Tutu Tuesday in Cranbrook, British Columbia: A Celebration of the Tutu
Hey dance lovers! It's your girl, Clara, back with another edition of my blog. Today we're talking all things tutus, and I'm not talking about the kind that Grandma wears to the tea party. I'm talking about the elegant, iconic, and frankly, sometimes totally outrageous world of the ballet tutu.
Let's get real for a minute: I'm not the only one who gets excited about #tututuesday, right? For some of us, the idea of the perfect tutu, one that flows beautifully as you pirouette, that whispers secrets of grace and power in its layers of tulle and satin, is basically a fantasy come true. And Cranbrook, B.C., my fellow dance enthusiasts, it's our day to embrace the tutu's magic!
Now, I know what you're thinking: Cranbrook isn't exactly known as the heart of the Canadian ballet scene, not like, say, Vancouver or Toronto, with their huge professional companies. But you know what? I think that's what makes this whole Tutu Tuesday thing so fun. It's about the everyday dance of life, the twirls we add in while waiting for the bus, the arabesques we sneak into a grocery store line (it's totally cool if it doesn't end with a clean finish, okay?), the pure joy of expressing ourselves through the art of movement, tutu or not.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the different types of tutus that grace the stage and our imaginations, eh?
- The Romantic Tutu: Light, ethereal, and airy, this classic is all about romanticism and dreamy movement. You'll find the Romantics, you know, the ones with their tulle billowing like clouds, dancing beautifully in pieces like "Giselle."
- The Classical Tutu: Think pointy, precise, and with a streamlined design that puts all the focus on technique and sharp lines. These are the bad boys of the ballet world (pun intended), a statement of elegance and strength, seen in the beautiful "Swan Lake" choreography.
- The Modern Tutu: Forget the fluffy romantic stuff; we're going edgy, innovative, and definitely outside the box. From sheer, almost minimalist creations that let the dancer's body be the star to abstract sculptures of fabric and movement, the Modern Tutu is anything but conventional. Think about the works of Martha Graham or Twyla Tharp.
- And then there are the, shall we say, experimental tutus! Forget traditional. They challenge everything. It's all about creativity, self-expression, and bringing in elements from other styles, you name it, and the possibilities are endless.
I love how the Tutu embodies both history and forward-thinking. The first real tutu dates back to the 1830s and you know what, they're still relevant today. And every new design takes it one step further, with dancers pushing boundaries, defying norms, and changing the way we see this iconic piece.
So, Cranbrook, I urge you, unleash the tutu within. Don't let the lack of a pro company hold you back. Wear that DIY tutu with a flourish. Channel your inner ballerina. Post pictures of your tutu antics using the #tututuesday hashtag and tag @claraballett on Instagram. Maybe we can even organize a real-life Tutu Tuesday gathering in Cranbrook? We could have a photo booth with tutu props, some DIY tutu making sessions (think hot glue guns, and lots of sparkly fabric!) , a beginner's ballet class, and a community performance - now that would be a blast.
Remember, Tutu Tuesday is not just about the tutu. It's about celebrating the dance within us all, regardless of age, skill level, or dance background. So, get out there, Cranbrook, twirl, and embrace the power of the Tutu.
And until next time, dance like no one is watching!
Your Tutu Tuesday enthusiast
Clara