Tutu Tuesday in Magog, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Style
It's officially Tutu Tuesday, and I'm living my best life in Magog, Quebec, the charming little town tucked away in the Eastern Townships, that feels a world away from the bustling streets of Montreal, and somehow a little more like a European town than Canadian! There’s something about the air that makes it the perfect spot to kick back, sip some Canadian iced tea, and embrace all things ballerina – from the sweetest French pastries at local bakeries to the sparkling lac Memphrémagog that reflects the early morning sunlight like a stage in a ballet production. Today, it’s all about tutus, and trust me, Magog is embracing the #tututuesday energy. I’m hitting up the local boutiques, looking for inspiration and of course, searching for the perfect tutu for a night of ballet magic.
This Tutu Tuesday has a special meaning for me being a Canadian ballet dancer. From a young age, the allure of ballet took hold, with its beautiful classical tutus. The traditional ballet tutu is a timeless symbol, evoking an aura of elegance, and grace. It holds a deep-rooted connection with Canada's ballet heritage. Every twirl, every leap tells a story, an evolution of the form. Ballet in Canada, like a tutu itself, has transformed. The costumes we wear on stage have grown to include variations and contemporary pieces - bringing modern life to the dance world.
Magog's a beautiful place to get inspired by it all. Here are the tutu looks I've been loving for my #tututuesday:
- The Classic Romantic Tutu: Think light as a feather, a multi-layered tulle creation in soft shades like pale pink or pastel blue, that floats with every step, adding drama to every pose. The Romantic Tutu is perfect for a classic ballet story, like a story by Theodor Fontane, or a play like a modernized Romeo and Juliet. In the romantic age of literature, they were just like this: full of passion, emotions, and poetry. Just like a ballet. It’s perfect for that princess look – we all have one inside, right?
- The Edgy Contemporary Tutu: Not afraid to make a statement, this one plays with the tradition of the tutu and challenges it by using darker, bolder shades of black and grey or even incorporating contrasting textures with materials like velvet or lace. It’s great for an edgy performance and something that feels almost as modern as the choreography of a performance by Montreal's world-renowned Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. For my modern girls.
- The Whimsical Tutu: If you like tutus with a touch of playful, whimsical design that celebrates colour, this is your pick. We’re talking all things vibrant: emerald, ruby, sapphire. It could include embroidery details, glitter, and sequins for that special extra sparkle. The best thing is that this is the tutu of the moment – not just for ballet dancers but also fashion forward ladies. Think about an avant-garde performance by the renowned La La La Human Steps or something truly artistic. A Tutu with an attitude that matches my confidence.
- The DIY Tutu: Who doesn’t love a little DIY? With a few yards of tulle, a sewing machine, and a splash of creativity, the DIY tutu can take any style from simple to grandiose. It can be the perfect costume for a costume party and I can make one in the tuttiest colors of the rainbow. There’s nothing more Canadian than the tutti-fruitty of this look, eh? This look screams “ get in, get creative, make your own!”. A perfect example of the spirit of Canadian do-it-yourself culture.
This week, Magog's been filled with ballet lovers celebrating #tututuesday, showing off their style from local cafes to the town square. Whether it's a ballet class in a studio or a walk in the town park, tutus bring people together – and with so many different looks, there’s something for everyone.
Today's a celebration of the tutu as an art form that goes beyond ballet, showcasing creativity, self-expression, and of course, that uniquely Canadian style. A little sprinkle of ballet magic that's making me fall more in love with Magog every day. And that’s a ballet of a good time for me! As I leave Magog and return to Montreal I will always remember this #tututuesday as a tutu good time!