Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Fabien, Quebec: A Ballet-Inspired Fashion Journey #tututuesday
Hey fashionistas and fellow ballet lovers! It's your girl, Élise, back with another post. This week, I'm taking you on a trip down memory lane (and up on pointe!) to my hometown of Saint-Fabien, Quebec. It's a quaint little town, nestled right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, with a deep history of ballet – trust me, the grandmothers here have got some seriously impressive pirouettes! So, naturally, I had to bring the magic of tutu Tuesday to this charming place. And let me tell you, this was an experience.
Now, you all know I love my tutus – from the classic romantic style of a *tutu romantique*, the perfectly structured lines of a *tutu plat*, to the cascading layers of a *tutu à la polonaise* I've got them all! And this week, I was feeling bold and decided to wear something a bit different – a bright pink *tutu de point* with shimmering, holographic fabric. It had this incredible 3D effect and practically screamed 'I'm here and I'm ready to shine!' And let me tell you, the locals loved it – even the cute little shop owner where I picked up a delicious maple taffy told me it reminded her of the ballets she watched as a child in Montreal.
Of course, it wouldn't be a true #tututuesday without some ballet fun! I spent the morning dancing at the historic community hall (it's a little more charming than it sounds). We've got a wonderful ballet academy in Saint-Fabien – my own first dance teacher actually runs it, Madame Marguerite. She's taught generations of dancers in Saint-Fabien and the surrounding villages, so there's a whole community of us that remembers her, even when we've gone on to do different things. The hall has seen countless recitals, classes, and even community events. And the stage, it just holds the magic of thousands of stories told through dance! I taught a small group of local girls some basic ballet steps, then, we practiced together and even had a little photo session. Their bright smiles and their absolute joy of dancing melted my heart, especially as I watched the confidence grow in their eyes with every move.
As the afternoon sun shone brightly across the Saint-Lawrence, casting that classic Canadian golden light on everything, I walked down the quiet, tree-lined streets, the town quiet except for the calls of the seagulls, and the soft hum of music coming from the small cafes on the shore. I took the time to look around, to soak in the history and beauty of Saint-Fabien – something we rarely do when we're caught up in our fast-paced urban life.
It made me think about the incredible legacy of ballet in Canada. We have a vibrant and diverse dance scene from coast to coast. Every region has its unique stories and contributions to dance – just as Saint-Fabien holds a piece of Canadian dance history in its churches, its schools and its folklore. We've seen international superstars emerge from small town communities across the country, each adding their own colour and rhythm to the global tapestry of ballet.
Here are my favourite things about Tutu Tuesday:
- The joy it brings. Tutus always remind me of pure, unadulterated joy, a joy that transcends any limitations of age, background or skill. When I dance in my tutu, I don't think about any problems. All I think about is that amazing feeling of weightlessness, and the thrill of expressing myself through movement.
- The inspiration it provides. When I dress up for Tutu Tuesday, I feel more confident and powerful. And when I dance in my tutu, it reminds me why I love this art form and all the challenges, beauty, and magic that it represents.
- The connections it builds. Whether it's a dance studio in Saint-Fabien or a park in Toronto, Tutu Tuesday always leads to spontaneous encounters, impromptu classes and unexpected friendships. I love it when I see people trying ballet for the first time – it's a joy to watch them discover the magic of dancing in their own way!
I know what you might be thinking – is it only for dancers? Absolutely not! It's a time to express your own uniqueness, your joy and love for dance – whatever that means for you! Think about it as a chance to wear a whimsical costume in everyday life, whether it's your favourite printed dress, a vintage skirt or maybe even a pair of fabulous dancing shoes!
Remember, it's a time for celebration, a time for sharing your passion for the art of dance, a time for fun! Let your inner ballerina out – even if it's just for a day! So go on, don't be shy! Grab your tutu, get your groove on, and have a fab Tutu Tuesday!