Tutu Tuesday in Ladysmith, British Columbia: A Whirlwind of Tutu Styles

Hey, fellow dance lovers and fashionistas! It's your girl, Clara, back with another installment of my blog. This week, I’m diving into the fabulous world of tutus. Now, let's be honest, tutus are a ballet staple, but let me tell ya, these beauties come in so many different styles! And, to top it off, this Tuesday was EXTRA special - it's none other than Tutu Tuesday! In case you missed it, Tutu Tuesday is this cool online thing where dancers everywhere strut their stuff in their favourite tutus, sharing pictures and spreading joy, and, of course, showing off those sparkly masterpieces. It's a bit like a digital fashion show, but instead of catwalk queens, it's us dancers!

Being in Ladysmith, BC, we're pretty close to Victoria, which is basically the ballet heart of British Columbia. The Victoria Ballet Theatre is one of the most prominent ballet companies in the entire province, so, you know, we got some major ballet cred out here. I know some of you might be thinking "Ladysmith? Tutus? Come on, Clara." But believe me, the ballet spirit runs deep here! My friends and I have been hitting the dance studios since we were tots, and the Tutu Tuesday vibe has definitely spread here. The coolest part? This day wasn’t just about tutus - it was a celebration of the joy of dance in all its forms. It was about sharing that feeling of exhilaration when your legs fly across the stage and your heart pumps with each pirouette, and honestly, what's not to love about that?

Now, about those tutus! Here's the scoop. There are basically three main kinds:

  • Classical Tutu - Picture that picture perfect, bell-shaped tutu that’s a dancer’s dream. These beauties are all about volume and flowing lines, usually made from stiff tulle for that airy, fairy-tale effect. These classics are often adorned with hand-sewn sequins, crystals, or delicate embroidery, just adding to that extra sparkle!
  • Romantic Tutu - Imagine the delicate softness of silk! It’s kind of like the classical’s less dramatic but equally stunning cousin. The Romantic Tutu uses a shorter skirt that falls in softer lines, allowing for a graceful flow, and often features less tulle, meaning the look is more flowy. Imagine a mix of elegance and airiness in one skirt, and you'll know why these tutus are adored by ballerinas everywhere.
  • Modern Tutu - Okay, so this one breaks the mould. Imagine an updated, modern take on the traditional tutu, it’s anything but basic. These beauties redefine ballet aesthetics with unique and sometimes daring silhouettes. They might use different fabrics like silk, velvet, or even mixed fabrics, making it so cool that it makes you feel the need to break out a spontaneous spin (and maybe a double pirouette!).

My go-to for Tutu Tuesday? My beloved Romantic Tutu! I love its gentle swirl that adds just a touch of fairytale magic to the already dreamy look. Plus, it’s made of silky layers, it’s oh-so-comfortable. Imagine all the possibilities for this year’s upcoming performance, all in one tiny tutu – Talk about magical! This year's Tutu Tuesday was a serious hit with dancers of all ages. We shared photos with the #tututuesday hashtag all over social media, it felt so cool to connect with other dancers across the globe through this amazing community. So, let’s make Tutu Tuesday bigger than ever in Ladysmith, British Columbia, let’s rock those tutus. Don't forget to hashtag #tututuesday when you share those amazing photos! Stay tuned for more adventures from the world of ballet.