Tutu Tuesday 30965

Tutu Tuesday in North Kawartha, Ontario: A Ballerina's Delight

Hey there, dance lovers! It's your favourite tutu-obsessed blogger, back with another #TutuTuesday post. This week, I'm bringing the tutus to beautiful North Kawartha, Ontario. I know, I know, it's not the first place you think of when you imagine tutus and ballet, but hear me out!

As a professional ballerina, I'm constantly travelling, touring with my company, and performing all across Canada. But sometimes, I just crave a change of scenery, and a chance to explore my passion outside the confines of the traditional theatre stage. North Kawartha has been on my bucket list for a while. You know how it is, the whole cottage country thing, surrounded by lakes and forests, oh so relaxing.

But here's the twist. It wasn't just the scenery I wanted to escape to, but a little bit of creative freedom, to mix my passion for ballet with this breathtaking nature and create something new and magical. So, with a carefully chosen selection of tutus and my favourite pair of pointe shoes (can’t forget those!), I set off for North Kawartha, ready to celebrate #TutuTuesday in style!

You see, finding the right tutu isn't just about looking good, it's about finding the right vibe. Now, North Kawartha has a distinct "cottage country" aesthetic. Think earthy tones, woodsy charm, maybe a touch of rustic chic. You wouldn’t be wrong to think about classic romantic tutus, but I was after something a little more "earthy" and what do you know - I found the perfect match in my personal collection!

A dreamy, flowing, moss green tulle tutu. Not too fancy, not too dramatic, just enough shimmer to catch the light while blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The light, airy fabric billowed beautifully in the gentle breeze. Imagine a princess from a fairytale stepping out of a hidden forest – that’s the vibe we’re going for. And believe me, there's nothing more magical than dancing in a forest glade, feeling the soft breeze in my hair, while wearing a tutu that seems to melt into the surrounding greenery.

We all know about the classic, traditional tutu designs – the fluffy romantic tutu and the short, sassy “practice” tutus that dancers wear every day – but, what if you want to find something just a little more out of the box? For my North Kawartha escapade, I was seeking something more than the traditional tutu shapes – I went for a mix-and-match of my favorite items, with some surprising details. I wore a sheer, emerald green underskirt to give some extra drama and, dare I say, some subtle "country girl" charm, with the added flourish of a dark chocolate brown, asymmetrical tutu overlay to top it off. Let’s just say, I felt every inch the enchanted wood nymph as I waltzed along the forest paths.

For #TutuTuesday in North Kawartha, it wasn’t just about tutus. It was about finding inspiration everywhere – from the colours of nature to the local communities, traditions, and local artisans. I found my little pocket of inspiration in the charming, quaint shops tucked away in little towns like Bobcaygeon, near the lakefront. And let’s not forget about the vibrant farmers' markets, bursting with delicious local produce – a testament to the region's thriving agricultural heart.

I met some amazing local artisans – pottery makers, woodworkers, and a wonderful lady who made exquisite handmade soaps that smelled like fresh-cut wildflowers. The scents of freshly brewed coffee in cozy cafes were the perfect companion as I enjoyed a delicious pastry. I even had a chance to meet a couple of local ballet dancers who were thrilled to have a fellow ballerina visit their community.

You know me – I’m all about those hidden gems and quirky spots, so I ended up exploring the stunning nature trails – not only for photo shoots and getting inspired, but just to be one with nature, with the beautiful Canadian wilderness as my backstage.

What really made this #TutuTuesday truly special were the spontaneous photo shoots. Some people just can't resist stopping and taking photos. "Can we take a photo?" is a common question I get asked when I’m out with my tutu on, whether I’m on the beach, in the middle of a forest, or walking down the street in the city! The smiles and the conversations were some of the highlights of my trip, and a reminder that ballet can be so much more than just a performance on a stage. It’s about finding the magic, wherever you are and inspiring those around you – and let’s not forget, making people smile with a whimsical, enchanting tutu in an unexpected location!

One of my favourite photos happened by pure accident. While I was dancing on a wooden pier overlooking the crystal-clear waters of one of the local lakes, an older couple stopped their boat to admire my dance, a perfect example of finding beauty in everyday life and being surrounded by stunning Canadian wilderness! You couldn’t find a more picturesque setting to enjoy my Tutu Tuesday festivities.

The #TutuTuesday celebration in North Kawartha wasn’t just a fun getaway, it was a beautiful reminder of how dance, beauty, and art can be found everywhere. No matter where I travel, there’s always an opportunity for a tutu-tastic adventure.

• My North Kawartha escapades? I can’t wait to share more adventures. From discovering stunning locations and hidden trails, to finding inspiring local talent and artisans, there’s still so much to share.
• My tutu-loving heart is still bursting with creativity. Maybe my next Tutu Tuesday escapade will be by the sea, in the mountains, or maybe I’ll take a trip back to the city.
• Follow me for more tutu adventures, dance tips, and general musings of a Canadian ballerina. Thanks for coming along on my #TutuTuesday journey!