Tutu Tuesday in Montcalm, Manitoba: A Dance With Tradition #tututuesday So, it’s Tutu Tuesday in Montcalm, Manitoba, and let me tell you, the streets are a-buzz with tulle! As a Canadian ballerina, I’ve always felt a special connection to the tutu, that whimsical emblem of our graceful art. Here in Manitoba, we take pride in celebrating the beautiful dance of ballet, and you can bet, Tutu Tuesdays are no exception! This month’s theme is "Ballet Traditions and Evolution," so you bet I'm rocking a classic romantic tutu - all soft layers of white tulle and a generous amount of sparkle. It’s a nod to the timeless beauty of ballets like Swan Lake, a work that always pulls at my heartstrings, while also a modern, Canadian interpretation of this ballet staple, because that’s what we do here – we celebrate the old and the new. As we gather at the Centre Culturel de Montcalm today, I see the beautiful expressions of our ballerina spirit – some with romantic tutus, some rocking the more modern, structured tutus that are so popular in contemporary ballets like "The Rite of Spring" or the incredible “Cinderella” – remember that jaw-dropping ball scene? It's been amazing to see everyone putting their own unique spin on the tutu and I've even seen a couple of creative souls in custom-designed tutus with quirky and artistic designs. My favorite aspect of Tutu Tuesdays is the sense of community and the sharing of passion for dance. The ballet scene here in Manitoba has exploded in the last five years with so many amazing young ballerinas coming through the ranks – and you can see how our vibrant arts scene is creating these incredible opportunities for aspiring dancers across all disciplines! We share our love for dance with each other, from the veteran instructors to those young students just beginning their journey. You can’t help but feel inspired. Of course, we don't forget the fashion element, that's a big part of the Tutu Tuesday charm! We love experimenting with colours, patterns, and embellishments, really expressing our creativity, while celebrating the spirit of ballet, that grace and strength that moves you, whether on stage or walking down the street on a Tuesday morning. * **Sparkling tulle** - We’re talking sequins, glitter, everything sparkly. Because who doesn’t love a little bling? * **Modern tutus** – Bold colours, geometric shapes, and modern lines are becoming so popular in the ballet world. I’ve even seen tutus in upcycled fabric. What’s upcycled fabric you ask? I think you can google that. It's amazing what a talented sewer can do. * **Fun prints** – Florals, animal prints – the list is endless. A nod to the individuality of ballet – where you have so many different styles of ballet. Whether we’re strutting around town or taking a twirl in a community dance class, Tutu Tuesday in Montcalm is an explosion of colour and celebration, a day when we all embrace the art of dance and celebrate the tradition while forging new ones! *Remember to tag #tututuesday in your Tutu Tuesday snaps and don't forget to share your inspiring dance journey on social media. Let’s get Montcalm, Manitoba moving, one Tutu Tuesday at a time. *