Tutu Tuesday 31613

Tutu Tuesday in McKellar, Ontario: A Dance with the Canadian Wind #tututuesday So, the wind is whipping up here in McKellar, Ontario. You know, that familiar, bracing Ontario breeze, and I'm just about to pop into my tutu! Okay, so technically, it’s about 7:30 in the morning and my Tutu Tuesday is about to kick off. This Tuesday is a little special. It’s a Canadian kind of Tuesday: crisp air, bright skies and a whole lot of gratitude for these magical early days of autumn. But the real treat is my little ballet practice later on in the day at the local community hall in McKellar. And you know what? My ballet shoes have been polished for weeks and I'm so ready to move. Oh, and for all my new ballet pals in McKellar – there's something for everyone today. We'll be focusing on basic steps but I’m bringing out my favourite, brand new practice tutu. Yep, you guessed it – it’s one of those romantic, multi-tiered, wispy tulle creations that are designed to capture just a hint of that "La Bayadere" style. You know, the soft romance with a little touch of ethereal lightness. It's really perfect for a McKellar Tuesday in my book, a bit of ballet bliss right on the edge of Georgian Bay. #Tututuesday - My Tutu Muse Honestly, for this special #tututuesday I wanted a tutu that would be just right for this small Ontario town, which is already home to a fair few balletomanes who just want to twirl and indulge in some pure ballet joy, even if they’re not on a professional stage! As soon as I get a break between work and ballet classes this morning I’m taking a trip down to the town’s second-hand clothing store and scouring their racks. Maybe I'll even get lucky and snag myself a new-to-me ballet costume! That will just about be the icing on the cake. There are always a few gems hiding in second-hand shops like that – if you have patience (and maybe a bit of ballet-focused wanderlust). And a little good karma always helps! My advice to anyone planning to make their own Tutu Tuesdays is simple: * **Start small.** * Even just an hour can do wonders. And your wardrobe will thank you for it! This is an excellent way to bring those tutus and ballet shoes out of their bag or box where they’re languishing – because honestly who can stand having that much prettiness hidden away! * **The joy is all in the movement.** * No need to worry about the steps, we are here for a personal celebration of a timeless tradition that’s all about self-expression. You’re dancing to your own music. It doesn’t get any better. * **A little sparkle goes a long way.** * That’s what all those sparkly leotards and colourful ribbons are for, right? So get them out. Go wild. Let your personality flow. It will work wonders for your confidence! And what else could you want, besides the thrill of seeing that big smile in the mirror when you are in one of your favourite ballet looks? * **Tutus are magic!** * In fact, they’re just magic! In a way that’s not unlike all those early ballet dreams you had when you were younger. They’re simply magical to behold. So indulge those little ballet dreams whenever possible and never be afraid to embrace the ballerina within. A Dance with The Past – Ballet In Canada: A Glimpse at The Stars of Yesterday But if you ask me, McKellar, Ontario has been a haven for passionate balletomanes long before my Tutu Tuesday celebrations. * A little while back, I did a little bit of sleuthing about the ballet history in this part of Canada, and, you know what I discovered? Some pretty impressive stories! The history of ballet in Canada goes all the way back to the late 1800s with some amazing performers getting their start right here in Ontario! * In the early part of the last century, some really incredible ballet schools opened right in our neighbourhood and we can see a lot of familiar names and talent right there in McKellar: the legendary names like Veronica Tennant (who famously was the prima ballerina for the National Ballet of Canada!), Karen Kain, and even a little something from the "Nutcracker Suite." And now – for something just a little different – I am going to reveal my Tutu Tuesday secret, the inspiration that I like to call my Ballet Wardrobe “go-to" look for when I need a bit of extra joy to celebrate everything this Canadian community has given me. Because the tutu is so important. It’s like our ballet uniform, the canvas for any balletic dreams, a symbol of passion that really makes everything that much more special: * You want a ballet look for dancing in a place like McKellar – look for something that is light, ethereal, but with an elegant whimsy that will just make everyone around you say “ooh, look at her!” * And let’s get down to the real stuff: the little details like what colour and style, because they really matter for this kind of tutu: * Choose something with light airy tones – you are in Canada so take some inspiration from the natural elements, but for your #tututuesday – it can be pink, yellow, pale blue, or lilac – anything that says “fairytale”, and then throw in some light ruffles on the skirt! * Let’s get down to business. This really comes down to whether you are into a Romantic tutu – think about “Giselle,” "La Sylphide" with an emphasis on tulle. This is a perfect choice for dancing in this wonderful little Ontario community. And a very good start to a great #tututuesday, or you’re looking for a Classical tutu. “The Sleeping Beauty” with an extra flourish and the classic pointy bodice? So glamorous. And then there's a fun little style from "Swan Lake." The delicate ballerina look? That's it. You’ll feel like a queen. And in a matter of hours, you can make a real #tututuesday for you. Now there’s an extra level of motivation – an inspirational moment from a place like McKellar that really helps a Canadian dancer to grow and explore, even if they are in the early stages. I always think about all the hard work and sacrifices the Canadian ballerinas made, so that their successors could go onto bigger stages and even get into major ballet companies. That dedication gives me a lot to be proud of and also provides me with so much energy, for Tutu Tuesday – even on the very windy days when you’re battling the wind in McKellar. That said, let’s move on to something else. There are plenty more reasons why the tutu is the star of #tututuesday! It's the perfect excuse for a celebration and one more chance to give that much needed ballet magic! It also reminds us that the tutu, and even the humble ballet class are ways of looking at ballet and the stories, emotions and beauty behind all of this - a glimpse of ballet heaven. **I Am So Here For The “What's In Your Ballet Bag" Moment.** #tututuesday Speaking of the ballerina in all of us. For me, every day is a chance to discover my inner “ ballerina” because the ballet bag is an expression of who you are and it gives us a window into this remarkable and often forgotten world, where the simple ballet dress and shoes, a bottle of water and an attitude of joy have such an incredibly powerful story to tell. Let me just take you through a couple of highlights: * In the spirit of Tutu Tuesdays and to celebrate #tututuesday and all that's been inspired by it – there is an opportunity for self-expression and also an chance to indulge in a ballet tradition that’s also deeply meaningful! * Take some of your own tutu inspiration – the first place to begin is right in the ballet bag: * That’s a real tutu and a little piece of magic. It might have an elaborate look or maybe it’s more practical with pleasing classic lines. I often pick my ballet bag’s contents with the idea of keeping some classic lines and maybe even adding in some additional sparkle. * Some dancers have really intricate hair accessories but for a place like McKellar I just like to wear a few loose pins – just so the ballet bun is nicely sculpted in a natural-looking way, and they have a great way of lifting the hair, especially for ballet hairstyles like a bun that just requires a gentle bit of polish. No big, theatrical statement needed. This is for those casual balletomane moments. * You can't have a great Tutu Tuesday without the essentials! Don’t leave the ballet bag behind because that means an opportunity to unleash all of those dreams! * So when you're on your own ballet adventure: remember, it’s time to think about how your outfit feels and whether or not your favourite ballet items reflect the real “you.” Do those beautiful dance costumes work together? Do you really have what it takes? In McKellar you have all the space you need! You’ll also want some other essential pieces, so, we'll put those back in the bag: * Let’s be clear - that extra layer to combat those Canadian winds, right? Something as easy to throw on and off, but which will protect you from the elements: * Let’s go with something that can withstand those biting winter breezes that can whip up with almost no warning. * A comfortable long-sleeved top to wear underneath, with a few long socks will keep things toasty! * In the Canadian winter, ballet warmers, leggings are absolutely essential! And to keep the ballet footwear in prime condition for dancing: * That great bag! It's one that you want to keep forever – think quality, timeless ballet style. * When I'm ready to hit the studio or, if I'm feeling adventurous, take a class outdoors! This is my version of the Tutu Tuesday ballet essentials: * Always keep some additional tights, a little spray for freshening up and maybe an additional top, a scarf that can transform an everyday outfit or two into something so special! This all keeps the mood light and uplifting - it is, after all, Tutu Tuesday and you'll want to wear this to the classes! Let me give you a tip – if you're shopping around for these basics. It doesn't have to be super expensive. I would keep the ballet tights, the ballet tops and other pieces relatively simple: A ballet essential (or two!) can make a huge difference when you’re in the mood to wear something new or even a look for something more modern: * Those ballet leotards, all the things you love about them: the fabrics and shapes are things that make such an incredible difference and can create such a wide array of looks: the key to wearing a leotard for ballet: * Try to go for comfort above all. I would suggest a long-sleeved leotard to keep you comfortable - especially with that famous McKellar wind. * The perfect leotard is that little treasure that will become part of a collection: * Your leotards can transform any casual, simple or elaborate ballet look and turn it into something really beautiful for ballet practice. * You are bound to find a classic ballerina look at affordable prices that will let you dance on into the next #tututuesday! You will make new ballet friends, and, with enough luck you can find yourself dancing and laughing with a fun, supportive group, so you are surrounded by all of that magic. That is definitely what a Canadian dancer will be looking for and it’s just what I am aiming for with this #tututuesday in McKellar. * There's another point, this is also something I discovered the other day – you really can't go wrong with wearing those classic black tights with ballet shoes for that quintessential dancer style, the real spirit of the Tutu Tuesday ballerina, even in McKellar, but with that extra layer, or even those light-coloured ballet warmers that really look perfect with almost any leotard, it all means it’s the perfect time to put on those ballet shoes and get that #tututuesday magic! It all really adds a special flair and makes your dance experience even more amazing. * Don't be afraid to mix things up a little and experiment with some sparkly jewelry: * Ballet is really all about expressing your personality and creating a statement for you, especially as you step out and embrace ballet all those early dreams come true in places like McKellar – and just about everywhere else! * You might love a single statement piece like an embellished earring that you’ll take the opportunity to wear, but don’t be afraid to dress it down, if you like: a simple little statement necklace or even those beautiful bracelets. There’s such an opportunity for experimenting to keep those ballet dreams coming true, even in those everyday moments and making Tutu Tuesdays really special! For the next time you feel that irresistible, playful, whimsical urge, do as the McKellar community is doing – wear that ballerina style with pride! That is what it means to live those ballet dreams: the spirit of dancing, passion and creativity are all there! * Keep the ballet wardrobe fresh with just one, beautiful, sparkly detail. That’s how to add a personal touch and transform an everyday outfit for practice into your #tututuesday magic! Think: * Those dazzling jeweled bracelets or elegant earrings with the extra sparkle to let you live those ballet dreams. And the wonderful feeling you’ll get as you work your magic into your Tutu Tuesdays in McKellar. All you need are those ballet classics. **And As The Ballet Dancer Said... So as we continue on with the #tututuesday festivities – keep dancing your heart out, whether it’s with a big group in McKellar, Ontario, or a personal, heart-to-heart with the joy of ballet and a wonderful little ballet-loving community. A Canadian dancer can definitely get their Tutu Tuesday moment in a town like McKellar, Ontario: it’s an adventure all of its own. I have such amazing ballet memories that just keep coming back, thanks to Tutu Tuesdays and all the ballet magic in Canada, so take those chances. Dance, laugh and twirl! The #tututuesday story will unfold. And I hope you’re there to enjoy every step of it, with your favorite Tutu, all those precious ballet treasures in your bag – ready to embark on an exciting new dance, whether it's a few moments, an afternoon, an evening or a week!