Tutu Tuesday in Cape Dorset, Nunavut: A Dance in the Arctic
Hey there, fashionistas! It's your girl, Clara, back with another Tutu Tuesday post. Today, I'm taking you on a trip, a very special one, to Cape Dorset, Nunavut – the northernmost community in Canada! And you won't believe what I'm wearing! A tutu, of course!
I've been meaning to visit Cape Dorset for a while now. I've been fascinated by Inuit art, especially the stunning prints and sculptures created by the local artists. But Cape Dorset is more than just a hub for art. It's a community full of spirit, vibrancy, and – get this – a growing love for dance.
Yup, you read that right. Ballet, folks, is catching on in the North. That's right, they're taking pirouettes in the frozen tundra! And when I landed in Cape Dorset, I found out that the community was hosting a special event: the very first “Tutu Tuesday!”
I had to be a part of this! And naturally, I brought my signature tutu – a vintage confection in softest lavender chiffon, adorned with silver beading – to match the brilliant hues of the Arctic sky. (Honestly, the scenery here in Cape Dorset is a total inspiration!)
I wasn’t sure how a ballet tutu would go over in a community known for its strong, unique fashion style. But as I stepped onto the crisp air and met the local residents, I was welcomed with smiles and genuine warmth. People were eager to see what “Tutu Tuesday” was all about, and to embrace the opportunity to celebrate their artistic side.
My journey began at the Cape Dorset Arts Centre. The building itself was a masterpiece: built from local stone and with huge windows that framed a breathtaking vista of the Arctic Ocean. Inside, I was greeted by the warm smell of coffee and the laughter of artists creating beautiful things – sculptures, prints, even dance-inspired crafts! It felt like the whole community was buzzing with creative energy.
The "Tutu Tuesday" festivities were full of surprises. The Cape Dorset Dance Collective, a group of talented young people with a passion for ballet, put on a mesmerising performance, blending classical ballet moves with contemporary flair and even incorporating Inuit drum rhythms. It was pure magic!
To my delight, some of the young dancers even had designed their own tutus – using colorful fabrics inspired by the Inuit art they'd grown up with. Imagine: pastel blues, crisp whites, and vibrant orange and yellow, all flowing like a tapestry across the stage. They were a vision – each one as individual and inspiring as the landscape.
Later, I participated in a workshop – I showed the local dancers a few ballet basics, like the graceful fifth position and elegant pirouettes, while they taught me a bit about the traditional Inuit dance forms. It was a truly special exchange of ideas, a dance lesson from one community to another.
After the workshop, we were invited to a “Tutu Tuesday” dinner, held at the local community hall, a bustling, warm, friendly space. I tasted some delicious Arctic delicacies – like seafood with roasted herbs, wild berry cakes, and something called "bannock", a fluffy, sweet bread. It was a true feast for the senses.
In Cape Dorset, I felt like I was part of something really special, a movement to connect people through the love of art. "Tutu Tuesday” wasn't just a fun event; it was a symbol of community and connection, reminding us that art has no boundaries – not even the vast distances of the Arctic. I had so much fun, and it was such an inspiring way to kick off Tutu Tuesday.
If you're ever looking for a truly unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend a visit to Cape Dorset, a place where art, fashion, and the beauty of the North come together in the most enchanting way.
And don't forget, the hashtag is #tututuesday, #capedorset #nunavut #ballet. You never know – you might just inspire a "Tutu Tuesday" in your own community.
Catch you all next week!
Clara xx