Tutu Tuesday in Upham, New Brunswick: A Celebration of Whimsy and Grace #tututuesday
Hey everyone! It’s your girl, Chloe, back with another blog post. This week, I’m all about Tutu Tuesday – a day dedicated to celebrating the beauty and joy of ballet, and of course, the iconic tutu! Today, I decided to explore Upham, New Brunswick, a charming little town tucked away in the heart of the province, and spread some tutu love along the way. I know what you’re thinking – "tutus in Upham, really?". You'd be surprised what you find in this quaint town.
For those who don’t know, #TutuTuesday is a social media trend that encourages people to wear tutus on Tuesdays. It’s a day to embrace your inner ballerina, and add a touch of whimsy to your everyday life. Honestly, what’s better than a fluffy, whimsical skirt that makes you feel like a princess?
Upham, nestled among rolling hills and glistening lakes, was the perfect setting for my Tutu Tuesday adventure. While it doesn’t boast a world-renowned ballet company like Montreal’s Grands Ballets Canadiens, it definitely has an abundance of charm, warm people and hidden spots that provided great backdrops for my Tutu Tuesday pics.
My first stop was at the iconic Upham Village Bakery. As soon as I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries greeted me, making my stomach rumble. And oh boy, those warm scones with clotted cream and jam – divine! The owner, a lovely lady with a twinkle in her eye, let me borrow a giant heart-shaped cookie cutter for my impromptu Tutu Tuesday photo shoot.
Wearing a pale pink Romantic Tutu with multiple layers of tulle – you know the one – the one that makes you twirl and float effortlessly – I twirled outside the bakery while the afternoon sun painted everything golden. The contrast of my tutu against the white clapboard facade of the bakery and the bright red blossoms spilling from a nearby planter was pure fairytale charm! I managed to catch the eyes of some locals who were out on their errands and, I swear, they gave me a knowing smile and a little nod – it was definitely a Tutu Tuesday win!
Next, I made my way to the Upham General Store. You know the kind – one-stop shop for everything. From fishing gear and groceries to locally made crafts, they’ve got it all. The store owner, Mr. Dubois, a retired lumberjack with a thick French-Canadian accent and a twinkle in his eye, couldn’t have been more delightful. We chatted about ballet (apparently his granddaughter takes ballet lessons) and his favorite hockey team while I carefully chose a beautiful vintage lace-trimmed tutu from a rack filled with second-hand clothing.
After that, I took a stroll through the picturesque Upham Cemetery, where I admired the delicate stone carvings of headstones and tried out the elegant Swan Lake tutu with its tight-fitting bodice. Its elegance and grace are a classic, it really emphasizes the long lines of the dancer's body. The gentle breeze blew the white tulle skirt like delicate clouds, making it the perfect backdrop for some thoughtful Tutu Tuesday moments.
No visit to Upham is complete without a trip to the famous Upham Falls. So off I went, to take a dip in the ice-cold waters. After all, the refreshing waters, with their cascading rock formations were the perfect setting to unleash the athletic side of my Tutu Tuesday and practice some grand jetés and pirouettes – I kept it mostly to the first three levels so I wouldn’t mess up my tulle.
There, on a weathered stone bridge over the cascading water, I opted for a more contemporary look, choosing a black and white layered Tutu for a slightly edgier look. While it might not have the classic ballerina vibe, it’s just as captivating and perfect for creating a dynamic look. I even had a little impromptu "Swan Lake" moment with my bestie’s Labrador puppy.
Tutu Tuesday is about more than just tutus – it's about embracing creativity, joy and finding ways to inject a little whimsy into our lives. For me, Upham provided the perfect setting for this celebration of the art form and my Canadian heritage. It’s inspiring to remember that ballet isn’t confined to just the grand stages, you can find the beauty, grace, and joy of this dance everywhere! So, what are you waiting for? Get your tutu out, rock it, and celebrate #TutuTuesday!
Here are a few of my favourite tutu styles to consider: Here are some of the different types of tutus I showcased today. - Romantic Tutus: With their multiple layers of tulle, romantic tutus evoke a sense of elegance and lightness. - Classical Tutus: Classic tutus are typically made of stiff, pouter tulle. They're designed to be voluminous and to provide support for turns. - Modern Tutus: These are more free-flowing and minimalist. Modern tutus offer a striking contrast to traditional designs and a more edgy and versatile look for those wanting to embrace a contemporary feel. - Contemporary Tutus Embrace diverse styles – from delicate and flowing to structural and dramatic – they create breathtaking visual effects and add an ethereal element to ballet’s dramatic qualities.
What tutu will you choose this #TutuTuesday? Tag me on Instagram and share your style!