Tutu Tuesday in Wellington, Ontario: A Celebration of Dance and Fashion
Hey there, dance lovers! It’s your girl, Clara, back with another blog post. As a ballet dancer with a passion for all things fashion, I couldn't let this week's Tutu Tuesday pass without celebrating the magical and stylish world of tutus. And what better place to talk about it than Wellington, Ontario – a town known for its dedication to arts and culture. #tututuesday
Let's be honest, the tutu has become synonymous with dance – it's the embodiment of elegance, grace, and, dare I say, a little bit of sparkle. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of swirling around in a perfectly-crafted tulle skirt. And trust me, with a multitude of tutu styles – from the classic romantic tutu to the bold, modern tutus – there’s a style for every dancer.
Today, we're exploring the enchanting world of tutus, uncovering its fascinating history, discussing the different styles that dominate the dance scene, and maybe even getting inspired to make our own tutu-themed outfit. But first, let's dive into the origins of this iconic garment!
A Tutu Tale: From Ballet Beginnings to Fashion Icon
The tutu's history is closely linked with the rise of ballet in the 19th century. Originally, ballet dancers would perform in long, flowing skirts, but as the genre evolved and movements became more athletic, a more practical solution was needed.
Enter the first “tutu”: a knee-length skirt with a more streamlined design, which offered dancers greater freedom of movement. The "tutu" word, originating from the French phrase "tulle de tunique," which essentially meant "tunic of tulle." In other words, this lightweight fabric, originally created in the 18th century, became synonymous with dance!
But it was the Romantic period in the early 1800s, that truly changed the course of the tutu. This era of ballet was characterized by fantastical, fairy-tale like themes which demanded ethereal and airy costumes. That's when the iconic **romantic tutu** appeared – that delicate, multi-layered tulle creation that truly became a ballet staple.
The **romantic tutu** revolutionized dancewear with its whimsical look and its layers upon layers of delicate tulle that would move fluidly as the dancer spun, creating an air of magic and beauty.
Today, ballet dancers worldwide sport a variety of tutus that continue to inspire and enthrall audiences.
From the Romantic to the Modern
With changing choreography and evolving styles, the tutu has naturally adapted. It's no longer limited to its romantic origins and instead, offers dancers a wide array of choices to reflect the specific demands of their performance and choreography. Let's delve into some of the more prevalent tutu styles:
- Romantic tutu: We already touched upon this timeless masterpiece! Still loved by dancers worldwide for its flowing elegance and airy beauty. It's that epitome of fairytale ballet grace.
- Classical tutu: This type of tutu typically has more layers than the Romantic style, and it is more structured, allowing the dancer to "cut" the air with precision.
- The "bell" tutu: Inspired by, well, the shape of a bell! This short, flared tutu gives a dancer incredible dynamism. You can expect to see this on any contemporary ballet choreography that requires power and athleticism.
- The "powder puff" tutu: Oh yes! This super-short style, just like the bell tutu, has a modern vibe with a super-short length for those really high jumps. Often seen on works by the legendary contemporary choreographer, Jerome Robbins.
- Modern tutu: As the name suggests, the modern tutu broke all the "rules." Sometimes completely crafted of fabric other than tulle, it's meant for movement that reflects contemporary dance styles and often incorporates innovative techniques that defy the traditional tutu.
From the stage to everyday wear: embracing the Tutu Tuesday spirit!
Tutu Tuesday has sparked a global fashion trend, with dance lovers worldwide incorporating the magic of the tutu into their everyday outfits. Think playful tulle skirts, skirts with ballet-inspired ruffles, or even simple tulle scarves as a nod to this enchanting piece. It's truly amazing to see how this classic piece from ballet has found a way to become such a global fashion symbol.
In Wellington, Ontario, we see many women and girls embrace this trend with enthusiasm! We're known for embracing our local arts scene with passion and our commitment to celebrating the arts can be felt through events and activities throughout the year, even at the most casual gatherings!
Celebrating tutu trends in Wellington
Just imagine - strutting into a local coffee shop in Wellington, dressed in a delicate ballet-inspired dress and some sparkling tutu-like accent – like a soft tulle scarf, a little embellishment or maybe a statement headband with feathers, or even a tulle-embellished bag – you know, just enough to get people thinking: "Where can I get that!?" And they’ll see the fun, they’ll see the creative side!
Or walking through Wellington's beautiful streets – surrounded by history, parks and charming architecture - in a stunning ballerina-esque outfit with ballet flats that you picked up at the local vintage store – what could be better!
I often wear ballet flats with casual clothing or go for a skirt with a little bit of a "romantic" flair and I always make sure my makeup is clean, with some rosy cheeks - the dancer's look! My favorite ballet shops for inspiration are all located on the quaint little Wellington street, in the charming, old part of town.
Inspiration from Wellington's Dancers
As a local dancer, I feel such pride in Wellington’s dance scene! It’s incredibly diverse, from classical ballet companies like our local Wellington Dance Academy, with its breathtaking productions at the Wellington Town Hall – and, of course, many contemporary dance studios! They give our local talent so many amazing opportunities and keep us all so inspired, no matter what kind of dance you're doing!
This vibrancy spills out into the streets! Tutu Tuesday just becomes the perfect time for everyone, from ballet veterans to fashionistas - and every "fashion-conscious Wellingtonian in-between!," to express themselves and embrace the creativity of the beautiful, flowing tulle. It’s contagious!
From professional dancers to aspiring ballerinas and dance enthusiasts alike, everyone loves the fun and whimsy that comes with a tutu-inspired outfit, it’s about showcasing dance in our community!
So, let's celebrate! Make your own tutu-themed outfit for Tutu Tuesday and make sure you don't forget to use #tututuesday. Snap those fabulous pictures and show off your #tutulove!
As always, dance on! Clara