Tutu Tuesday in Armour, Ontario: A Canadian Ballet Blogger's Take #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It’s your favourite Canadian ballerina, back with another edition of my weekly Tutu Tuesday! This week, I’m bringing the tutus to Armour, Ontario – a charming town nestled in the heart of the Canadian Shield.
Armour is a beautiful town with a rich history. From its charming wooden houses to its stunning natural scenery, it's no wonder why people flock here every year. What better place to showcase the beauty of ballet than in this picture-perfect setting?
Okay, so we’re going to dive into the fun and excitement of #tututuesday, starting with the biggest trend in ballet tutus right now…
- The Romantic Tutu. You can't talk about ballet without mentioning the iconic Romantic tutu, that gorgeous, wispy confection that lets a dancer float across the stage with ease. We're seeing it in classic productions like Giselle and La Sylphide and contemporary works too, making a resurgence in dance companies everywhere.
- The Classical Tutu. This tutu is for the ballerina who wants to make a statement. We love the structured bodice, the tiers of fabric and the flowing skirt. It’s often called the "traditional" tutu and it adds an air of elegance and majesty. There are all kinds of interpretations from the "American" style – longer with multiple tiers of netting - to the "French" style which is a shorter style with a tighter fitting bodice – but always featuring an emphasis on vertical lines and an elegant finish.
- The Contemporary Tutu. Here we go – getting into the avant garde with a modern spin on a traditional ballet item! From deconstructed, minimal lines to playful layers and a kaleidoscope of colours, contemporary tutu designs are exciting and imaginative. We see the contemporary tutu showing up on ballet stages worldwide in choreographers’ most experimental works, including the most prestigious ballets in Canada!
Let's talk about my Tutu Tuesday favourites, right here in the heart of Ontario. We’ll start with some gorgeous tutus on display in The Ballet Theatre of Canada, one of Canada’s most historic dance companies based right here in the Greater Toronto Area.
Okay – let’s head into a more intimate setting, the kind where people feel like they are sharing a moment in the lives of dancers. We’re going to step into the studios where many budding ballerinas, from tots to teenagers, call their second home, including the incredible Ballet School of Armour, with the incredible director Ms. Eleanor Wright.
We're wrapping up the day with a visit to Armour's very own little treasure – the enchanting little gallery, "The Canvas." Their curated selection of ballet photographs by world renowned artists is absolutely spectacular and provides a visual record of Canada’s dynamic dance scene.
Now, that's a #tututuesday we can all be proud of! But let's keep the fun going. Here are some ways to show off your tutu pride today.
- Wear your favorite tutu or ballerina outfit - a skirt with a tulle underskirt. Go for a subtle hint of tulle and pair it with a t-shirt or go all out with a cute ballerina shirt and pink ribbon. If you don’t own a tutu and want to buy one, local dance stores are the perfect spot!
- Share your photos on social media – it’s the perfect way to get everyone involved! You’ll definitely spark some conversations!
- Take a dance class at a local dance studio or even just put on your music and dance at home!
- Volunteer with your local dance organization and support the growth of the next generation of talented dancers.
I hope you had a great #tututuesday in Armour, Ontario – one to remember.
Remember – ballet isn’t about being perfect – it’s about moving beautifully and finding your inner grace. So, even if you’re not a ballerina – put on your favourite dancing shoes and show off your skills. It’s never too late to start, you never know, your story may inspire others! Happy #tututuesday, and remember to live your passion.