Tutu Tuesday in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec
Hey fellow dance enthusiasts! It's your girl, Clara, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday, this time taking you to the charming town of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec. If youāre following my blog, you know I'm obsessed with tutus. They're not just for performances; they're for everyday fun and fabulousness! Today, Iām showcasing some seriously inspiring styles spotted at the recent āDanse au Coeur du Villageā festival here in beautiful Quebec.
Walking through the cobbled streets of this picturesque village, I was surrounded by an eclectic mix of tutus. From the classic, romantic tutu, to the edgy, modern tutu, there was something for everyone. This community really embodies the spirit of "ballet for everyone!" Itās seriously uplifting. This year, the highlight was definitely the street parade! I spotted a group of dancers from the local "Les Ćtoiles de Mont-Carmel" academy in an array of shimmering, pastel pink tutusāperfect for the fairytale atmosphere of the event. Their romantic and whimsical costumes evoked a sense of grace and wonder as they pirouetted down the village streets. These "Les Ćtoiles" tutus were a perfect blend of the classic and the modern, with a nod to tradition and an eye for contemporary trends. Each dancer's tutu had intricate lace detailing and layers of tulle, adding a touch of vintage glamour that felt totally up-to-date. You could see the love that went into the details, like the tiny sequin embellishments and the subtle variations in colour. The delicate ruffles and flounces, with their movement and flow, truly captured the essence of balletāwhimsical, feminine, and dynamic.
- Classics, Reimagined. One thing that stood out for me was the way that some of the classic tutu styles were being reinterpreted for a more modern and versatile look. A few of the dancers from a touring company were showcasing tutus with a distinctly contemporary twist, combining classic elements with unexpected fabric choices like sheer panels, structured bodices and, my personal favourite, bold coloured stripesāall paired with sleek ballet flats.
One local dancer I met even sported a modified tutu crafted from layers of feather boasā talk about unique and fabulous! I chatted with the young designer, she was a self-taught crafter who explained her design philosophy was to merge whimsical style with eco-conscious practices. It felt really impactful seeing so much passion in her art.
For me, Tutu Tuesday in Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec was a reminder that ballet is about so much more than just perfect technique. It's about self-expression, creativity, and community. The spirit of the dance resonated through the village streets with laughter, a bit of healthy competition, and a whole lot of good vibes.
To the dancers, choreographers, organizers and everyone who contributed to this spectacular eventā thank you! Your hard work is inspiring! The world needs more Tutu Tuesdays.
And, of course, for you fashionistas out there who are thinking, "How can I embrace Tutu Tuesday in my own city?", hereās my adviceā Grab your friends, your most fabulous tutus (don't be afraid to DIY, the possibilities are endless!), and head to your local community events! You might even want to check out a ballet class and, hey, why not, make some new dance friends! Spread the joy, dance freely, and always embrace Tutu Tuesday, it's your time to shine!
And don't forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday and show me what youāre creating!