in a flowing, whimsical tutu. The entire moment speaks to the power, grace, and beauty of movement. This is the perfect example of art, craft, and pure beauty. A dancer’s tutu also creates an aesthetic that's truly awe-inspiring. Imagine a dancer’s delicate, elegant moves accentuated by a flowing skirt; It's the kind of look that leaves people breathless. In addition to being visually captivating, tutus, particularly for ballet dancers, are also a technical asset. They allow a certain kind of freedom, adding another layer to a ballerina’s dance. In a sense, the dancer becomes one with the tutu, adding extra drama and movement with each step.
Some Quick Facts about Tutus
- Did you know that tutus were first introduced in the 1840s, but that they were made from layers of cotton until tulle was introduced as the go-to material. The 1830s saw the dawn of tulle, and the rest, they say, is history!
- It takes a surprising number of yards of tulle to make one full-bodied tutu. That's not even counting the additional materials used for trim, ribbons, and embellishments. All those yards of tulle truly come together for the magical effect of the dancer floating onstage!
- When the famous ballerina, Maria Tallchief, wanted a "floating, whimsical look" she ordered the costume designer to make a new kind of tutu – the "Bellini" tutu, so named after a famous ballerina's romantic tutus from the Italian Opera company in the 19th century. The ballerina in the company, she decided, was “radiating pure beauty”, an attribute she wanted for her ballet’s “The Sleeping Beauty.”
- Today, we see the tutus of different periods in history reflected on modern stage productions. That means that dancers often dance in the 1840’s styles (like those worn by Marie Taglioni), 1880s, 1890s – and even beyond to modern, innovative tutu designs of today!
- The ballerina's tutu – with all of its tulle, shape, design, embellishments, and history - makes it the best friend of any dancer, not to mention a ballet fan's favorite dance item!
Whether you're a seasoned dance enthusiast or just starting your ballet journey, let’s all celebrate the magic of the tutu on this #TutuTuesday in Oakville, Ontario, and beyond! There are always opportunities to support dance, local dancers and dance organizations and, in particular, Canadian dance companies, in Oakville, Ontario. After all, ballet is more than just an artform: it’s an experience we’re lucky to be able to enjoy. As we enjoy dance, remember to show your support for local artists – it helps grow and develop dance talent.