Tutu Tuesday in London, Ontario: A Celebration of Ballet and Style #tututuesday
Hey fellow dance lovers and fashion enthusiasts! It's Tutu Tuesday, and I'm bursting with excitement to share my passion for ballet and all things tulle. Being a Canadian ballet dancer, I know the thrill of spinning in a perfectly-fitting tutu – the feeling is truly magical.
Now, for you non-dancers, let's face it, a tutu can look like a costume – an ethereal and fantastical symbol of ballet. But believe me, these fluffy skirts come in various styles and have evolved throughout the years.
Let’s get into the different styles of tutus, just for a bit of ballet history!
- **Romantic Tutu:** Introduced in the Romantic ballet era (around 1830s), it is known for its flowing, layered, and voluminous skirt made from tulle or netting. The Romantic tutu allows for graceful, airy movements and was particularly favoured in the stories of romantic ballerinas, such as Giselle, who gracefully flitted across the stage.
- **Classical Tutu:** You know, those quintessential short, pancake tutus that are synonymous with ballet? Well, these tutus are technically known as the classical tutu. This is a tutu designed with layers of tulle stretched across a hoop-shaped frame. Think The Nutcracker's Sugar Plum Fairy or Swan Lake’s Odette; the classical tutu emphasizes leg extension and the ballerina’s graceful movement.
- **Modern Tutu:** Don’t let the word modern scare you, this is simply an update on the styles, using less layers for a simpler silhouette. Sometimes incorporating other fabrics like velvet or even mesh.
- **Layered Tutu:** This type of tutu features numerous layers of tulle, giving it a voluminous and dramatic look. Think Sleeping Beauty! This tutu evokes grandeur and adds an element of drama to the performance.
- **Ballet Tutu:** Okay, I know it seems repetitive, but this type of tutu is more about everyday dance classes or the warm up session for professional dancers. Ballet tutus often come in a more practical form - think a single layer of tulle for basic steps. Less voluminous, they are still super flattering, perfect for daily practices.
- **Character Tutu:** Think flamenco! This style can often involve embroidery or added detail to create specific costumes depending on the characters the dancers are portraying.
Tutu Tuesdays are not just for ballerinas in studios! Whether you’re out grabbing coffee with your besties or shopping downtown in London, Ontario, a bit of tulle can really spice up your style. Just remember to rock those tutus with confidence! There are some great options for tutus these days, perfect for everyday outfits.
Speaking of London, Ontario, this city has an active ballet community. There are numerous schools, studios, and local productions, where people of all ages can experience the magic of ballet. As a ballet dancer here, I am very proud of the level of dance talent and the supportive atmosphere. From professional ballet schools to community dance studios, it’s fantastic to be a part of this dance-loving community!
To inspire your inner fashionista and support the ballet scene in London, Ontario, check out these local studios or even dance stores, many of which will have fabulous tutus. Whether you want to learn ballet, try a class or simply browse tutus – don’t miss out on this incredible art form! You can find local ballet studios and shops easily online.
Let’s continue to celebrate the graceful world of ballet, dance and style, together!
What’s your favourite style of tutu? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Until next time, keep twirling,
Your fellow Tutu-lover in London, Ontario
#tututuesday