Tutu Tuesday in Shippegan, New Brunswick: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition #tututuesday
Bonjour from the charming seaside town of Shippegan, New Brunswick! I'm thrilled to be bringing you a special #tututuesday post today, because you know I can never resist a chance to celebrate the magic of the tutu.
But today's post is not just about the beautiful, airy skirt of the dancer. This Tuesday's adventure takes us beyond the ballet studio, into the heart of a community celebrating its history, its people, and yes, its unique style! You see, Shippegan has a very special tradition: the "Tutu Tuesday."
You might be thinking, “Tutu Tuesday? What's that about?!” Well, let me tell you, this town has taken its love for dance, fashion, and a touch of the whimsical and transformed it into a monthly cultural celebration. The concept is simple: every Tuesday, residents are encouraged to wear tutus - no matter what their age or profession - in a playful embrace of their artistic spirit.
So, as a ballet dancer myself, you can bet I was beyond excited when I heard about this unique initiative. I packed my most whimsical tutus - the one with the hand-painted floral design for a touch of elegance, the tiered white tulle one with a peekaboo sparkly overlay, even a tutu-skirt-combo for an edgy-street style look, and set off for an unforgettable adventure!
Here in Shippegan, the tutus aren't confined to ballet studios. They dance down the streets, strutting around the town's shops, and pop up at coffee shops. It was so incredible to see the community truly embracing this "wear-what-you-want" attitude. From the young girls swirling around in their pink tutus to the older gentlemen in their "formal" tutus paired with their finest tweed jackets (I especially loved one dapper chap who sported a top hat), it was an adorable sight!
What really captured my heart were the mothers and daughters dancing along in matching tutus. Talk about an incredible mother-daughter bonding activity, right? I even saw one little boy proudly showing off his new, brightly coloured, handmade tutu – a total winner for cute factor! The vibrant energy and playful spirit of Tutu Tuesday was contagious, spreading joy and a contagious dose of happiness to every passerby.
It's hard to pick favourites because every single tutu story was enchanting, but there was one special one that warmed my heart. An older woman, her hair beautifully white, her face lined with a lifetime of stories, explained to me that Tutu Tuesday had inspired her to revisit her passion for ballet. She told me how she had dreamed of being a dancer as a young girl but had been discouraged from pursuing it. Today, with her vibrant, bright yellow tutu and a twirl in her step, she was finally fulfilling a childhood dream. Seeing that joyful sparkle in her eyes made me realise the true magic of Tutu Tuesday.
Here are some reasons why I fell head-over-tutu for Shippegan's Tutu Tuesday:
- It promotes inclusivity and encourages people to celebrate individuality.
- It creates a sense of community and shared joy, breaking down barriers and bringing everyone together.
- It provides a platform for self-expression and lets people embrace their playful side.
- It sparks creativity and encourages us to challenge societal norms.
- And finally, let's face it, wearing a tutu makes everyone smile.
But Tutu Tuesday is not just about fun and laughter; it's also about promoting local artists and craftspeople. Many of the tutus were designed and created right here in Shippegan, using local materials and unique patterns. I even discovered a local shop that specialized in creating bespoke tutus, just waiting to help turn your wildest Tutu Tuesday dream into reality.
From a fashion perspective, Shippegan's Tutu Tuesday is a masterpiece in its own right. Imagine the possibilities: classical tutus paired with leather jackets, modern ballet tutus paired with sneakers and an oversized hoodie, or even a layered tutu for a chic evening outfit. You can even explore various tutu styles, from the romantic classic pouter to the more playful multi-layered tutu! It's all about personal style and a celebration of fashion beyond the norm.
You don't have to be a ballerina to appreciate Tutu Tuesday's charm. You simply need a sense of playfulness, a love for the unexpected, and perhaps a sprinkle of that whimsical fairytale spirit. So, if you're ever in the area, make sure you check out Shippegan's Tutu Tuesday and join in the fun! And who knows, you might even find yourself spinning in a tutu or two.
Remember, #tututuesday is not just a day; it's a movement! I'm so grateful to Shippegan, New Brunswick, for giving me the opportunity to witness this unique and delightful tradition. It's proof that joy can be found in the most unexpected of places, and it’s a beautiful testament to the power of art and community. So, go on, let your inner ballerina shine! #tututuesday