Tutu Tuesday 31743

Tutu Tuesday in Ethelbert, Manitoba: #tututuesday Hey dance lovers! It's your girl, Chloé, back with another #tututuesday blog post, straight from the prairies! I'm currently nestled in my cozy Winnipeg apartment, reminiscing about an epic adventure I had last week: Tutu Tuesday in Ethelbert, Manitoba. It’s so amazing how our Canadian communities are starting to celebrate dance culture like this. And, trust me, Ethelbert’s got a surprising amount of dance love! My Trip to Ethelbert This was my first time in Ethelbert, and let me tell ya, it's charm personified. Quaint streets, friendly folks, and a community spirit that warms your heart faster than a cup of hot chocolate on a cold Manitoba winter day. I'd never heard of Ethelbert before, and if you're like me, you probably haven't either. But here's the thing: This tiny town throws an awesome Tutu Tuesday celebration! Imagine a town centre transformed. Every store window proudly displays its own whimsical take on the Tutu theme. My personal fave? The local library – they fashioned a stack of old books into a gigantic, sparkly tutu. Pure genius, right? Even the farmers’ market got in on the fun. Vendors were showcasing locally grown veggies arranged to resemble a ballerina’s pointe shoes, and some were selling tutu-themed goods! The energy was infectious, and I was instantly in love with this town’s passion for the arts. What Exactly IS Tutu Tuesday? So, what’s this Tutu Tuesday thing all about, you ask? It's an initiative that aims to bring some ballet love and whimsy to towns and cities across the nation, every second Tuesday of the month! Ethelbert started celebrating this day a couple of years ago, and the idea took off like a leap into the air, and the best part is, people are getting really creative! People of all ages, shapes, and sizes show off their tutus with pride - the more elaborate, the better. Think ruffled tutus, tulle skirts, glittery leotards and of course, ballerinas shoes. It’s an inclusive celebration of creativity, fashion, and dance. A day where people are encouraged to embrace their inner ballerina, or as I like to call it, a “sparkly, graceful good time!” A Dance-Inspired Fashion Show My Tutu Tuesday journey reached its peak with a spontaneous "Tutu Runway" fashion show on Main Street. It was a total blast. I watched in amazement as a crowd gathered to witness the creativity and energy of the community. A local farmer proudly showcased his homemade tutu crafted from woven straw - a very avant garde take on the theme. Then came Ethelbert’s favourite dancing granny, wearing her favourite purple “swans’ lake” tutu that she'd been saving for her granddaughter's wedding next year. And, who could forget the group of elementary school kids sporting matching, mini, neon-coloured tutus and doing some playful, synchronized pirouettes to "A Whole New World." Tutu Tuesday Makes Ballet Accessible But it wasn’t all giggles and sparkles. There was a deeper layer to this event. The initiative encourages people to recognize how much of an art form ballet is, and that it's not limited to the elite. In Ethelbert, it fostered a community connection that made everyone feel welcome. This is precisely what I love about the dance world. It bridges cultures, promotes unity, and connects people from all walks of life through the universal language of movement. Beyond Tutu Tuesday: Sharing Our Love for Ballet It’s easy to get caught up in the pomp and ceremony of big, city-based ballet productions, but Tutu Tuesday was a powerful reminder that this art form is equally cherished in smaller communities, especially those that might not have access to traditional dance schools or productions. My trip to Ethelbert was about more than just witnessing a playful town event; it was about being part of something bigger, something that resonates with a growing community that celebrates ballet and creativity. After I left Ethelbert, I knew that I needed to share my experience with my readers and viewers. So, I decided to film a video blog featuring all my favorite Tutu Tuesday moments: the farmer’s market, the impromptu fashion show, and, of course, a glimpse into Ethelbert’s incredible community spirit. This trip to Ethelbert was eye-opening, heart-warming, and reminded me why I do what I do – because there’s magic in sharing our love for the arts and fostering an inclusive space where dance, fashion, and whimsy unite. We're all connected by a love for the art form and Ethelbert proved that beautifully. Remember to spread the Tutu Tuesday love by celebrating in your own community! Whether you rock your own fabulous tutu or create a mini-fashion show for your family and friends, you’ll be adding a bit of fun to a Tuesday and helping to ensure that dance continues to inspire and entertain everyone in the years to come. **Stay sparkly, dance lovers!** **Chloe** **xo** P.S. I'm planning my next #tututuesday outing to a town called Ste. Rose du Lac. Anyone else thinking of heading to the Lake District in Manitoba for Tutu Tuesday in July? Leave a comment below and let’s make this a Manitoba wide thing! **Be sure to follow me on my Instagram account @dancing_chloe** to stay up-to-date on all my latest blog posts and #tututuesday happenings! And, don't forget to share your own Tutu Tuesday adventures using the hashtag #tututuesday and maybe even tag me! **Here’s what else I learned during my visit to Ethelbert, Manitoba:** * A little bit of creativity can go a long way. * Don’t be afraid to break out of your comfort zone – wear a tutu if it speaks to you! * Community connection is essential, and ballet and the arts can really bring people together. * Tutu Tuesday celebrations make ballet more accessible to all!