Tutu Tuesday in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada #tututuesday Hey, dance lovers! It's your girl, Émilie, back with another dose of ballet bliss. As a seasoned ballerina with a passion for all things sparkly and graceful, there’s nothing I love more than a good Tutu Tuesday. It's a day for celebrating our love of the art form, a day to show off our inner prima ballerinas, and, of course, a day to showcase the dazzling world of tutus! Let's get real for a minute – there’s something magical about a tutu. It transforms us from ordinary folk into ethereal creatures, swirling and leaping across the stage with newfound confidence. Whether it's a classic romantic tutu, the billowing splendour of a a “pouille” style tutu with multiple layers, a wispy “petit rat” tutu perfect for a young dancer, or the striking simplicity of a modern tutu with fewer layers for free movement, it's the quintessential symbol of ballet. This Tutu Tuesday, I wanted to take you on a little journey to the heart of our beautiful province - Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec. The Montreal suburb has been a ballet hotbed, it’s the heartland for ballet, churning out new generations of dancers eager to follow their dreams, and that’s where I found myself for this tutu-tastic Tuesday. It's a hub of activity for the art form with countless studios offering a diverse array of ballet styles, classes, and events. There’s even a school of ballet arts – The Canadian Dance Arts Conservatory - offering world-class training and inspiring our younger generation with an intense curriculum, from the Classical style to Jazz ballet, contemporary and even modern ballet. It’s truly a dream come true for young, ambitious dancers! One of the great things about ballet in Canada is its diversity. You’ve got schools teaching Russian method ballet like École de Danse Internationale in Montreal. And if you’re looking for a more contemporary flavour, The National Ballet School of Canada offers incredible dance programs for everyone. Then of course there's Canada’s beloved professional ballet company – The National Ballet of Canada – always presenting stunning and captivating performances in their Toronto headquarters. It truly inspires us all, from beginners in the small dance studio to the most dedicated professionals. #TutuTuesday in the DDO: Here’s my day: • Firstly, I spent some time at the studios of the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre. These spacious rooms are often used for local dance performances, competitions and showcases, the ultimate expression of talent and dedication for students in all of Montreal’s surrounding suburbs. The Centre offers dance programs for kids and teens with dedicated instructors. • The heart of any true Tutu Tuesday celebration for me, involves the experience of buying a new tutu! What’s better than getting that first feel of the soft, ethereal tulle – the fabric of ballerina dreams? So I went to The Dance Centre. Located on Du Boulevard Saint-Jean, it has the most fantastic selection of dancewear and accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer – it has the best selection of everything! The ballet section boasts the most enchanting variety of tutus. With the help of the friendly staff I even got to try on several tutus! My personal favourite – the romantic tutu, which perfectly showcased a timeless elegance with soft ruffles cascading downwards from a delicate bodice. • Finally, because I’m all about sharing the joy of Tutu Tuesdays, I made my way to The Atelier Dance Centre – this ballet haven in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. A place bursting with creative energy! It was filled with kids excitedly learning their moves and experienced instructors diligently coaching them. For me, this kind of energy is contagious and infectious and is truly the spirit of the ballet community, that inspires us to be the best version of ourselves, both on and off the stage! It reminded me of my early years learning ballet in Quebec, eager to become a dancer, all those years ago! Today, my Tutu Tuesday adventures in Dollard-des-Ormeaux highlighted the importance of celebrating ballet as an art form. Whether you are a dancer or simply someone who appreciates this graceful, beautiful dance, let us remember to celebrate this special day dedicated to those iconic tutus – these delightful creations of fabric that elevate our every move as we express ourselves with grace and artistry! Don’t forget to use the #TutuTuesday hash tag and show off your best tutu look, and share your favourite Tutu Tuesday photos. Happy dancing, lovelies! Let’s keep this special day for our beautiful, vibrant ballet community alive in Dollard-des-Ormeaux!