Tutu Tuesday in Elliot Lake, Ontario: A Celebration of Whimsy and Grace #tututuesday
Hey everyone, itās your favourite tutu-loving Canadian ballerina, back with another post about the fabulous world of ballet. Today's post is a little bit different, a little bit special, and totally about embracing your inner ballerina, no matter your skill level or background.
As a professional dancer in Canada, I know just how passionate we are about our art form. From the iconic stages of Toronto to the intimate studios across the country, ballet is more than just a dance, it's a way of life. And in honour of our shared passion, I wanted to dedicate a day to celebrating all things tutu. Enter Tutu Tuesday!
Thatās right, every Tuesday is going to be Tutu Tuesday! Get those tutus ready for a whirlwind of inspiration, fashion, and of course, ballet. This week weāre focusing on Elliot Lake, a city in northern Ontario with a surprisingly vibrant dance scene.
I recently visited Elliot Lake for a special dance workshop and fell head over heels with this community's energy and love for dance. The students were amazing ā their talent and passion were simply infectious! This is a place that understands the magic of ballet. So, naturally, Tutu Tuesday is more than appropriate.
Now, letās talk about tutus. They're more than just a pretty piece of clothing ā they are a symbol of our passion, our creativity, and our dreams. From the classic Romantic tutu, with its billowing layers of tulle, to the streamlined contemporary tutu that emphasizes sleek lines and athleticism, every style represents a unique aspect of ballet.
For today's Tutu Tuesday, Iām going to share a few fun facts about tutus and share some fashion inspiration for you to channel your inner ballerina:
- The first tutus, or ātutus,ā were introduced in the mid-1800s. The designs were inspired by the lighter fabrics and simpler styles of the Romantic period in ballet, moving away from the bulky and elaborate dresses of the earlier eras. The change came with the desire to showcase the dancersā athleticism and grace.
- The iconic, poufy "Romantic Tutu" we know and love is not the original. Its layers of tulle were designed to exaggerate a dancer's movements and flow like clouds around her. In later decades, tutus went through significant changes. For example, the āBell Tutuā was all the rage, and is known for its flared shape resembling a bell or trumpet. You could also find tutus crafted from softer materials that flowed beautifully across the stage and were used in ballet's Classical period, a stark contrast from the grand Romantic movement.
- Contemporary tutus represent a move towards simplicity and minimalism, emphasizing the fluidity and expressiveness of the dancer's movements. Think form-fitting designs made of smooth, elastic fabrics.
- And in the realm of modern and contemporary dance, you'll see many unconventional variations, sometimes with zero tulle and innovative materials. Experimenting with various materials like satin, silk, even unconventional textures are staples in the modern dance world.
- Did you know that the āPink Tutuā became the signature outfit for The New York City Balletās iconic production āSwan Lakeā?
It's important to remember that tutu styles are a constantly evolving conversation and showcase a dance's evolution from period to period. While tutu styles and the history of ballet can get quite detailed, there's no need to memorize everything for today. You are allowed to be creative with it. Weāre in Elliot Lake, after all! This is the place for whimsical and passionate celebration!
Now letās get to the good stuff, how to channel your inner tutu-lover on a daily basis!
- Dress the Part: Put on your favourite skirt or flowy dress! Channel that ballerina essence and find creative ways to express your style. It's all about playing with silhouettes, adding movement to your outfits.
- Dance Your Heart Out: Even if youāre not a ballet dancer, embrace the feeling of a ballet class. Stretch, find some beautiful music and dance around the living room! You could even grab your family or a friend and have a mini "performance" in the living room. Trust me, there's no better way to channel your inner dancer. Youāll feel energized and have a whole lot of fun, even if it's just for five minutes!
- Share your Passion: Grab a photo of yourself wearing a skirt or dancing, or a pic of your favourite tutu. Tag me on Instagram! (Donāt forget the hashtags!) and let's start a national celebration of ballet and a day of fun.
Remember, Tutu Tuesday isnāt about perfect dance moves or being a ballerina, it's about having fun, celebrating our shared passion for ballet, and getting inspired. Don't let fear of judgment stop you! Embrace your own tutu spirit, no matter what!
And that's my tutu-loving friends! As we enter a world of celebration in Elliot Lake, I encourage you to embrace the world of ballet, wherever you are in Canada, even if it's a dance-filled afternoon in the park. This is our week to express ourselves, have some fun and revel in all things ballet. Happy Tutu Tuesday! #tututuesday