Tutu Tuesday in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada: #tututuesday
Hey, fellow dance enthusiasts! It's your girl, Clara, here, back with another installment of my blog, "Dancing with Clara". This week, I'm bringing you all the delightful details about the absolute whirlwind that is Tutu Tuesday here in beautiful St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Get ready to twirl through a sea of tulle!
Iām sure most of you know about the glorious Tutu Tuesday movement thatās sweeping across social media, but just in case, itās a beautiful chance to celebrate all things ballet. For a few precious hours, ballerinas (both seasoned and those with dreams in their eyes) step out in their tutus, feeling a magical mix of grace and empowerment. From whimsical and playful to elegant and breathtaking, there's a tutu out there for everyone!
My Tuesday morning began, as it always does, with a warm-up, fuelled by a strong cup of Tim Hortons coffee. As I warmed up, I was contemplating which of my tutus to choose for today's Tutu Tuesday celebrations. Would I go classic with a traditional, romantic tutu like a Romantic or Classical Tutu? Perhaps a whimsical tutu with layers upon layers of soft, gathered tulle that twirls like a cloud? Or would it be a dramatic tutu with its stunning, structured skirt that's a powerful statement piece?
Ultimately, I went with my trusty "The Ballerina," a traditional ballet tutu. The delicate, billowing skirt perfectly captured the airy feeling I wanted for my walk downtown. This tutu, with its hand-stitched layers of soft, fine tulle, really makes you feel like a fairy princess stepping out of a dream. Every turn becomes a graceful spin as the fabric seems to move like liquid around you.
With a light and joyous heart, I set off for my day. St. Thomas was alive with excitement! The sun was shining, and everywhere I looked there were fellow dance lovers twirling and chatting in tutus, the energy contagious and joyful. I spotted a fellow ballet enthusiast wearing a beautiful āPrincess Tutuā, which reminded me of an elegant, full skirt that feels ethereal and soft. As we twirled in the park together, a group of kids even stopped to ask if they could try spinning with us, their faces filled with delight.
Next, I found myself at my favorite bakery. I got some treats for my grandmother and myself, her smile was as radiant as a ballet dancerās leap! I decided to capture this lovely moment, posting it on my blog and Instagram, tagging it with #tututuesday and #stthomasontariocanada. Later that afternoon, we decided to go for a walk by the river, catching the warm breeze. You wouldn't believe how many people joined in, turning the riverfront into a beautiful ballet performance!
As I twirled along the cobblestone streets, I couldnāt help but notice the joy in everyoneās eyes. I met a new friend, Emily, who explained her love for her tutu: "My 'Whimsical' tutu lets me tap into a whimsical side of myself," she giggled, showing off a beautiful soft, gathered tulle tutu that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
As dusk settled in, a magical stillness fell upon the town. It was the perfect moment to capture the Tutu Tuesday energy. Itās a true celebration of a universal language that transcends cultural barriers. From the soft pinks and pale blues of whimsical tutus to the crisp blacks and bold reds of dramatic tutus, each tutu tells its story. It reminds me how dance, particularly ballet, offers an avenue for self-expression, creativity and joy.
As I tucked myself in, feeling a touch of tiredness from a wonderful day of tutus and twirling, I couldnāt help but think of the global dance community. #Tututuesday isn't just about us. Itās about a shared love for dance, celebrated in cities around the globe! The passion that makes ballet so captivating echoes from Russiaās majestic Bolshoi Theatre to Canadaās iconic National Ballet School, inspiring us all. It's an exhilarating feeling to know that even on the most mundane of Tuesdays, a simple tutu can remind you of the joy that resides within, even as you navigate the hustle and bustle of life.
See you all next week for another dance-filled adventure! Clara x