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Tutu Tuesday in Trecesson, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Dance and Style Bonjour, mes amies! It's Tutu Tuesday in Trecesson, Quebec, and I'm ready to share my passion for ballet and all things tulle with you. I know what you're thinking: "Tutus? In Canada? Isn't that a bit, well, *extra*?" And you'd be right, if we were talking about wearing a tutu to a hockey game or to grab a poutine at the local diner. But for a ballerina like myself, a tutu is a symbol of grace, artistry, and sheer joy. And there's no better day to celebrate this iconic garment than Tutu Tuesday! I know I'm a little bit biased, but there's something truly magical about the tutu. Imagine flowing tulle, meticulously layered and stitched, dancing around your legs as you pirouette across the stage. Each swirl, each dip, tells a story. A story of dedication, hard work, and artistic expression. It's an essential piece of a ballerina's costume and is an incredibly important part of the visual identity of classical ballet. In the heart of Quebec, where our winter months are long and the temperature often dips well below zero, I feel like we need some extra dose of colour and sparkle in our lives. This week's Tutu Tuesday, we're celebrating the beautiful history and diversity of the tutu in all its forms. From the classic romantic tutu, all flowing layers and wispy softness, to the dramatic and intricate tutu, boasting elaborate layers and often accented with beads and jewels, the tutu takes us on a sartorial journey through history and expression. There is the graceful yet restrained "demi" tutu for classwork, a "ballet school" version that was created when long tutus in classwork became unsafe to the wearer. Then, there are the magnificent, and almost always incredibly custom, tutus made for performances, both theatrical and contemporary. Some styles are so famous, such as "The Cake Tutu" worn by Misty Copeland of the American Ballet Theatre in their rendition of Swan Lake (there are no true "Swan Lake" performances for Canadian audiences). The tulle in this tutu resembles layers of buttercream frosting that swirl across Copeland's stage-strong physique as she pirouettes gracefully in her character's role. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or simply an admirer of elegance and artistry, Tutu Tuesday is a chance to celebrate this iconic garment and all it represents. So put on your finest tutu (even if it's just for fun!), take a picture, share it on social media with #tututuesday, and join the movement! #TutuTuesday #Trecesson #Quebec Let's show the world that tutu-licious fashion is alive and thriving right here in Canada! Today, in the heart of Trecesson, Quebec, I wanted to explore different ways of incorportating the tutu in your wardrobe: * **Chic & City**: If you're a lover of a more sophisticated style, consider a tutu in a subtle color, like a black or grey. Combine a tutu with a tailored top or jacket, a pair of knee-high boots or a statement pair of stilettos, and you'll have a unique and striking look for any evening event, be it an art gallery opening or a first date. * **Ballerina Babe**: Of course, we can't forget the iconic look that is beloved by dancers worldwide! A full, dramatic tutu in a bold colour like pink, blue, or white is the perfect base for a fashion-forward look. Pair your tutu with a classic ballet top, and add a statement necklace or a bright headpiece for an extra touch of charm. * **Playful and Everyday**: A little bit of tutu magic can brighten up even your casual wardrobe. Try incorporating a shorter tutu as a skirt. Pair it with a simple T-shirt, denim jacket and a pair of trainers for an effortlessly chic look that's both comfortable and on-trend. Let's talk about the role of tutus in ballet itself. There are more ballerinas performing than ever in Canada today. This is thanks to years of training and commitment to ballet from both Canadian nationals and immigrants alike. It is important to keep in mind, too, that Canadian ballet often has its roots in a classical European tradition and the artistic expression and cultural aspects of it are largely what draw audiences and artists into this amazing world. As much as I'd love to claim a more individual, and uniquely "Canadian" influence on ballet and the performance style here in our country, that might be something we are working toward. We do have our own, distinctly North American ballerinas who've come from Canadian backgrounds. For instance, we can proudly claim Evelyn Hart, a legendary ballerina who is known as one of the stars of the New York City Ballet, as one of our very own. Even her tutelage and training started with The National Ballet of Canada. In 2023, I see a definite evolution taking place in Canada when it comes to how ballet is both practiced and received. Ballet itself is undergoing an evolution from classic ballet, the Russian traditions from the early years of its influence here in Canada, to what might be a Canadian expression, or at least an evolution of our own. Some new interpretations include Canadian ballet taking more influences from other theatrical expressions in order to develop something different from classical European ballet, perhaps even merging it with contemporary forms of dance. Tutus still hold their own in classical ballet, but they are also getting bolder, more contemporary and more diverse, so much so that Canadian fashion designers like my personal favorite, Adrienne Landau, are designing amazing tutu variations to the high fashion market. They are becoming an essential part of even haute couture creations. So if you're looking for a bold statement for a social occasion or even want to inject a bit of magic into your everyday look, let your inner ballerina shine on this #Tututuesday, here in beautiful Trecesson, Quebec. Don't be shy! Share your tutu pics and thoughts using #tututuesday! This Tutu Tuesday, we can explore all the fabulous styles available to the world through both classic ballet and contemporary design, right in Trecesson, Quebec. Let's spread the love for all things tutu, show the world how we Canadians like to keep our tutus fabulous, and don't be afraid to show some Canadian pride by sharing photos using the hashtags #TutuTuesday #Trecesson, Quebec #Canada.