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Tutu Tuesday in Schreiber, Ontario, Canada! #tututuesday Hey everyone! It's your girl, Anya, back with another #tututuesday post! I'm so excited to be writing from Schreiber, Ontario, this week, a town that's been on my ballet-inspired travel bucket list for ages. It's a truly unique spot, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, and filled with stories of dance and performance. This week's tutu adventure started with a visit to the charming Schreiber Arts Centre. Nestled in the heart of the town, it's a vibrant hub for all things creative, and home to some fascinating pieces that tell the story of ballet in Canada. The curator showed me some captivating photos of touring dance companies from the early 1900s, many of them performing right here in Schreiber! The history is truly inspiring and proves that the love for ballet has been a part of this region for a long time. Now, for the real highlight of this trip, I couldn't come to Schreiber without visiting the legendary "Schreiber's Old Town Tutus." I'm not kidding! This whimsical shop, housed in an adorable Victorian-era building, is bursting with every imaginable tutu style, from the classic Romantic tutus with billowing layers of tulle to sleek, modern pieces perfect for contemporary ballet. The shop's owner, a former ballerina herself, shared some amazing stories about designing tutus for countless dancers, even those who had starred in Broadway productions! Her passion for the craft is infectious, and she truly helped me understand the craftsmanship behind each exquisite tutu. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you absolutely must see if you ever find yourself in Schreiber: * **Romantic Tutues:** You can't leave without checking out the classic tutus, with their soft layers of tulle creating a billowing, ethereal silhouette. They're perfect for any ballerina who wants to channel a romantic, graceful presence on stage. * **Modern Tutus:** I'm a sucker for contemporary dance, so I was particularly smitten with their modern designs. These tutus feature minimalist shapes, bold lines, and unexpected materials. I actually ended up finding a stunning geometric tutu with some stunning pops of colour that'll be perfect for my next modern piece! * **Costumes and Accessories:** They also had a gorgeous selection of other ballet wear, including tights, shoes, leotards and some amazing custom-designed costumes, with intricate beading and detailing that would leave even the most seasoned ballerina awestruck. I got a fabulous set of tights with an intricate geometric pattern - it will go so well with my contemporary tutu! While I explored the shop, the shop owner pointed out some fantastic books and films, offering an incredible look into the history of ballet and the evolution of the tutu over time. It's clear that the "Old Town Tutus" shop is a real gem for any dance enthusiast visiting Schreiber, - a little bit of magic and a true celebration of all things dance. Now, it wouldn't be #tututuesday without a little self-reflection and inspiration, right? Here are a few of the things I picked up from my day in Schreiber that resonate with my own ballet journey. * **Don't Be Afraid to Try New Things:** It's always great to challenge yourself as a dancer, whether that means stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring a new genre, or discovering the fascinating world of historical dance. It's an important lesson, no matter what path you choose. * **Be a Storyteller:** The best dancers have a captivating presence that connects with the audience on a deeper level. I can tell the stories woven into these tutus will help to make me a better dancer and help me reach the audiences I perform for! * **Let Your Creativity Bloom:** The world of dance offers endless possibilities. Be brave, be yourself, and create. Be inspired by every single performance you see. Until next time, I'm sending you lots of positive energy, lots of pirouettes, and happy twirling!