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Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Anselme, Quebec: A Tutu-tastic Day for Ballet Lovers Oh, hey there, fellow ballet enthusiasts! It's your girl, ChloĆ©, back with another installment of my blog, "Twirling Through Life." Today is a day that gets my heart pumping with excitement, the day Iā€™ve been looking forward to all week, **Tutu Tuesday!** Now, for those of you who are unfamiliar with this fabulous trend, Tutu Tuesday is all about celebrating the magnificent art form that is ballet, specifically, the stunning and iconic tutu. Letā€™s be real, every dancerā€™s closet needs a collection of these beauties. Whether it's a classic, full-length romantic tutu like the one I wore in "Giselle", a playful and contemporary multi-layered tutu for ā€œPaquitaā€, or even a minimalist, streamlined tutu with clean lines, thereā€™s a perfect style out there for every ballerinasā€™ aesthetic. And honestly, you just can't go wrong with a tulle explosion! So, letā€™s jump into my Tutu Tuesday adventures here in Saint-Anselme, Quebec! The Power of the Tutu My day started bright and early with a trip to the local ballet studio. It's always such a treat to visit this place. As I stepped inside, I was immediately engulfed in the welcoming aroma of freshly-polished wooden floors and the rhythmic echoes of dancersā€™ steps. My senses were buzzing. Today, I was joining a beginner ballet class, mainly to experience a new space and learn new skills but, I had another secret mission up my sleeve - showcasing the magic of tutus and the joys of ballet for newcomers! And honestly, thereā€™s no better way to inspire aspiring ballerinas and ballerinos than to rock a gorgeous tutu. My choice for the day was a classic, tiered tutu in the most beautiful shade of soft pink. I even accessorized with a ribbon belt that matched my hair, so I really was ready to dance my heart out! As soon as I entered the studio, everyone stopped, mesmerized by the fluff of the tulle and the elegance of its design. The smile on their faces was a real "happy dance moment"! Spreading the Tutu Love After class, I knew I had to celebrate Tutu Tuesday in style! A trip to "Le CafĆ© de lā€™Opera," a delightful Parisian-style cafe just off the main street of Saint-Anselme, was a must. Of course, it couldn't be Tutu Tuesday without snapping some adorable pics and sharing them with my online community. There are so many creative ways to capture the magic of a tutu and Iā€™m constantly trying new poses and ideas for the gram. Itā€™s important to keep it fresh and fun. First, I did a few solo poses - my classic twirling move and, of course, the ā€œtutu as a canopy over my faceā€ photo-op. My tutu was perfectly paired with the vintage decor of the cafe. The background had an array of art prints, including a vintage ballet poster. The entire scene just oozed chic vibes. Next, I pulled out my favourite portable selfie light - a must-have for every dancer in our era. Then I challenged some passersby for some #tututuesday content. They were a bit shy at first but soon gave in to the excitement! The adorable couple next door to me even jumped in for a couple of fun shots. And trust me, you haven't experienced real Tutu Tuesday joy until you've had a bunch of locals snapping photos in a public spot with a ballerina wearing a tutu. The joy and infectious laughter of the impromptu photoshoot made my day! This experience truly solidified how sharing the love of ballet and celebrating art through beautiful costumes like tutus, has a power to bring people together in a most unexpected and wonderful way. Making Ballet More Accessible But Tutu Tuesday is not just about wearing pretty clothes and striking poses, it's also about using my platform to make ballet more accessible for everyone. My blog is dedicated to creating an open and supportive space where people can explore all things ballet, from the latest techniques to the most beautiful tutu styles. The more we celebrate the power of ballet and encourage future generations, the more diverse and welcoming this beautiful art form will become! I want everyone, especially young Canadians, to have the chance to experience the joy of dance, and wearing a tutu certainly helps to break down those initial barriers! Here in Quebec, I find that ballet has a really special significance. Quebec is a place of immense artistry and culture, and its artistic scene plays a huge role in bringing communities together and celebrating identity. Whether itā€™s traditional French opera, classical music or world-class ballet, this province really knows how to showcase art. And speaking of art and art forms, we need to give credit where credit is due - Quebec is home to world-class ballet companies like Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, a national gem in the Canadian ballet scene, and so many independent studios, workshops, and festivals where talented artists come together to create magic. This makes me extremely proud to be a Canadian dancer! So, this #Tututuesday, I urge everyone, young and old, to step into a world of beauty and grace. Join a dance class, visit a performance, or even simply take a moment to appreciate the elegance of a tutu. Ballet is for everyone! And it is truly a universal language that transcends all borders! Let's spread the joy of dance and share the love of ballet. Happy #Tututuesday everyone! * **Some tips for enjoying #Tututuesday** * **Dance It Out:** Take a ballet class! Whether itā€™s your first time or youā€™re a seasoned pro, learning a new dance move, stretching your muscles, or moving to the rhythm of a captivating music piece can truly lift your mood. And as weā€™ve established, a tutu certainly makes it that much more special! * **Be Inspired:** Visit your local ballet school or studio! These institutions offer a window into the world of dance and youā€™ll see firsthand the passion that fuel this art form. And you can also take this time to celebrate the talent and hard work of your local community of dancers, whether itā€™s amateur dancers, beginner classes, or the dance instructors. * **Explore Beyond the Studio:** Did you know many cities offer free, open-air public events that showcase a diversity of arts and dance? Search online for an outdoor ballet festival, performance, or even a street art festival where local dance groups or studios take center stage. These open-air events are a unique experience to discover and embrace artistic talent within your city! * **Spread the Love:** Show your support! Donate to your local ballet company. Buy tickets to a ballet show, and share your love for ballet with your family and friends. You can also explore upcoming dance events on Facebook and other social media to see what exciting productions are happening in your area. * **Channel your inner dancer:** Wear a tutu on a casual day. This might just be a little tutu accessory to add to your ensemble, or a playful dance skirt you can easily find at a department store. Weā€™re in 2023 after all, the ā€œwhy not?ā€ mentality is on the rise. The key is to have fun with it! * **Be Creative!** Post pictures with the #tututuesday hashtag to show the world what it means to celebrate this glorious art form. Remember to tag dancers, ballet studios, companies, and everyone who inspired you today. We're a ballet family, so let's all enjoy this special occasion! I'm sending all my Tutu Tuesday love, and until next time, keep twirling!