Tutu Tuesday in Belledune, New Brunswick #tututuesday
Hey dance lovers! It’s your girl, Chloe, back with another dose of all things ballet. And what better day to talk tutus than on a glorious, sunny #tututuesday, right?
So, as you know, I’m based in the vibrant heart of Canada’s ballet scene, here in the east. But this week, I decided to take my #tututuesday adventures on the road and journey out to the charming coastal town of Belledune, New Brunswick. Yes, I said New Brunswick! Don’t let the location fool you, this province has a rich dance heritage too. And you guys know I’m always on the hunt for some unique tutu vibes.
My mission for this #tututuesday: to inspire fellow ballet enthusiasts, no matter where they’re located, and maybe even unearth a few hidden gems along the way. Who knew you could find a whole treasure trove of tutu styles, history, and even a little bit of mystery in Belledune?
I started my day by heading down to the Belledune waterfront. Imagine: fresh air, salty breeze, and the view of the majestic Bay of Fundy. Seriously, breathtaking scenery! Then, I decided to give my own #tututuesday twist to a classic by pairing a stunningly crafted *Romantic tutu* (imagine multiple layers of delicate tulle) with my go-to fisherman’s sweater. Talk about contrasting vibes! The perfect blend of dance-ready and relaxed. Plus, the vibrant teal of the tutu played off the blues and greens of the bay. Honestly, if anyone tried to tell me that *Romantic tutus* weren't meant for anything other than a stage, I'd tell them to go take a walk on the beach.
From there, I made my way to the town’s community center, where they have a beautiful little studio. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Belledune used to have a bustling ballet scene. They had a school right in the town! This place is like a hidden treasure trove of dance history. There were pictures and newspaper clippings galore, detailing the history of local dancers and their success. And I swear, one photo was of a young dancer in a *Classical tutu* with the most amazing arabesque – this little piece of local ballet history brought the joy to my heart! I imagined all the stories these walls could tell and it made me think about the impact ballet has had here and all over the world.
During my visit to the studio, I met some truly remarkable people. Let’s just say Belledune is a haven for all things tutu! From the owners of a local shop who create handcrafted tutus for recitals to the sweet grannies at the knitting circle (seriously, one of them is working on a full *Classical tutu* using fine cashmere yarn!) - there’s just something in the air here that ignites a passion for ballet. There’s even a tradition for the annual summer festival. Everyone in Belledune makes a point of wearing a tutu at least once. There's something special about seeing everyone embracing their inner ballerina.
Next up on my agenda was a visit to the local historical society, where I got to explore Belledune's captivating history. And believe me, this town is full of surprising stories! Apparently, in the 19th century, there was a tradition of "The Belledune Ballet," where young girls would perform in their finest *Tutu de pointes*. Sadly, this tradition was lost during the Second World War. But guess what?! The society is hoping to revive it this year as part of a celebration of local heritage. They even have plans to work with the dance students at the studio to make this event a truly inspiring showcase. Honestly, I'm super pumped about seeing how this historical dance comes back to life! I can't wait to see them dancing in *Tutus de pointes* in full theatrical splendour!
You guys know I love discovering how ballet crosses cultures and weaves its way through everyday life. And this day was all about that – exploring a small town's hidden connection to the magic of dance.
So, here's what I learned on my #tututuesday adventure:
- Even the smallest of towns have big stories to tell.
- Tutu-wearing is a great way to embrace the magic of ballet anywhere, anytime.
- The *Classical Tutu* is never out of style – just like my love for ballet!
- I'll never stop being amazed at how ballet can connect us and bring us together.
- Sometimes, you gotta head off the beaten path to find the most beautiful ballet experiences.
What did you do today? Share your tutu tales with me! Don't forget to check out my blog for more #tututuesday updates and don't forget to like and share this post! #BelleduneNewBrunswick #CanadianBallet