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Tutu Tuesday in Drumheller, Alberta: A Whirlwind of Sequins and History #tututuesday

Hey there, fashion-forward friends! Your favourite ballerina blogger is back, this time from the heart of Alberta ā€“ Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital of the World! It's time for a #tututuesday with a prehistoric twist, and trust me, this isn't your grandma's ballet class.

Drumheller's a place where you can wander among towering hoodoos, dig for fossils, and explore a world where time seems to stand still. But hold on, did I mention "time standing still?" Well, when you're rocking a classic romantic tutu, with its layers of tulle swirling around you, it feels like you've stepped straight into a timeless dance. I mean, you're literally channeling the grace and elegance of ballet history. And with the dusty red earth underfoot and the towering hoodoos in the background, I felt like I was a ballerina in a Renaissance-era court, only in the heart of Alberta. The whole scene, it felt truly magical. You just can't capture that feeling with a filter! It's gotta be experienced in person.

Okay, so I'm a bit obsessed with tutus, I'll admit. There's a reason, though. It's all about the sheer joy and confidence that comes with swirling around in a cloud of tulle. Think about it ā€“ the way the fabric billows around your legs, the way it dances in the breeze (well, almost, with the Canadian Prairies, we gotta keep the wind chill in mind). It's about finding the perfect tutu for your mood ā€“ something a little more dramatic, with a larger volume and longer skirt for that ultimate "en pointe" feel? Or perhaps something more playful and flirty, maybe even a modern variation, a bit more toned down with a shorter skirt. For Drumheller, with the wide open spaces and the wind whipping through the coulees, the longer skirt definitely had its moment, with dramatic silhouettes against the rugged landscape.

Honestly, itā€™s hard to beat the feeling of confidence that comes from donning a tutu. Maybe it's the nostalgia, maybe it's the femininity, maybe it's the whimsical touch of childlike joy ā€“ whatever it is, it's pure magic. But don't get me wrong, I don't need a tutu to feel good about myself. It's about finding that one piece that sparks a bit of joy and a sprinkle of confidence. We all need a little bit of "ballet" in our lives, right?

Speaking of ballet in Canada ā€“ there's a flourishing dance scene here, from Vancouver to Montreal. You can find everything from grand classical ballet performances at the National Ballet of Canada in Toronto to the more contemporary styles like contemporary and jazz dance happening across the country. And here in Alberta, there are lots of fantastic dance companies, and studios where people of all ages can explore their passion for dance. Weā€™re known for our amazing talent here!

And the best part about wearing a tutu is that you can have a ton of fun with it. From pairing it with vintage pieces to mixing in edgy modern touches, the possibilities are endless! Whether Iā€™m pairing my tutu with a classic leather jacket, or rocking a funky graphic tee underneath a tutu skirt ( yes, tutus can be versatile!) itā€™s all about expressing your individual style. For a Tutu Tuesday, in Drumheller, I found the perfect combo ā€“ a long flowy, romantic tutu, with an Alberta-made, vintage, hand-knit cardigan from a small boutique I stumbled across while wandering the Dinosaur Valley. And with the beautiful blue and purple tones in the cardigan against the earth-toned backdrop of Drumheller, the photos? They just popped!

And hereā€™s the real beauty of this whole Tutu Tuesday adventure in Drumheller, Alberta. Itā€™s a chance to find your inner ballerina, to step out of your comfort zone and have a little fun! Itā€™s a chance to reconnect with that childhood dream of swirling in a tutu and maybe pretending to be a graceful ballerina on stage. Itā€™s about embracing the joy, the silliness, the fun, the ā€œitā€™s not just for dancers anymore!ā€ vibe. Because in the end, what matters is that you feel confident, joyful, and ready to take on the world! #tututuesday #Alberta

Drumheller Style: A Look Book

I thought you might enjoy some fashion inspiration straight from the Dinosaur Capital. This look book is packed with ideas for putting your own #tututuesday spin on your personal style, using Drumheller's raw and natural beauty as our canvas.

Outfit #1 - The Prairie Ballerina:
  • Classic Romantic Tutu: The iconic, long and flowy tutu with several layers of tulle, the definition of a graceful and whimsical ballerina.
  • Rustic Knit Cardigan: Channel Albertaā€™s unique craft scene with a hand-knit cardigan from a local artisan. Look for warm tones like burgundy, teal, or earthy browns to match the dramatic landscapes.
  • Western Boots: A practical and stylish touch that honours Drumheller's roots as a cowboy town, while adding a boho vibe. Consider ankle-length boots or cowboy booties in brown leather or suede.
  • Gold Hoop Earrings: Add a touch of elegant sparkle with simple, classic gold hoops.
Outfit #2 - Modern Muse
  • Modern Tutu Skirt: Go for a short tutu skirt that looks elegant and contemporary. You can play with different colors like navy, black, or a light shade of pink.
  • Striped T-shirt: Add a touch of effortless coolness with a simple black-and-white striped t-shirt.
  • Distressed Denim Jacket: For edgy charm and practical warmth, a vintage denim jacket, distressed or raw, adds a touch of rocker chic to the mix.
  • High-Top Sneakers: Give the outfit a streetwise edge by pairing high-top sneakers in white or a contrasting colour.
  • Silver Chain Necklace: A delicate silver chain adds a touch of subtle bling.

Drumheller Fashion Must-Haves

  • Fossil Jewelry: Find a unique statement piece to commemorate your trip. There are many small shops that showcase local artisansā€™ jewellery crafted with dinosaur fossils.
  • Canadian-Made Hats: Drumhellerā€™s winds can be quite strong, so invest in a trendy, Canadian-made beanie or wide-brimmed hat.
  • Authentic Cowboy Boots: There are several shops in Drumheller offering high-quality cowboy boots and western wear. It's a true keepsake.
  • Hooded Jacket: Keep warm during chilly mornings and windy hikes with a warm hooded jacket made by a local outdoor brand.

**Where To Shop

  • Dinosaur Valley Antique Mall: Explore the many vendors and discover some real hidden treasures with a vintage twist.
  • Little Red Hen Crafts & Coffee: Indulge your sweet tooth with a cup of coffee while exploring local artist's works and finding unique handcrafted souvenirs.
  • Drumheller Mall: A great spot for finding fashionable clothing and souvenirs.
  • Red Deer - A little drive outside Drumheller: If youā€™re seeking something a little more upscale with larger fashion brands, Red Deer has several great shopping destinations.

**Beyond the Fashion:**

  • Drumheller's Must-See Attractions:
  • The Royal Tyrrell Museum: This museum is a world-renowned showcase of palaeontological discoveries, a great spot for the dinosaur lovers.
  • The World's Largest Dinosaur: Snap a selfie next to this enormous, eye-catching structure. It's one of Drumhellerā€™s most popular attractions.
  • Hoodoo Badlands: A mesmerizing, earth-toned landscape sculpted by erosion, offering beautiful photographic opportunities and hiking trails.

**My Final Tutu Thoughts on Drumheller, Alberta:**

Drumheller is an inspiring place ā€“ not just because of its prehistoric roots and spectacular natural wonders. The people here are what make it truly special, with an unyielding spirit of adventure, community and warmth that truly captures the heart. And for all of you who want to try a little "Tutu Tuesday" action, embrace it! Remember that wearing a tutu isnā€™t just about the outfit, itā€™s about finding that joy, that confidence, that connection to a beautiful and creative spirit. And hey, while you're exploring Drumheller's ancient secrets in your tutu, donā€™t be shy to strike a few dramatic poses. The landscape is meant to be photographed, and with the right outfit, your photos are bound to be eye-catching.

See you all on my next blog post ā€“ #tututuesday might be taking me to some other amazing destination!