Tutu Tuesday 32782

Tutu Tuesday in Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador: Where the Sea Meets the Swirl #tututuesday It's Tutu Tuesday, and I'm standing on the edge of the world, or at least it feels that way. The wind is whipping my hair across my face, and the waves are crashing against the rocky cliffs of Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. This place, so remote, so wild, is about as far from the polished studios and gilded halls of Toronto where I usually twirl as you can get. Yet, something about this place makes my heart beat with the same wild excitement as the rhythm of the crashing waves. Maybe it’s the dramatic landscape, or the salty tang in the air, but for me, the feeling is complete when I spin in my tutu, catching the wind in its layers. Today, I'm wearing a romantic, flowing tutu. The layers of soft tulle billow and sway, a silent conversation with the wind. This is the kind of tutu that evokes the beauty of a dream. It's a reminder that even in the most rugged landscapes, beauty, grace, and artistry can thrive. Let me tell you a bit about the tutu. It's actually vintage, a treasured find from my grandma's collection. A relic of Canadian ballet, perhaps, but as fresh as a salty sea breeze today. Its pale blush pink is soft, almost ethereal against the dark hues of the dramatic landscape around me. And the detailing, those delicately sewn flowers on the bodice, add a touch of whimsy that sets the tone for the day. We’re on a special mission here in Fogo Island – one part ballet workshop, another part exploring a unique culture, and for all of us, a little bit of adventure. The group here, these beautiful souls, we all found common ground in the art of movement, and our collective joy over this tiny island with its powerful spirit. We’ve found something special here: not just a shared passion for dance, but also a place to find ourselves amongst these wild, inspiring landscapes. We’ve spent the morning working with a local dance troupe from the nearby town, Fogo. They're not all ballerinas – more like storytellers, their movements reflecting their life on the island, the connection with the sea, the changing tides, the quiet strength that comes with weathering the storm. They share this unique story through dance. It's raw and real and reminds us all that movement transcends technique and tradition, it becomes the expression of life itself. This afternoon, as the sun begins to paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, we plan on holding our impromptu ballet performance. Yes, here in the heart of Fogo Island, we’ll turn a sandy cove into our stage, and the wind will be our conductor. It’s a performance of ballet for the ages – not just about grace and poise but about the unbridled joy of expressing yourself, and it's for everyone who’s lucky enough to share this magical space. • We will begin with a rendition of “The Dying Swan”, an iconic piece from ballet history. For us, the setting on the windswept coast makes the choreography seem to whisper of resilience and adaptability, much like the islanders themselves. • For our next performance, the group will work together, our tutus shimmering like the sea spray. We will showcase “Tumbling Through the Tussles,” our new choreography inspired by Fogo Island's rugged coastline and the stories of its fishermen. We imagine ourselves as waves, constantly shifting and evolving, finding strength in the midst of turbulent waters. • Our finale is "Sunrise Dance," a celebration of light and hope. In this dance, we dance our heart's content, reflecting the joy and peace that this island gives us. There’s something deeply moving about a tutu dancing with the waves, a ballerina leaping in the shadow of the cliffs. It’s a visual reminder that beauty comes in all forms. Maybe there’s something in the salty sea air that fuels the spirit, but this little piece of the world just brings out the wild side in all of us. As we watch the setting sun turn the waves to gold, we all feel it: there is magic in every movement, in every sway of our tutus, every step on this beautiful and unassuming island. It’s truly the stuff of dance dreams. Remember to check out my blog and follow along as I share this magical experience, a tutu-clad ballet journey to the edge of the world, a place that will always hold a special place in my heart, Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. #tututuesday #fogonl #balletlife #canadianballet #fogoislandballet #tutudreaming