Tutu Tuesday in LaSalle, Ontario: A Celebration of Twirling and Tulle
Hey everyone, it's your favourite Canadian ballet blogger, back with a special post for a very special occasion! It's #TutuTuesday, and I'm so excited to share my love of all things tulle and twirl with you. You may already know how passionate I am about the world of ballet in Canada, but let me tell ya, #TutuTuesday has a special place in my heart.
This week, I’m taking my Tutu Tuesday celebration to the charming town of LaSalle, Ontario. I was strolling through the downtown area last week and noticed a "Tutu Tuesday" sign on the local community center. Intrigued, I asked about the event and found out it was a fun celebration for the arts in LaSalle! My ears perked up – this was the perfect excuse to dust off my favourite tutus and share the joy of dance with my fellow LaSalle residents. And what better way to celebrate than with some #tututuesday flair? I decided to spend the day showing my support by highlighting the importance of ballet in Canada, especially in our local communities, while getting a chance to connect with local businesses.
I love the idea that communities all across Canada are getting involved in this beautiful and fun way to celebrate the art of dance. It makes me excited for the future of ballet in this country – I just know it’s going to be grand!
My day began with a visit to the "The Twirling Tutus", a boutique shop specializing in unique tutu creations. It was like stepping into a ballet fairy's wonderland, with every corner bursting with vibrant colours and intricate details. The owner, Mrs. LeBlanc, told me how excited she was to see the town embracing Tutu Tuesday and she even offered a discount on my purchases that day - Talk about the best start to the day!
After picking out some adorable, vintage-style tutus – the romantic layered designs with the perfect hint of sparkles, you know the ones I’m talking about! – I ventured to LaSalle's bustling market. This bustling farmers’ market was full of local crafts and delicious treats – from hand-painted pottery with beautiful floral motifs to locally grown fruits and vegetables. The market offered such a vibrant mix of Canadian-made goods and culture! The community vibe here really gets you feeling those “hometown pride” feels, you know? I think everyone can relate to those good ol’ hometown feels that only small-town Canada can offer! And don't even get me started on the delicious smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. I treated myself to a slice of freshly baked blueberry pie, all while sporting a sparkly pink tutu, of course! Who can resist?
As I made my way through the market, I caught a glimpse of several families with kids all wearing tutus, ready to show off their twirling skills at the “Tutu Time” activities hosted at the town square! Seeing the kids all bundled up in their cute tutus and ready to dance their hearts out made me realize the magic Tutu Tuesday has in spreading a genuine, happy joy – for everyone of any age! The little girl twirling a fluffy, white tutu looked like a mini ballerina, while her brother showed off a dapper tutu in a deep royal blue! There was so much heart in these little ones’ moves, and everyone on the street was clapping and cheering them on. You know what they say, “Keepin’ it real with Tutu Tuesday in Canada!”
Throughout my journey, I spotted an array of different tutus adorning people – each one radiating unique personality. Some chose elegant, flowy, Romantic-era inspired styles, their tulle flowing with every step like billowing clouds! There were a few sassy, 80s inspired looks with vibrant colours, bright prints and a few sparkly accessories. A little girl showed off a simple white tutu with a personalized patch, and there was an amazing gentleman rocking a chic, fitted tutu with black sequins, showcasing his playful sense of fashion – so creative and awesome!
Later in the afternoon, I joined a community ballet class organized as a special Tutu Tuesday event. This session was filled with such infectious energy! Everyone was eager to embrace the joy of ballet! From beginner adults, eager to explore new artistic endeavors, to children just starting to discover their love of dance, everyone had such big smiles on their faces! We practiced pirouettes, arabesques, and fouettés with grace and precision, while the instructors guided us through the steps, reminding us of the art of ballet and why it’s so loved and respected globally, and particularly in Canada. It really solidified the message that #TutuTuesday is not just a celebration of costumes but a celebration of dance in all its forms!
For those who are interested in learning more about dance in Canada, LaSalle has a fantastic ballet school, “Danse Avec Nous," that has classes for every level, and has nurtured many successful dancers, including myself, so check them out if you get the chance! I would definitely encourage you all to explore your city's cultural scene and discover hidden treasures like dance studios and community programs – I know you’ll find gems along the way, just as I did in LaSalle!
As I walked through the park after class, a thought struck me. It’s easy to think that our communities are just smaller towns but #TutuTuesday is about celebrating those smaller, local treasures! That evening, I joined a fundraiser in support of a new dance program for youth at the local LaSalle public school – this really gave me those feel-good vibes. It was so great to witness the entire town coming together for a common cause, supporting a new generation of aspiring dancers in LaSalle. They all shared a passion for art, making the local dance program something even more special and significant. This type of dedication and love for dance truly epitomized #TutuTuesday in Canada and left a huge smile on my face.
I can’t stress enough how inspiring it is to see our small towns embracing culture and supporting arts and entertainment with enthusiasm! I left LaSalle, feeling so much gratitude for how the community welcomed me and brought such a bright joy to #TutuTuesday! My day ended with a feeling of deep contentment – sharing the day with new faces, spreading some ballet love, and celebrating our Canadian culture, in such a special and unique way, made my heart soar with joy.
So if you’re ever in LaSalle, Ontario, do visit the vibrant community centre – you never know, you may get to celebrate #TutuTuesday with the friendly folks there! Or find your own creative ways to make your city a little more “tutu-fied!” After all, it’s about having fun and letting the tulle flow. Until next time, keep on twirling, and stay fashionable!