Tutu Tuesday in Vanderhoof, BC: A Ballet Lover's Delight! #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Sarah, back with another installment of my ballet-loving adventures! This week, I'm taking you to the heart of British Columbia - Vanderhoof, to be exact. Now, you might not expect to find a bustling ballet scene in a small town like Vanderhoof, but let me tell you, this place surprised me with its hidden gems, including the amazing tutus!
Okay, so it’s not exactly New York City or even Vancouver. There are no grand ballet schools or fancy theatres in Vanderhoof, but what this place lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for in community spirit. I recently discovered the cutest little dance studio tucked away on Main Street - "The Dance Academy." It’s small and cozy but with such a vibrant energy that you can’t help but smile when you walk in.
The moment I saw their costume collection, I knew this place was special. The owner, Miss Marie, has been teaching ballet for over 40 years, and her passion for dance shines through in every piece she owns. She still meticulously maintains each one – from the classic *Romantic tutu*, all fluffy and romantic, to the *contemporary tutu* with its sleek lines and geometric shapes. She even had a couple of vintage *ballet tutus* from the 1960s!
So, how did this ballet-obsessed blogger find herself in Vanderhoof? Well, it's a story for another time (and another #tututuesday!), but suffice to say, I'm now a self-proclaimed tutu-whisperer and my goal is to travel all across Canada and discover the secret tutu treasures hidden in our amazing towns and cities.
Here’s what makes Tutu Tuesday in Vanderhoof, BC so special. First off, this town is like a portal to a simpler time – no traffic jams, lots of green spaces, and an amazing community spirit. The people of Vanderhoof are super friendly, welcoming, and genuinely interested in all kinds of things – including ballet, of course.
I hung out with the kids at "The Dance Academy" and got a chance to chat about their favourite tutus and dream ballet roles. You’ve gotta see them with their tutus on - they're totally adorable! Plus, their parents are super supportive, bringing snacks and cheering on the sidelines.
Second, let's talk tutus. Oh my goodness! These beauties were all about simple elegance and beautiful detailing. The classic *Romantic tutu* – with layers of tulle that float so effortlessly. It’s a total dream! Miss Marie showed me an original from 1959 with exquisite hand-stitching on the layers - I was practically drooling over it. She explained how her students loved the Romantic tutu as a starting point to dream big, and why the *contemporary tutu*, a little more minimalist and designed to let the dancer’s body speak, was gaining popularity for expressing more modern choreography.
She was right – the younger generation loved how the *contemporary tutus* helped showcase their incredible choreography! Miss Marie also had some amazing vintage ballet tutus. I almost gasped when she showed me one with *pastel pink* netting! That tutu from the ‘60s – I’d never seen a tutu like it – and that’s what makes my tutu adventures so much fun. I learn so much!
Miss Marie was telling me how back in the day, it wasn't always about the *ballet tutu* style or *tutu fabrics*, but about showing off the skills of the dancers. You could see she has real knowledge of tutu styles – like how to judge the difference between *Classical tutus* and *Romantic tutus*. Even *sewing a tutu* isn't just any old sewing project! She told me she’s even teaching the kids how to do their own basic tutu mending!
Now, let's get down to business - Vanderhoof is also a nature lover's paradise! After my tutu-tastic session with Miss Marie and her amazing students, we headed to the scenic shores of the Nechako River. The air was crisp, the water was crystal clear, and I could almost hear the soundtrack to a Swan Lake ballet play in the background! This incredible setting and the natural beauty were the perfect background for a Tutu Tuesday! And you can't beat the feeling of getting those *ballet legs* pumped after a nature walk - perfect to be ready for those jumps and plies!
This visit to Vanderhoof is another testament to why Canada is such a fantastic country to explore and experience the joys of dance! This small town's dedication to ballet, along with their beautiful surroundings and friendly people, left me inspired and ready for the next big tutu adventure.
So, until next time, happy tutuing!
Love, Sarah
**P.S.** Don’t forget to follow my blog and follow my tutu adventures with the hashtag #tututuesday!
**P.P.S.** Stay tuned for my upcoming Tutu Tuesday adventures from different cities in Canada!