Tutu Tuesday in Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Quebec
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Claire, back at it again with another dose of dance fashion, because it's #tututuesday and, as you all know, I *live* for a good tutu! I'm heading to Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Quebec today, so I figured why not share my fave tutu finds and a little bit of ballet-loving love with you guys.
Let's face it, the tutu: it's the *ultimate* dance symbol. The first thing most people think of when you say "ballet," and for good reason. But there's a reason there are so many *types* of tutusâdifferent colours, lengths, styles, textures, and so much more. You have to know what kind of story you want your tutu to tell.
So today Iâm going to go for a classic romantic *Romantic tutu* or *The Romantic Tutu*, which is short and puffy. Made from tulle, itâs generally worn in *Romantic* ballets. But for todayâs visit, I'm wearing a more contemporary-inspired designâa bit longer, but still maintaining that airy, light feeling of traditional Romantic designs.
Let's dive in! ⢠**The classic *Romantic tutu*, or "The Romantic Tutu"** ⢠**The *Classical* Tutu (or *The Grand Tutu*, or the *Bell-shaped* Tutu, or "the full tutu"): ** This one features a skirt with more tiers, creating a larger silhouette. It is a staple for the corps de ballet! It looks so magnificent on stage. The tutu makes for stunning dance movements and creates a regal feel. ⢠**The *Waltz tutu* (sometimes known as *the Spanish tutu*, or the *Classical Waltz tutu*, or even the *The Tutu de Crinoline* ):** this type of tutu has a shape between the romantic tutu and the classical tutu. Itâs smaller than the *Classical* but still full. It gives a dramatic appearance, like in *The Sleeping Beauty*, because the waltz moves are meant to be long, flowing, graceful movements that show off that big skirt. ⢠**The *Ballet* or the *practice tutu* (or âthe practice skirtâ): ** I swear, if thereâs a ballet class or an amateur production on the planet that doesnât use these in a way, I havenât seen it! These tutus are the perfect beginner tutu, and they're really versatile. Sometimes, dancers canât do the bigger tutu, because their movements wonât be able to take off in that. A âpractice tutu,â even when called by the same name as *ballet* tutus, have much fewer tiers in them, and sometimes a single tier can make up a whole tutu in this design. Sometimes, the single tier *practice* is *extremely* short, but still quite fluffy. These skirts really show off a lot of movement, are great for just messing around, or warming up to a good long pirouette!
I like to say it's *my* tutuâ my personality in tulle! Iâm looking forward to hitting the streets of Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac today. This gorgeous city in Quebec really knows how to embrace the *joie de vivre*, you know, that spirit of living a fulfilling, exciting life. Itâs about living in the present moment and making sure youâre really enjoying yourself in every moment. And what better way to embrace that *joie de vivre* than by donning a stunning tutu and twirling through the day?
The *practice* tutu, or even the "practice skirt", in addition to being worn by those just learning dance steps and basic turnout, and finding a good centre, are also worn by many when rehearsing and warming up in classes of more advanced ballerinas and even by the professionals. What youâll see is a wide range of looks from very plain tutus that are just a basic fluffy short single skirt that can come with an elastic waistband thatâs just a skirt so no stitching, no sewing. Then you get a little more fancy, and there will be a waistband but a *tiny* skirt made in a very gathered fashion. The whole thing might be only 4 inches across, but a very poofy 4 inches! That kind of a *practice skirt* will then often have matching or complimentary leggings or tights.
My dance world started in the heart of Quebec, the cultural centre that brought so many world-renowned dance shows to us, and now it's only fitting that my love affair with ballet continues on this day where the heart of Quebec has always been close to me.
Let's be honest, #tututuesday is basically an excuse to celebrate all things beautiful, dance, fashion and *joie de vivre*. Because at the end of the day, when we slip on that perfectly fluffy, dreamy tutu, weâre stepping into our best selves, and spreading joy wherever we go! You can bet your bottom dollar that when I tumble down Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Quebec streets in my tutu, people will stop, smile and I will probably have them twirling in my wake before too long! Thatâs just what the magical powers of tutus and #tututuesday do for me. #tututuesday