Tutu Tuesday in Thames Centre, Ontario: A Whirlwind of Tulle and Tradition #tututuesday Okay, so you know I love Tuesdays. It’s the mid-point of the week, a time to shake things up and remind ourselves that even the toughest days can have a little sprinkle of sparkle. And what better way to sprinkle some sparkle than with a #tututuesday? This week I’m talking tutus - oh, the glorious tutus! From the classic Romantic tutus with their cascading layers of tulle, perfect for ethereal performances, to the more contemporary, minimalist tutus that embrace modern dance movements - every tutu has a story to tell. As a Canadian ballet dancer, my passion for these iconic garments is something that runs deep. I mean, come on, Canada's history is full of fantastic ballets, right? We have everything from the elegant creations of the National Ballet of Canada, the power and grace of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, to the modern and diverse choreography of Dancemakers in Toronto - Canadian ballet is so incredibly rich and full of different styles. It makes you proud! So, what’s got me going gaga over tutus this week, you ask? It's that feeling you get when you put one on. The airy lightness of the tulle as it floats around your legs. The delicate layers that whisper a thousand stories. I mean, just think about the power of the tutu – a garment that conveys so much: grace, strength, elegance, passion, and sometimes, even a little bit of whimsy. But let’s talk style, folks! Tutu Styles Let’s break it down! * **Romantic Tutu:** The one that made tutus famous – a true icon. Its soft, flowing, layers of tulle make it a dream for all you hopeless romantics out there! I especially love the classic "Romantic" tutu designs from the 19th century with those layers of airy tulle and the use of pointes that create a captivating and dream-like image. They’re simply breathtaking and truly represent the power and the beauty of classical ballet. * **Classical Tutu:** Picture a short, rigid, full skirt with a big bouffant, and you’ve got your classic tutu. It’s what I picture when I think of those famous ballets like “Swan Lake.” There's something just so stunning about how the tutu catches the light, creating an optical illusion of light and motion, highlighting the precision and the artistry of a ballerina. There’s nothing more captivating than watching a tutu whirl on stage! * **Modern Tutu:** Oh, these guys! This is where I think the artistry gets really exciting! They go beyond the traditional style and explore contemporary materials and design. I love a modern tutu that blends modern dance movements with contemporary materials. You can see innovative shapes and unexpected textures! It's all about showcasing modern ballet's individuality, its fearless expression and its unique voice. * **The “Demi” Tutu:** Ever heard of a “demi-point” or a “demi-plié”? Okay, okay, I’ll give it to you. Demi simply means half, so a demi-tutu is a shorter version of the classic tutu. It usually sits closer to the waist and provides less volume. I mean, if you need more grace and fluidity than an ultra-short, dramatic tutu, this is your go-to! It adds a modern and elegant touch to classical ballet while still emphasizing that beautiful flowing aesthetic. **Thames Centre Tutus? ** While we are deep in the heart of #tututuesday in Ontario, there is this crazy thing - Thames Centre doesn’t have a dance school or ballet company (yet!) But it’s my dream that we'll one day see tutu twirls happening all over the Thames Centre. It would be so inspiring! There is just something special about ballet – its discipline, grace, creativity – that inspires a lot of great artists. It's something you really have to see and experience to understand. So Thames Centre, let's make it happen! **To wrap things up: ** It's always amazing to share my love of tutus. Even if you’re not a ballerina, they’re something everyone can enjoy – even if it’s just a moment to appreciate the artistry behind each and every stitch! There is a reason why #tututuesday has become a beloved online phenomenon, capturing the imagination of so many. It’s more than just a trend – it’s a reminder that you can add a touch of elegance, grace, and a dash of whimsical style to your life every single day.