Tutu Tuesday in Buckland No. 491, Saskatchewan #tututuesday

Hey everyone! It's your girl, Clara, back at it again with another dose of Tutu Tuesday inspiration! Today, I'm channeling my inner ballerina right here in Buckland No. 491, Saskatchewan, and let me tell you, it feels amazing. The prairies might be vast and flat, but my heart is soaring with all the tutus I’ve been spotting this week.

This week's #tututuesday theme is all about **embracing the unexpected** - how even in the most surprising of places, we can find the elegance and grace of ballet.

Buckland, Saskatchewan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ballerinas and tutus, but honestly, it’s just like every other place – everyone needs a bit of elegance and beauty in their lives!

And guess what? I found it here!

My first stop? The local community centre. The little ones were busy practicing their pirouettes and arabesques during their weekly ballet class. Their tiny tutus were just too cute – the girls had them in different colours – from a lovely shade of pastel pink to the sweetest buttercup yellow.

This reminded me how important ballet is, not only as an art form, but also as a way to foster creativity and discipline in kids. There’s a beautiful simplicity and grace in these ballet lessons, especially when you witness the genuine joy these kids have as they discover the magic of movement.

Of course, the joy didn't stop there.

Next, I hit up the Buckland Farmer’s Market, and there, tucked away in a corner booth, was the most fabulous vintage shop! Amidst antique teacups and old books, there it was - a classic romantic tutu! The owner, Mrs. Swanson, explained that her late daughter used to wear this tutu back in the days when ballet was really catching on in Saskatchewan.

It was one of those sweet, fluffy, ballerina-dream-come-true tutus with tulle that flowed effortlessly. Honestly, I could have spent hours looking at it, imagining its past life onstage. The tutu is such a powerful symbol of passion, grace, and artistry – it tells a story all its own!

But here's the kicker, Mrs. Swanson wasn't just selling the tutu as a piece of nostalgia. She was selling it as a symbol of her daughter's passion, a piece of art to be enjoyed even if its dance days are done. The story made me reflect – art transcends time, and this tutu, in its current form, continued to shine a light on its story and the woman it belonged to.

So, yes, ballet in Saskatchewan is definitely a thing. Sure, the dance scene isn’t as vibrant as Toronto or Vancouver, but what it lacks in big-city glamour, it makes up for in heart.

But what does Saskatchewan ballet look like, you ask? Well, it's a bit more down-to-earth than a polished recital at the Bolshoi, but that’s okay. Here, ballet is a chance for people of all ages and backgrounds to find a moment of joy in movement and creativity.

This isn’t a stage with elaborate sets, but a backyard with a few trees as a backdrop; it's not a professionally choreographed performance but the joy of kids making up dance routines in the living room. In these simpler settings, the heart and beauty of ballet come through so genuinely.

This brought me to the highlight of my Tutu Tuesday – I met a lovely local woman named Maggie, who told me she taught herself ballet years ago. She's a farmer, but for her, ballet wasn't just about performing, it was about feeling empowered.

She told me her daughter loved ballet, but there weren’t many options in their small town, so she learned online and even made a DIY version of a tutu for her daughter’s very first dance class. Talk about creative inspiration!

Her daughter, Emma, told me that learning ballet in their little corner of the prairie had helped her gain confidence. She shared, “Ballet doesn't have to be just about dancing in a fancy studio – it can be anywhere, any time, you know? You can feel like a ballerina, even if it's in your living room.”

That was a pretty profound statement from someone who hadn’t even reached their teenage years! It just goes to show that no matter where you are in the world, ballet can empower you in ways you never thought possible. Whether it's a full-blown production or a quick stretch break, there's always room for ballet to bring some magic and a sense of accomplishment to our lives.

I must admit that when I set out on my #tututuesday adventure this week, I was searching for a big ballet scene – a troupe of dancers, elaborate costumes, the full shebang. However, it’s moments like these that make me realize that ballet doesn’t always need the bells and whistles, It just needs a bit of passion, a little bit of grace, and a sprinkle of Tutu Tuesday spirit!

In the words of the wonderful, and inspiring Emma: “You can feel like a ballerina, even if it’s in your living room.”

And guess what? You’re right, Emma. That's the spirit of #tututuesday!

Wherever you are, whether it’s in a studio, a backyard, or a community centre in Buckland No. 491, Saskatchewan, I hope you embrace your own inner ballerina and let the grace of ballet bring a little sparkle to your day.