Tutu Tuesday in Dauphin, Manitoba: A Whirlwind of Dance and Fashion #tututuesday
Hey dance lovers, it's your girl, Chloe, back with another installment of "The Pointe of View," where I share all things ballet, fashion, and life as a young Canadian dancer. Today, I'm stepping outside the studio and taking a trip down memory lane - but not just any memory lane, it's a journey through time and tulle, specifically to Dauphin, Manitoba! Now, for those of you who are not in the know, Dauphin is a charming city in the heart of Manitoba, Canada. It might not be the first place you think of when it comes to fashion and ballet, but trust me, this town knows how to rock a tutu!
My love affair with ballet started right here in Dauphin, so I'm especially excited to dedicate a #tututuesday to my home province. And yes, folks, tutu appreciation is not just limited to a major city's grand ballet stages! For a town this size, Dauphin really does punch above its weight in its commitment to the arts, and the enthusiasm is contagious. I had the absolute pleasure of visiting a little dance studio downtown. It's small but packed with vibrant energy. I had a chat with their founder and owner, a true champion of ballet who pours her heart and soul into nurturing the next generation of dancers. From the twinkle in her eyes to the way she spoke about her students, you could just feel the pure passion she had for her art form, something that’s essential to keep the magic alive. Her own personal journey has a few heartwarming quirks. Like her studio’s dedication to celebrating Canadian ballet heritage – can’t get more proud than that.
What truly warmed my heart was seeing their tiny dance studio space bursting with color, and creativity. Each corner was decorated with intricate dance imagery and portraits of some iconic ballerinas, their flowing tutus catching my eye and filling my heart with inspiration. It reminded me how art is always best enjoyed when it’s surrounded by life. There were rows and rows of shoes, ballet bags, and those unmistakable pastel-colored tutus ready for the next generation of dancers to step onto the stage in Dauphin.
Dauphin, Manitoba might not have the grandeur of some of Canada’s major cities, but it’s a charming town with an incredible commitment to nurturing the ballet community – and yes, embracing those tutu traditions in the process.
Now let’s talk fashion! We’ve got to remember those tutus! So many styles! Here’s a quick glance of the tutu world. While a lot of classic tutus fall into three styles (romantics, classical, and a combination of both), don’t underestimate the amazing designs out there:
- The Romantic Tutu - A popular style you'll see on the dance floor or a fashion magazine is the Romantic Tutu, known for its layered and airy nature, reminiscent of the swirling skirts in Romantic ballets like “La Sylphide.” These tend to be airy and delicate. Imagine a tutu you could wear in your day-to-day. I am seriously considering a version of the Romantic tutu in pale pink that I can wear to my next brunch date!
- The Classical Tutu- On the other hand, the Classical Tutu, commonly found in grand ballets like “Swan Lake” is the more traditional style you see with shorter layers. Think "Giselle". The fabric in a classic tutu gives it a stiff, graceful line – a beautiful choice that accentuates graceful dance movements.
- The ‘Combination’ Tutu: We cannot forget that dancers often use “Combination” tutus as a mix of the Classical and Romantic style – creating something really interesting in the world of ballet. Sometimes with multiple layers for dramatic effects or perhaps a little tulle flowing in the back, it truly showcases a dancer’s power, control, and poise. It makes you want to stand and applaud!
- Beyond those three: And yes, it doesn’t stop there. Ballet has seen a huge revolution in tutu design - you can find ones made from sequins, intricate beading, or even colorful patterns, for a modern take on traditional designs, which bring fresh energy and creativity into ballet’s aesthetics.
This #tututuesday, take a tip from the ballet dancers of Dauphin and celebrate the joy of dance and the transformative power of art! Remember to share your ballet experiences - both big and small! Maybe even showcase a few #tutu outfits for inspiration, using the #tututuesday hashtag. This is a great chance for all dancers and ballet enthusiasts to embrace the history of this fascinating form. Let’s celebrate ballet and its amazing artistry – not just here in Canada, but everywhere in the world.