Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Gabriel, Quebec: A Celebration of Dance and Style
Hey everyone! It's your favourite ballet blogger, Émilie, and it's Tutu Tuesday! Today, we're taking a trip to the charming town of Saint-Gabriel, Quebec, to celebrate the artistry and elegance of the tutu, and I'm feeling all kinds of inspired.
For those who don't know, Tutu Tuesday is a weekly tradition for dancers around the world, a chance to showcase the beauty and versatility of this iconic piece of dancewear. It's a celebration of all things tutus: the romantic swirls of the classical tutu, the bold statement of the modern tutu, and the playful spirit of the character tutu. We celebrate them all!
Saint-Gabriel has always been a haven for the arts, particularly dance, so what better place to honour the tutu than here? Walking through the cobbled streets of this historic town, I can almost feel the ghosts of dancers from the past swirling in the air, their tutus a whisper of forgotten dreams. I'm feeling so lucky to be surrounded by this incredible atmosphere.
I started my day at the local ballet school, "École de Ballet Saint-Gabriel". This adorable little school is nestled in a beautifully renovated historic building, and it just oozes charm. I couldn't help but feel like I was stepping back in time! Inside, the atmosphere was vibrant, full of life, and I saw some seriously talented young dancers honing their craft. There was such a genuine love for ballet in the air, which warmed my heart.
The students and their instructors had a blast dressing up in their finest tutus for Tutu Tuesday. From the classic, multi-layered tutus to the more modern, one-piece styles, it was amazing to see the different ways they incorporated this iconic piece into their outfits.
The École de Ballet Saint-Gabriel really embraced Tutu Tuesday and offered some special events. There was a Tutu Making workshop for the kids, where they were taught to sew their own tutus! This was super inspiring, watching the next generation learn a skill so central to ballet. And of course, there was a Tutu Parade in the afternoon, where the students walked the streets of Saint-Gabriel in their tutus, spreading their love of ballet to the community! Such an enchanting sight!
It wasn't just about the kids! I saw some very dedicated adult dancers (many of them in their 20s and 30s!) proudly showing off their passion for the art form, many even wearing tutus they had made themselves, proving that the love of dance is timeless. Seeing these people, I felt truly inspired and humbled.
Later on, I visited the lovely local boutique, "Les Envolées" which boasts a dedicated "Tutu Corner"! They had an incredible selection, from vintage tutus dating back to the 1950s, all the way to modern contemporary pieces. The shop owner, Madame Isabelle, a former ballerina herself, was super knowledgeable about tutus. I was fascinated to hear all her stories about the evolution of the tutu. It made me realise just how rich the history of this dance garment is.
After browsing Madame Isabelle’s shop, I took a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village, snapping photos of Saint-Gabriel's stunning architecture. You know I can't resist a little Instagram photoshoot with some picturesque scenery, especially with a Tutu Tuesday theme! I love the contrast of the fluffy layers of a classical tutu against the stone architecture of this historical town. I have some incredible Instagram-worthy shots from today’s photo shoot! Just make sure to follow me for a peak. (my handle is @emilie.danseuse, if you haven't already).
Throughout my day, I noticed many people in Saint-Gabriel who were genuinely inspired by Tutu Tuesday! Kids on their way to school, adults rushing to work, everyone seemed brightened up by the sight of all these colourful tutus floating through the streets. It was a joyful reminder that the joy of dance, and the magic of a tutu, transcends any age and any circumstance.
I'm leaving Saint-Gabriel feeling energized, full of inspiration, and most importantly, incredibly grateful for the vibrant dance community that thrives here. The day's festivities remind me why I love being a part of the ballet world. It’s full of such passionate individuals, creative expressions, and yes, those unforgettable tutus!
But Tutu Tuesday isn't just for Quebec, Canada! It’s for dancers across the world, all sharing the same love for this art form. Whether you are practicing at the barre in your living room or taking the stage for a grand performance, you are part of a global dance community, and every Tuesday is a chance to embrace that. It's a reminder to celebrate your passion and celebrate the joy that dance brings.
Don't forget to show me what you’re wearing on your Tutu Tuesday by posting #tututuesday and tagging me on your Instagram! I can't wait to see your amazing styles, your stories, your passion. Until next Tuesday, keep dancing!
**Stay Stylish!**
**Your Canadian Ballet Blogger**, **Émilie**
**P.S. Follow me on Instagram for more updates, behind-the-scenes, and my daily dose of #balletlife! @emilie.danseuse.**
A Glimpse into Tutu Styles
- **Classical Tutus**: These tutus are iconic and timeless. Made from multiple layers of tulle, they are usually long and flowy with a romantic, fairytale look. You’ve probably seen these on the ballet stage.
- **Romantic Tutus**: Slightly less voluminous than the classical tutus, romantic tutus have a graceful look with a slightly shorter length. These tutus, just like their name, evoke a sense of love and romance, often found in the stories they bring to life in ballet performances.
- **Modern Tutus**: The name is quite fitting as these tutus break the rules, are designed for the contemporary dance scene. They are sleek and modern with a contemporary feel. These are made from lighter fabrics like spandex, satin, or jersey. They offer more flexibility for contemporary dance moves.
- **Character Tutus**: These are a wild bunch, designed specifically for particular dance roles! You can see a massive array of different styles, lengths and colours in the character tutu family, they all rely on an exciting design that will allow dancers to embody the unique characters they are portraying.
Remember to follow me on Instagram at @emilie.danseuse and make sure you show me your #tututuesday by posting photos and tagging me on your Instagram! I can't wait to see your amazing styles, stories, and passion.