Tutu Tuesday in Outlook, Saskatchewan: #tututuesday
Hey everyone, it's your girl, Claire, back with another Tutu Tuesday! I'm in my happy place – Outlook, Saskatchewan. I love the energy and enthusiasm that Saskatchewan brings. I've had such an amazing time here in Saskatchewan exploring the vast prairies. I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday!
Today I thought I’d share my love for tutus. Not just any tutu, but the glorious tulle-tastic confection that defines ballet and fills my soul with joy. I think tutus have always held a special place in my heart. Ever since I was a little girl watching The Nutcracker, I knew that dancing in a tutu was something I would do.
Since this is Tutu Tuesday, let’s dive into the world of ballet and tutus! For all the dancers reading this, what's your favourite tutu? Romantic, classical, or contemporary? The tutu you wear will not only have a stylistic function, but also a role in expressing the style and feel of a particular piece.
While I don't wear tutus to dance class as much anymore – those glorious garments need extra care – they are still essential for every dancer's wardrobe. From the classic, romantic tutu of The Sleeping Beauty to the dramatic contemporary pieces we see today, tutus are as diverse as the choreography itself.
Now let’s break down the tutu world in terms of style:
- Romantic Tutus: If you envision Swan Lake, these are the gorgeous tutus I’m talking about! They’re graceful, lightweight, and usually have a multitude of layers of soft tulle. It’s these types of tutus that add to the sense of ethereal elegance, which has a timeless romantic beauty. The romantic tutu, like many dancers’ styles, is both soft and strong. That beautiful fragility is deceiving – a romantic tutu embodies beauty, poise, and strength.
- Classical Tutus: Known for their classic look, classical tutus often have a short, structured design that offers support to the dancers who perform en pointe. You’ve probably seen these tutus, with their multiple layers of stiffened tulle that creates a cone-like shape, often a perfect balance for graceful, elegant, and demanding movements.
- Contemporary Tutus: As you might guess, this style is known for its experimental nature! Often asymmetrical, contemporary tutus challenge the idea of a conventional tutu. And since it's a type that often incorporates other fabrics and patterns, we often see interesting shapes that really allow the dancers to be expressive and dynamic.
I think that whether you love romantic, classical or contemporary styles, the tutu is one of those ballet icons we can all appreciate. Tutus are really more than just clothing, they're a symbol of grace, artistry, and dedication.
When you see a ballerina twirling in a beautiful tutu, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that's poured into creating a garment that looks so delicate yet represents so much. Tutus and ballet are deeply ingrained in our culture.
I was recently able to visit The National Ballet School in Toronto, and to witness up close, how much of our collective artistry originates from Canadian schools of ballet, a very inspiring moment for me as a ballet dancer, and an excellent time to mention how #CanadianBallet rocks.
It is always a privilege for me to travel across Canada – exploring our towns and cities, taking in the beauty, but always returning to dance and my favorite tutu, which makes Tutu Tuesdays always an exciting time for me. And I'm thrilled to share my Tutu Tuesday with the Outlook, Saskatchewan, community. The spirit of dance is always infectious! And yes, a girl's got to stay stylish – on Tuesdays, and every other day of the week, that's why, #tututuesday.