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Tutu Tuesday in Les Eboulements, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Tutu Inspiration


Bonjour, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Itā€™s your girl, Marie-Claire, coming at you live from the picturesque village of Les Eboulements, Quebec, where the air is crisp, the mountains are breathtaking, and the tutus are flowing. Thatā€™s right, itā€™s #TutuTuesday, and Iā€™m feeling all the feels!


For those of you who are new to my little corner of the internet, let me introduce you to my obsession: #TutuTuesday. Every Tuesday, I dedicate myself to all things tutuā€”be it showcasing a new piece, reflecting on the history of this iconic garment, or simply sharing my passion for this magical world of ballet.


Now, as a professional dancer who honed my skills in the heart of Canada, let me tell you: tutu appreciation is deeply ingrained in the Canadian ballet scene. Weā€™re a country known for our dedication to the arts, and ballet has a special place in our hearts.


But todayā€™s #TutuTuesday isnā€™t about our history; itā€™s about the presentā€”the present as it unfolds in the charming town of Les Eboulements. You see, this week, I found myself exploring the quaint shops, marveling at the local crafts, and taking in the incredible views of the Saint Lawrence River. But amidst all the beauty, my eyes were drawn to something quite unexpected: a whimsical shop tucked away on a side street, bursting with an abundance of tutus.


My inner tutu enthusiast went wild. This shop, named "La Boutique du Tutu" (the Tutu Boutique), was a wonderland of tulle and ribbons. The air was filled with the gentle scent of silk, and every corner seemed to sparkle with sequins and glitter. It was the perfect setting for a #TutuTuesday escapade.


Now, for those who arenā€™t as tutu-obsessed as I am, you might be thinking, "But what about different styles? Isn't a tutu just a tutu?ā€ Oh, my dear friends, the world of tutu styles is as diverse as the colours of a rainbow. From the classic, multi-layered romantic tutus seen in "Giselle" to the streamlined, almost modern tutus in "Swan Lake," each tutu has its own unique personality.


Letā€™s dive into some of the varieties I spotted at La Boutique du Tutu:


  • The Romantic Tutu: Think flowing layers of tulle, soft colours like blush pink or ivory, and delicate embroidery. These tutus are often used in ballets with romantic themes, embodying innocence and ethereal beauty.
  • The Classical Tutu: This is the tutu most people picture when they think of ballet. Usually featuring several layers of stiff tulle and often trimmed with a single layer of satin or silk. They're the epitome of traditional elegance, ideal for portraying grace and strength.
  • The Contemporary Tutu: For those who like to push the boundaries, thereā€™s the contemporary tutu. Made with modern materials like spandex and nylon, these tutus are often asymmetrical, showcasing the fluidity and dynamism of modern ballet.

I was practically drooling as I wandered through the shop. La Boutique du Tutu even had a selection of tutus perfect for budding young dancers - so adorable.


The highlight of my tutu-filled adventure? An absolutely stunning hand-painted tutu with intricate botanical designs. I couldn't resist snapping a picture of it. (Spoiler Alert: you'll be seeing it on my Instagram later this week!).


If you're ever in the beautiful region of Les Eboulements, Quebec, make sure you check out La Boutique du Tutu. And no matter where you are, remember to always celebrate the beauty and magic of ballet! #TutuTuesday