Tutu Tuesday 30494

Hey everyone, it's your girl, Anna, back with another blog post – and this time it's all about tutus! This week, I'm channeling my inner ballerina for #TutuTuesday, and sharing the story of how my love for these whimsical creations came to life.

I always knew I wanted to dance. Growing up in Ontario, I was captivated by the elegance and athleticism of ballet, and dreamed of twirling across the stage in a tutu. Little did I know that this passion would lead me to a lifetime of love for this beautiful art form.

As I embarked on my ballet journey, the tutu became a symbol of everything I cherished. From the simple yet classic white tulle tutus of my youth, to the breathtaking, intricately layered tutus we wear for performances, I have always been enamored by the grace and artistry these garments convey.

And what better way to celebrate this iconic garment than by indulging in #TutuTuesday! So, I decided to take to the streets of Goderich, Ontario (where I live now) for a little photoshoot. This charming small town, nestled on the shores of Lake Huron, provided the perfect backdrop for a touch of ballerinasque magic.

My outfit for this occasion was a playful, fun combination of a soft pastel pink tulle tutu (I can’t resist a splash of color!), a simple white tank top for that timeless ballerina vibe, and my trusty pair of black ballet flats.

But this was no ordinary tutu – this was a custom-made, one-of-a-kind tutu I bought on my recent trip to the UK, with a splash of silver sequins, and layers of shimmering tulle. You see, for me, finding a unique piece of apparel that echoes my own sense of individuality is key! That’s how my love for tutus has gone beyond just performance attire. They’ve become an essential part of my personal style – even if just for fun.

And I'm not just sharing this with you just because I love tutus (although I do!). But also because I believe in encouraging everyone, especially women, to embrace their passions, and embrace the power of expressing themselves through fashion.

The streets of Goderich transformed into a personal runway as I twirled and posed with the breathtaking Lake Huron in the backdrop. A reminder that dancing, and our connection to art, can be found everywhere.

But here’s what made this experience even more special – seeing the smiles on people's faces. Children waved from the streets, senior citizens chuckled and admired the dance moves, and people passing by just seemed to brighten up a little! It really made me appreciate the universal appeal of dance, and the fun factor that #TutuTuesday has.

That got me thinking… I realized the power of #TutuTuesday isn’t just about wearing tutus. It's about letting go of self-consciousness and embracing that little bit of sparkle inside. So, how are you celebrating #TutuTuesday this week? Even if it’s just throwing on a tutu for a little twirl at home! Maybe put on your favorite dancing shoes. Maybe blast some music. Maybe even just watch a ballet movie – we all have ways of connecting with dance.

This isn't just about the beautiful garments themselves – it's about celebrating the stories and emotions that are woven into the fabric of these tutus, the stories of dreams, of artistry, of the power of expression, of a Canadian ballerina, and maybe just maybe even yours!

Speaking of tutus, I thought this was a great opportunity to tell you a little about how tutu styles have evolved over time and what they mean! It's fascinating stuff, and honestly, helps appreciate ballet so much more:

• Romantic tutu: Light, floaty, and airy. They're often made of layers of soft tulle and tend to be a bit shorter than other styles, flowing down to just above the knees. Think Swan Lake, La Sylphide - elegant, timeless and very feminine.
• Classical tutu: These tutus are known for their wide, layered tulle skirts, which are held out in a shape. They tend to be quite dramatic, embodying that classic ballerina feel. This style features more prominent, noticeable layering and more weight in the tulle than Romantic styles. Think Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”
• Modern tutu: The tutu went through a "revolution"! More asymmetrical, they can range from sheer, billowing styles to shorter, structured shapes, often incorporating fabric manipulations or innovative use of color and design. It breaks the traditional mold and often reflects contemporary ballet choreography.
• Character tutu: These tutus are designed to fit the specific character they represent, incorporating specific details, colors, and fabrics to create a specific impression and story. This style reflects the distinct nature of the dance, such as the story or character. For example, a Giselle tutu might have delicate flower decorations and soft fabrics to emphasize the story of a rural girl.

The beautiful thing about the world of tutus is their versatility. From the delicate layers of a romantic tutu to the boldness of a modern tutu, they reflect the ever-evolving landscape of ballet.

So, what started as a simple "tutu love" has evolved into something much deeper for me. And it’s a reflection of how passionate I am about Canadian ballet – something we can be very proud of!

From world-class performances by the National Ballet of Canada, to smaller, independent studios across the country, we are fostering incredible talent in this beautiful art form. The passion and dedication we pour into Canadian ballet makes it an exciting landscape, both for ballet lovers and newcomers.

And I hope that by showcasing my love for this iconic garment, I can help inspire a new generation of dancers, artists, and dreamers, to explore the world of ballet. It doesn't matter if it's at the Royal Opera House or on the streets of Goderich! It all starts with that spark of joy – maybe even wearing a tutu!

I've been experimenting with different ways to incorporate this iconic ballet staple into my everyday life, even when I'm not on stage. It's become my way of honoring my passion for dance, for ballet, and reminding myself to always embrace the little twirls in life.

I encourage you to embrace the beauty of tutus, their stories, and the expression they can represent! Share your stories with me on social media using #tututuesday. I’m excited to see how you all get your #tututuesday shine!