Tutu Tuesday in Stonewall, Manitoba: A Whirlwind of Tulle and #tututuesday
Hey dance fam! Itās your girl, Chloe, back with another blog post, but this time, it's not about pliĆ©s and pirouettes, although, let's be honest, there's never not a chance of a pirouette in my life. No, today's topic is a little different: it's all about tutu, and all about #tututuesday! I recently ventured to the charming town of Stonewall, Manitoba. As a Canadian ballet dancer, I know, I know, it's a bit unexpected to be talking about fashion in a prairie town. But hold onto your pointe shoes, because Stonewall has a fashion secret up its sleeve, or, rather, on its tutus! Now, you know I have a serious soft spot for all things tutu. A good tutu can elevate your dance game and make you feel like a true ballerina. It's a magical piece of fabric, honestly. I've seen them in all their glorious formsāthe classic romantic tutu with its billowing layers of tulle, the dramatic, floor-length tutus that give you major Black Swan vibes, and the streamlined, athletic tutus perfect for those big, powerful jumps. Each one has a unique charm, and I have to confess, it's been a personal quest for me to explore every single kind! But back to Stonewall, you see, I recently stumbled upon an unexpected haven for tutus in this small, friendly town. Tucked away on a side street, I discovered a charming little boutique called āThe Ballerina's Closetā. You'll be able to find some classic designs, along with contemporary interpretations in a stunning array of colours and lengths. Think deep jewel tones for the fall, shimmering silks for special occasions, and breezy cotton for warmer days, and even a few fun options for holiday parties - who can resist a sequin tutu during the holidays? The boutique even has a special section devoted to tutus designed by up-and-coming Canadian designers, showcasing some stunning, innovative takes on the classic tutu shape. My day started at the local cafe called "Coffee Bean & Pointe" for a latte. Yes, you heard that right ā itās a cafĆ© dedicated to dancers with ballet-themed dĆ©cor and latte art that would make any ballerina weep with joy. This quirky spot was an incredible way to begin the day. As a lover of coffee and tutus, this cafe was simply the perfect starting point. It was time for my big #tututuesday adventure, and The Ballerina's Closet was calling my name! I was curious about a contemporary piece with layers of chiffon, something unique that could elevate a casual ensemble. I love the contrast between a classic ballet style and something you could wear for a night out. Maybe Iād wear it to a restaurant that eveningā¦ I had to have a tutu! And let me tell you, this boutique was like stepping into a fairytale. Rows and rows of gorgeous tutus, all waiting to be worn, dreamed of, and twirled in. The owner, a friendly woman named Elsie, greeted me like an old friend. Turns out, she was a former ballet dancer, so I instantly connected with her. She helped me try on several designs, each one more dazzling than the last, and shared some insider tips for taking care of your precious tutu treasures. This woman was like a tutu oracle, dispensing knowledge and inspiration! She helped me choose the perfect tutu, and I felt so happy about my choice. Then she did the best thing everā¦ she surprised me by having a professional photographer waiting in a room for an impromptu photoshoot. I felt so elegant and stunning wearing the gorgeous, full-skirted tutu with an airy lightness to the fabric, all ready for a grand entrance at any upcoming performanceā¦ or fancy night out, because who doesnāt need to dress up every now and again? The photoshoot itself felt like an exclusive peek behind the curtain, an exhilarating chance to embrace my inner ballerina! The light, the space, everything felt like an authentic dance studio! But, okay, back to the topic of #tututuesday in Stonewall, which is all about sharing my love of tutus with you, my lovely dance family. After an amazing photo shoot and spending time with Elsie and discovering a bunch of hidden treasures, my heart was full of happiness. To sum it up, my #tututuesday adventure in Stonewall was an enchanting experience that exceeded all expectations. A hidden gem, full of beauty, charm, and a community that knows how to celebrate ballet, I'm so happy I stumbled upon this little slice of paradise. So, if you ever find yourself in Manitoba, be sure to take a detour to Stonewall and discover the tutu magic yourself. Who knows? You might even catch me on a future Tutu Tuesday! And remember, dear dancers, no matter where you are, keep twirling, keep dancing, and always let your inner ballerina shine through! See you on the next blog post, maybe in a new tutuā¦ or perhaps at a Canadian Ballet eventā¦ only time will tell!