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Tutu Tuesday in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec: A Fashionable Spin on a Classic

Hey everyone! It's your girl, Isabelle, back with another blog post, this time straight from the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec. It's a place that has stolen a piece of my heart, and I can't think of a better place to celebrate a very special day ā€“ Tutu Tuesday!

For those who are new to the Tutu Tuesday movement, it's a day dedicated to celebrating the iconic tutu. It's not just for ballerinas, though! It's a chance for anyone and everyone to express their personal style with a little touch of ballet magic. This Tuesday, I took to the streets of Baie-Saint-Paul, embracing the festive atmosphere of this beautiful town and the freedom of wearing a tutu, wherever you may be.

And believe me, I saw some seriously fabulous interpretations of the tutu! There was the classic romantic tutu, complete with tulle layers and a flowing, ethereal feel. Perfect for a walk by the water or a picnic lunch in the park. Then there were the more modern interpretations. Tutus paired with denim jackets, bold prints, or a funky, street-style edge. I even spotted someone sporting a tutu as a statement accessory over a leather jacket, a seriously cool look for sure.

You can't talk about tutus without talking about styles, right? From the wispy and delicate "Romantic" tutus, often favoured for classical pieces like Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty, to the more structured, and almost regal looking, "Tutu de Point," meant for ballets like Don Quixote or Le Corsaire. Then there's the "Pancake" Tutu. A shortened, pancake style skirt often made with multi layers of tulle, offering a striking modern look for pieces like The Firebird, that has an unmistakable edginess. You can almost hear the fire crackling from the stage with these looks. The classic "Bell" tutu. Well, it's aptly named because it looks like a bell. Itā€™s typically shorter in length compared to the other styles, and used by ballerinas during fast paced ballet pieces, so their limbs are less obstructed during turns. And for those pieces where the ballerina must have maximum freedom to fly across the stage, a "Crinoline" or ā€œPaddleā€ tutu might be a choice. It's often seen in productions like La Sylphide where gracefulness and lightness are highly prioritized. And lastly the ā€œPointeā€ tutu, that sits around the knee with a short and very layered frill, offering a clean and powerful visual image, favoured in works by Marius Petipa and his style.

For me, Tutu Tuesday isnā€™t just about fashion, it's about expressing yourself, embracing your individuality, and having a little fun with style. Every tutu is like a mini canvas, ready to be personalized and brought to life with your unique sense of self. Whether youā€™re a seasoned ballet dancer or simply a fan of the artistic elegance of a tutu, it's a reminder that you can express yourself and feel confident with every twirl.

The streets of Baie-Saint-Paul became a canvas of colour, texture, and movement that day, and I couldnā€™t help but be swept up in the joy. Watching locals and visitors alike rock their unique tutu interpretations truly brought a sense of unity and a feeling of artistic freedom to this beautiful Canadian town. If you find yourself in Baie-Saint-Paul on a Tuesday, be sure to look out for a special little someone wearing a tutu. You never know who you might encounter on the street or even where the day may take you. And when you do, remember, it's Tutu Tuesday!

Top Tips for Rocking Tutu Tuesday!

  • Embrace Your Style: Donā€™t be afraid to let your creativity shine. From whimsical to edgy, there's a tutu out there for every taste.
  • Find the Perfect Fit: Donā€™t feel restricted to just the typical ā€œballerinaā€ tutu. Shop around for styles that compliment your frame and express your personal sense of style.
  • Accessorize with Confidence: Experiment with jewellery, hats, scarves, or even a bold lip to add your own twist to your look.
  • Have Fun!: Donā€™t overthink it. Go out and enjoy your Tutu Tuesday with a sense of light-heartedness and a willingness to dance through life!

Don't forget to share your Tutu Tuesday looks on social media! Use #tututuesday and tag me (@isabelle.ballet) so I can see your fabulous creations!

Next time you are in Canada, be sure to stop by the magical little town of Baie-Saint-Paul and be ready to experience a vibrant Tutu Tuesday that is truly special. And if you do, send me a postcard!

Until next time, happy twirling everyone!

Isabelle