Tutu Tuesday in North Dundas, Ontario: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Clara, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday. This week, we're heading to the heart of rural Ontario, to the charming township of North Dundas. Now, you might be thinking, "Clara, ballet in *North Dundas*?" But trust me, there's more to this community than meets the eye (and trust me, a lot of tutus met my eye this week).
First things first: let's talk about tutus. I saw everything from classic, romantic tutus to sleek and modern styles. There was a bit of a nostalgic vibe in the air. It was almost as if North Dundas had a secret affair with ballet back in the 19th century, and then, out of respect for the past, just kinda left the tutus in the closet. Well, guess what? I opened that closet!
My adventures in North Dundas started with a visit to the local library, a quaint building with shelves full of books andā¦surpriseā¦ a hidden collection of vintage ballet costumes. I couldn't believe my eyes. Imagine, rows upon rows of faded but glorious tulle, some even sporting faded, delicate embroidery. Talk about time capsule!
I couldn't resist pulling out a few of the pieces and doing a little photo shoot. And boy, did the light from the windows make the tulle absolutely shimmer. For those who like a bit of history with their fashion, I found some absolute gems! One tutu, a pale pink confection with layers upon layers of tulle, had an inscription that dated back to 1880s! Itās pretty crazy to think a young lady in North Dundas was wearing this way back then.
The library, as charming as it was, wasn't the only place that revealed a ballet side to North Dundas. There were these *extra* charming elderly ladies that I met while having a lovely morning coffee at the village's historic cafe. They told me how North Dundas was once known for its thriving community ballet school. They even spoke about a troupe that had toured the county with productions like Swan Lake and the Nutcracker.
To top it off, these ladies (who totally couldāve been ballerinas in their younger years), actually gifted me with a hand-stitched, beautiful tutu! I nearly cried! It was such a kind gesture, a little piece of the legacy that was almost forgotten. This was not your average, run-of-the-mill tulle; this tutu, you could say, was part of North Dundasā story. I immediately did a twirl around the cafe to celebrate ā the barista seemed impressed by my spontaneous dance.
But the North Dundas ballet story didnāt stop there. Imagine my excitement when I learned about the "Dundas Dance Conservatory". Iām talking an adorable, hidden-away gem nestled in the heart of the village, offering a fantastic ballet program for young kids. The dance floor itself, just a beautifully polished hardwood space, sparkled even brighter after I spent a couple hours watching the local children and their enthusiastic, creative, young teacher who made sure the ballet studio resonated with joy.
I witnessed a dance class for young students where they performed āLa Sylphide,ā and I swear I saw a future ballerina (with a fiery redhead and impeccable control) on that floor. She reminded me of the passion and enthusiasm that drew me to ballet as a young girl, you know, the magic you get when a story is told with the help of leaps, pirouettes and, of course, beautiful, whimsical tutus. The young teacher even let me borrow some of the adorable little tutus they had. They're perfect for a photoshoot, with all the sweetness of youth and dreams ā these tutus were small, but they had BIG ambitions.
Speaking of ambitions, itās not only the tutus in North Dundas that have me smitten; it's also the sense of community. These were not just the kind of locals that like a good latte (even though that's obviously a given). They truly supported their local dancers with enthusiasm, respect, and an endless supply of freshly-baked treats for all involved.
My heart, quite literally, danced a little at this unexpected but wonderful encounter with a charming little town, brimming with artistic energy, a sweet love for ballet, and memories preserved in the delicate swirls of forgotten tutus. And guess what? Now North Dundas is officially on the map for Tutu Tuesdays.
My Tutu Tuesday Picks
- **A Classic Tulle Tutu** - Think of your graceful ballerina in the Swan Lake, all graceful and elegant with tulle floating about in an ethereal swirl.
- **A Romantic Tutu** - It's perfect for any ballerina who loves soft tulle and a touch of romance ā maybe think "Giselle" or a romantic dream.
- **A Modern Tulle Tutu** - Itās sharp, modern and sleek, great for a contemporary ballet like, āEmeralds,ā or āDiamonds,ā for those who are more focused on lines and sharp movements.
What kind of tutus do you have hanging in your closet? Tell me about it! Don't forget to share your favourite tutus and photos on Instagram and Twitter using #TutuTuesday. Let's show the world how amazing and fun ballet is, especially in unexpected places. Until next Tuesday! š©°