Tutu Tuesday in Frampton, Quebec: A Celebration of Dance and Style #tututuesday
Bonjour, les amies! It’s your girl, Chloe, back with another #tututuesday post! I’m buzzing with excitement because I'm reporting from the heart of ballet country - Frampton, Quebec - for an especially fun Tutu Tuesday! As a Canadian ballerina, I get to share my love of ballet with the rest of Canada and showcase the inspiring artistry and breathtaking grace of this form of art. This Tuesday is extra special - let’s dive in!
The sun was shining - typical Quebec weather! - when I arrived at the studio. As usual, I'd planned my outfit, a bright turquoise tutu in a layered style that looked whimsical but strong - you know, a tutu with a little bit of sass! We all do, it's that inherent Canadian pride - you're never shy of colour and flair! Our studio, a beautiful, historic space, is a hub for dance in the community - Frampton has some seriously talented young dancers here.
It was all about the magic of tutu! There was a real energy buzzing through the air - it's the kind of atmosphere that makes me love being a ballet dancer so much. You see a real range of styles, too. From the traditional classical tutus with their elegant, tiered layers, to the contemporary ones - sleek and fluid with bold geometric lines. It’s an evolution - an acknowledgement that ballet can be both classical and experimental, both traditional and bold!
We started the morning with a ballet warm-up, feeling that sweet, satisfying stretch that lets you know it's going to be a great session. A mix of young dancers - all decked out in their tutus of course - filled the studio. We had a few ballerinas rocking traditional pink tutus, the iconic colour that you always picture when you think of ballet, with their signature multiple layers. Others, more modern and daring, chose the simple yet dramatic look of the knee-length "American Ballet Tutu". These beauties are made for flow - and they do - with their graceful, simple form. Of course, we also saw a smattering of tutus that defy convention. From metallic hues to vibrant patterns - these were our bold ballet innovators, showing off a personal and creative take on what a tutu could be!
Then we got to work - it’s important for me to have a connection with the other dancers in the community, no matter their age or style - and it’s been inspiring seeing their faces as we explore new choreography. That’s when it really hit me: this isn’t just about tutus, it's about dance and connection. This passion is alive in each dancer, young and seasoned, in their enthusiasm, their hard work, and the quiet intensity as we put the pieces together - like tiny puzzles of grace. It is a common bond across different age groups - it's a moment that is purely and deeply Canadian!
As the day progressed, the energy just kept growing, and I loved watching - and occasionally joining - the classes, each session focusing on a different technique, a different way to dance. From classic barre work that builds precision and grace to centre work that explores musicality and artistry to a session exploring different jumping styles with emphasis on both technical accuracy and dramatic flair.
The final highlight came with the showcase - a performance piece showcasing a mix of routines, from the grace of classic pas de deux to more contemporary work that fused elements of other forms - like modern dance - with ballet's essential elegance. It's always a treat to see the dancers perform! The confidence - it comes through the tip of their toes and through every gesture, and it radiates outwards from the studio!
As we wrapped up the afternoon, I was struck by the thought that ballet isn’t just a performance art. It's a community, a movement that brings individuals together. There’s a warmth - it's like a shared understanding - that comes with watching others move, dance, and express themselves. It was all happening here in Frampton - in the heart of ballet Canada.
Here's to the incredible talent that abounds in our Canadian ballet scene - and let’s make sure we appreciate this artistic treasure we have! And a shoutout to the incredible young dancers I met today - keep shining, you inspire us all! #tututuesday