Tutu Tuesday 31639

Hey, fellow dance enthusiasts! It’s your girl, Olivia, back with another #tututuesday blog post. Today, I'm taking you on a journey through the heartland of Canada, to a charming little town called Viking, Alberta. And guess what? Even in this unexpected setting, the love for dance is alive and well.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Viking? Tutus? What on earth could that be about?" Let me tell ya, it’s all about community and passion, a love for the arts, and a dose of unexpected "Tutu Tuesday" magic.

You might not picture Viking, Alberta, as a dance haven, but it's truly a gem. I had the privilege of visiting this charming little town during their annual "Viking Arts Alive Festival." It’s an incredible community celebration dedicated to fostering and celebrating the arts, and you know what? The spirit of dance is definitely alive here!

So, as I #tututuesday -ed my way through Viking, I couldn't help but notice that everyone I encountered, from the town's mayor to the adorable toddlers at the local daycare, had a dance story waiting to be told. And believe me, these stories are truly heart-warming and inspiring.

The dance scene in Viking wasn't all about tutus, of course. There were tap shoes, flamenco skirts, Irish step dancing boots, and even a couple of hip-hop dancers with their incredible breakdancing moves! But it was the tutus that really got my attention, and not just any tutus. You’ve heard of “tutu-ing” around and now you’re seeing it right here in Viking.

I’m talking about the amazing array of styles - from the classic Romantic tutu, with its layers of tulle, to the more contemporary variations like the "balloon" and "flat" tutus, perfect for modern ballets. What a diverse and beautiful sight!

My heart melted as I met some local girls who had just joined their first dance class. They were so excited about their brand new “ballet shoes and tiny little pink tutus, with ribbons all over” they shared. Seeing the pure joy on their faces was a moment that really made me appreciate how dancing can touch every single person’s heart.

But the true highlight of my day came when I saw a group of elderly ladies rocking their tutus and dancing “ballet moves we learnt in school” like a "Viking Ballet Revue!" It was absolutely beautiful and an incredible testament to how dance transcends generations and empowers everyone to find their inner artist, no matter their age or skill level.

Talking with local residents about “Tutu Tuesday" and how it connects to the town's culture and spirit of unity, I learned so much about the positive impact dance has in Viking. Dance is a platform for community building, self-expression, and the sheer joy of movement.

• The "Viking Arts Alive Festival" features dance workshops and performances.
• Many local schools have dance classes.
• The "Viking Ballet School," where ballet enthusiasts gather to train in the art of dance. It's amazing to see the next generation of dancers getting started in their dancing journey, keeping ballet alive in Canada for years to come.

My visit to Viking really showed me the power of dance. It's more than just a hobby; it's a way of life that brings people together.

I'm leaving Viking with a renewed appreciation for the joy of dancing and the important role it plays in our communities.

No matter where you are in the world and what style of dance you love (from ballet to tap to contemporary to Irish step and hip hop!), don't forget the power of Tutu Tuesday, or simply, just the power of dancing for your soul!