Tutu Tuesday in St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador: A Tutu-tastic Adventure! #tututuesday

Hey everyone, it's your girl, Ava here, bringing you a dose of tutu-tastic goodness straight from the heart of St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador! This week, we're celebrating #tututuesday in style.

As a proud Canadian ballet dancer and aspiring blogger, there's nothing that gets my heart pumping like the perfect tutu. It's not just a garment; it's a symbol of artistry, grace, and freedom. And what better way to show our love for ballet than to embrace #tututuesday right here in the charming town of St. Anthony, a place that’s teeming with culture, natural beauty, and a community that cherishes the arts.

St. Anthony is a vibrant town that exudes a certain je ne sais quoi, reminding me of those Parisian cafes with their quirky charm. The moment I stepped off the plane, the crisp, salty air greeted me with a hearty embrace. Walking the streets, you feel an unspoken connection with the people, the place, the history. There’s something about this province, and St. Anthony in particular, that inspires creativity and invites you to embrace a playful sense of self-expression. I guess that’s why my love affair with tutus felt especially intense here. It’s all about embracing life with joy, vibrancy and a sense of daring – and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador embody all of this.

So, where do I start? Let’s dive into the tutu world here in St. Anthony. The local boutique, “The Thread,” had the most fabulous collection of tutus, from the traditional Romantic tutus with their layered tulle skirts, the ethereal wisp of a classical tutu, perfect for Swan Lake, to the dramatic neoclassical tutus. The selection had every dancer's heart thumping. It reminded me of all the tutu styles I’ve worn in my own ballet journey – starting with my first ballerina class, those adorable little practice tutus, those basic little “starter kits” of tutus in basic black, then transitioning to those magical tutu-moments in school performances and community events – it was so exciting!

We all know the ballet world has embraced a rainbow of colours. The colour choices in this little store felt very unique. Sure, we saw the classic tutus – in pristine white, ethereal black – and a variety of pink options, which of course are eternally feminine and beautiful, but I was so thrilled to find all the colours of the Canadian landscape, too: vibrant turquoise blues, vibrant ocean-inspired greens and shades of teal that would perfectly suit a mermaid costume, some beautiful sunrise-coloured oranges, and a fiery scarlet red.

Here are a few must-have tutu styles in St. Anthony:

  • The Romantic Tutu: Imagine this flowing down to the floor, perfect for ballets like Giselle and La Sylphide, swirling as you dance and capturing the essence of ethereal beauty. It's the kind of tutu that turns a woman into a true ethereal vision.
  • The Classical Tutu: You just can’t beat the classics – they’re classics for a reason. We see it all the time, and this iconic short, frilled tulle skirt remains timeless. Think Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker and its charming snowflake dances. Just thinking about this tutu makes me feel like I’m pirouetting onstage, ready to embrace the classic dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy.
  • The Neoclassical Tutu: Think, the freedom and flexibility of movement that you experience when wearing this tutu - this is all about that contemporary ballet vibe. This style feels modern, less voluminous – it embraces athleticism and fluidity.
  • The Character Tutu: For me, this tutu embodies character! I always loved them as a student. This tutu style doesn’t hold back - its all about a creative and stylistic freedom that goes beyond classical or neoclassical. I imagine the most spectacular ballets involving these bold, statement-making tutus, with multiple tiers and colours.

After a shopping spree, we headed to the picturesque town square. The cobblestone streets of St. Anthony led me right to this open space. It seemed like everyone was out and about. We were enjoying the perfect day for Tutu Tuesday. The sun was shining. I decided to strike a pose on a small stone fountain, its sculpted, classic design reflecting the beautiful architectural heritage of St. Anthony. The entire area resonated with the kind of charming warmth and community spirit that’s so distinctive to Newfoundland and Labrador.

As the day progressed, I realized #tututuesday wasn't just about me. It was about the spirit of a town, its embrace of the arts, and the community coming together. From local coffee shops with their charming owners to the lively energy of the craft boutiques, this town, and its people, definitely get me inspired!

So, if you’re looking for a vibrant, spirited, tutu-loving community that values creativity and embraces its local artists, then head to St. Anthony. And keep spreading the love of #tututuesday! You can be sure that I’ll be back here in a heartbeat for the next Tutu Tuesday! Until then, may your tutu dreams always twirl with happiness! #tututuesday