Tutu Tuesday in Sainte-Claire, Quebec: A Whirlwind of Sequins and Dreams
Hey everyone! It's your favourite ballerina-turned-blogger, back with another dose of fashion and fun! This week, we're heading to the heart of Quebec, Sainte-Claire to be exact, for a Tutu Tuesday adventure you won't want to miss.
Sainte-Claire has this charming, old-world vibe. Imagine cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and a hint of that French flair. And it's a haven for ballet, too. There are a few ballet schools in the city, nurturing young talents who dream of dancing on grand stages.
My trip began with a stop at the Ballet Boutique. I was immediately swept away by the exquisite selection of tutus. From the classic romantic tutus with layers of tulle that float like clouds to the playful, contemporary tutus with their structured silhouettes. I'm talking about a vibrant colour palette and bold embellishments – I literally wanted them all. I spent way too long in that store, trying on all sorts of different styles, dreaming about what I could wear in my next performance. It was basically a real-life Pinterest board, and my inner ballerina went wild.
I loved the classic **romantic tutu**. It’s the ultimate princess fantasy, with layers of airy tulle and an intricate bodice that hugs your waist. I mean, who wouldn't want to feel like they're floating across the stage in a cloud of fabric? These tutus are synonymous with graceful elegance, often with soft hues like pale pink or ivory. They're ideal for portraying ethereal characters or love stories on stage. I imagined myself in one, maybe a pale pink or baby blue, swirling and gliding across the stage.
Then there were the **contemporary tutus**. It was refreshing to see their modernity. They offered something for the adventurous dancer. The cuts were more daring, the shapes more unexpected, and they embraced all sorts of textures and colours. It was almost like an invitation to break away from the traditional. I thought, wouldn’t a bold red tutu be amazing for a contemporary piece with lots of dynamic energy, a mix of sharp angles and smooth flow. That's where these tutus shine! They scream "new and exciting," with sharp silhouettes and dramatic lines, they’re all about pushing boundaries and embracing a fresh take on the classic.
As my shopping spree concluded, I decided on a gorgeous powder blue **romantic tutu**, with an intricate bodice, perfect for a performance I’m preparing for next month. A tutu’s power is real, and wearing one takes me back to my childhood, a feeling I love, and a reminder of the magic of dance, and a love of expression and storytelling.
But the fun wasn't over! Next up, a trip to Boulangerie Saint-Claire, the famous bakery that is a Sainte-Claire landmark, I snagged a delicious tutu-shaped croissant - an extra sweet nod to the theme. What’s more fun than indulging in delicious French pastry and taking some pictures for #TutuTuesday?
The day wasn’t complete without a ballet class. Sainte-Claire is home to the esteemed Academy of Ballet, and I had the incredible opportunity to join a master class led by one of Canada's legendary choreographers, Madame Sylvie Dubois. It was truly an honour to learn from someone so experienced and inspiring.
As the class came to a close, I was filled with an immense feeling of joy and connection. Ballet is more than just steps and technique; it’s about expressing yourself through your body, feeling a powerful story that comes through your every movement. In that class, we felt like one beautiful ballet company together, connected through the love of dance and that was such a special feeling.
My day in Sainte-Claire was truly memorable. From the breathtaking beauty of the city, the ballet boutique with all the amazing tutus, the delicious treats to the empowering ballet class, the day was full of sparkle, beauty and energy. If you’re a dance enthusiast, Sainte-Claire needs to be on your bucket list.
So, grab your most fabulous tutu, share your dance moments and let’s celebrate #TutuTuesday! You don’t need to be in Sainte-Claire, you just need a bit of sparkle and a whole lot of passion for ballet!
#TutuTuesday
#Sainte-Claire #Quebec