Hey there, fellow ballet lovers! It's your girl, Amelia, back with another #tututuesday post. This time, I'm bringing the tutu magic straight from the heart of Newfoundland and Labrador, New-Wes-Valley, to be exact.
Newfoundland has always had a special place in my heart, not just for its rugged beauty, but also for the incredible dance scene brewing there. Let's be honest, the east coast knows how to throw a party, and when it comes to ballet, it's all about the passion. And trust me, I've witnessed a lot of passion at my ballet classes back home in Ontario.
So, this past week, I had the chance to drop in at the local dance academy in New-Wes-Valley. Now, this isn't your typical big-city studio, but that's exactly what makes it so charming. It’s tucked away in a cozy building downtown, surrounded by quaint houses, and as you walk in, you feel a wave of warmth. You can sense the dedication in every corner. From the hand-painted signs to the worn-out dance floor, this place has seen generations of young dancers grow, finding their rhythm and grace.
As a tutu aficionado myself, my eyes were immediately drawn to the rows of colourful tutus hanging on a rack. I mean, every dancer's heart beats a little faster at the sight of a tutu, don’t you think? I gotta admit, I couldn’t resist taking a closer look, and I must say, the variety here in New-Wes-Valley is impressive. There were those classic romantic tutus, you know, the ones with the layers of tulle that just swirl around as you dance, perfect for dreaming of sugar plums. Then there were some more modern ones, a bit more streamlined and athletic, the perfect style to express all that raw energy.
One of my favourite things about tutu Tuesday is the chance to see the joy that comes with wearing one. Every time I put on a tutu, I feel a rush of excitement. It’s like being transported back to childhood, where everything felt possible, a little bit magical, like being able to fly across the stage. This place, with its rich history, definitely has that magical feel to it. I saw those sparks in the eyes of the dancers there, that same excitement.
Let's not forget, ballet is all about the community, the sharing of passion, and the collective experience of art. I was lucky to be present for one of the classes where they were rehearsing for a recital. You know how in every community, there's that one teacher who's a true icon, a legend? Here, that's Ms. Marie, and trust me, the woman can move! She's a force of nature with her fiery spirit, inspiring the dancers to reach for those lofty pirouettes and leaps.
In the afternoon, I went for a walk downtown, soaking up the energy of the little town. It’s amazing to see how even in a place that's a little off the beaten track, ballet still shines through. Maybe, it’s not the same grandeur of a city-scale performance, but there's this sense of raw authenticity, the purest form of artistry, and that's something special.
As a ballerina, I feel deeply connected to the community I am part of, but I love how I can learn something new, connect to the unique character of different places and celebrate ballet, in all its diverse forms, whenever I visit different cities across Canada. You know, every dance studio, no matter how small, holds a wealth of stories, and a passion for artistry. It’s humbling and inspiring at the same time.
If you're ever on the east coast, don't skip out on New-Wes-Valley. Let the magic of this place enchant you. And, of course, make sure to share your own #tututuesday moments! Post your pics and stories using #tututuesday on social media, because we are a community united by a shared passion.
What are some of your favourite #tututuesday memories? Share them in the comments!
And a big shout-out to all the amazing dance studios in Newfoundland and Labrador!
P.S. If you're looking for a specific style of tutu for your next dance performance, I've got you covered! I'll be doing a quick rundown of the most popular tutu styles and where you can find them. Stay tuned!
Stay graceful and keep dancing!