Tutu Tuesday in Ramara, Ontario: A Dance Through the Decades
Hey dance fam, it’s your girl, Chloe, bringing you another instalment of #tututuesday! This week, I'm kicking things off from beautiful Ramara, Ontario – a charming town nestled amidst the rolling hills and shimmering lakes. Ramara may be known for its natural beauty, but today, we're diving into the world of tutus, a ballet essential that transcends time and brings a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Now, we all know the iconic image of a ballerina, perfectly poised in a flowing, romantic tutu. But the world of tutu styles is so much richer than that single vision! As I’ve spent years twirling across stages across Canada, I’ve witnessed how these delicate pieces of fashion can tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire artistry. So let's delve into a little tutu history, shall we?
A Whirlwind Tour of Tutu History
- The Romantic Era (1830s-1850s): The iconic image we think of – a billowing, airy cloud of tulle. These tutus were called "tutus à la romantique," characterized by their multiple layers of tulle that create that flowing, ethereal silhouette. It was perfect for showcasing the graceful and expressive movements of ballerinas in ballets like La Sylphide. This is my absolute favourite style! It just speaks of ethereal beauty.
- The Classical Era (1850s-1900s): In this era, a tighter and shorter form, known as the "tutu classique," emerged. It showcased greater freedom of movement and emphasized technique. We're talking less flowing and more structured, made with multiple layers of stiffened tulle, and shorter in length. Think Swan Lake, Giselle - these were the ballets that solidified the shorter and structured classical tutu!
- The 20th Century & Beyond: This century was a time of experimentation. Shorter skirts, tighter styles, and innovative material usage began to transform the tutu. Think contemporary ballets and how they demanded more flexibility in movement - and those types of dance movements required a different silhouette.
Tutus in Canadian Ballet
Here in Canada, ballet has always played a significant role in our artistic landscape. From the National Ballet of Canada, a company that has nurtured so many brilliant Canadian dancers and graced countless stages around the world, to our beloved regional companies, Canada boasts a thriving ballet community that's constantly evolving and pushing boundaries.
What makes Canada's ballet world so special? Well, I think it’s the strong emphasis on both tradition and innovation. We celebrate the history of ballet, but we also embrace new interpretations and styles. We love seeing tutus on the stage, but we also welcome tutus pushing the boundaries and making their mark on the ballet landscape.
Tutu Tuesday Fun!
Ramara is a bit more about rolling hills than tutus, but the joy of dance is about to take over! My best friend is bringing over her entire ballet collection of costumes and we're planning a tutu-themed photo shoot around the lake - talk about a unique photo shoot opportunity! I mean, how many times do you get to photograph yourself in a cloud of tulle next to sparkling turquoise waters?
So what are your plans for #tututuesday? Maybe try some simple ballet moves, check out the local ballet companies, or find a gorgeous image of your favourite ballet dancer in a tutu. There's no wrong way to celebrate this lovely garment and all its fabulous iterations.
Don't forget to tag me on social media and let me see your #tututuesday snaps! I can't wait to see how you're dancing into the week! 💃 💖
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