Tutu Tuesday in L'Ascension-de-Notre-Seigneur, Quebec, Canada #tututuesday
Hey dance lovers! It’s your girl, Claire, back with another Tutu Tuesday, but this time with a twist—we're heading north! Yes, that’s right, I’m taking you on a journey through the heart of Quebec, where the maple syrup flows freely and the tutus are as delightful as the scenery. So, grab a Tim Hortons, put on your favourite dance socks, and get ready for a ballet-filled day!
Today, I'm exploring L'Ascension-de-Notre-Seigneur, Quebec, a small town brimming with charm and tucked away in the Eastern Townships. This charming spot boasts stunning architecture, a thriving arts scene, and—you guessed it—a burgeoning ballet community. I spent the afternoon delving into the local dance studios and chatting with passionate instructors and dancers who are carrying on the legacy of ballet in Canada.
And let me tell you, they are as proud as a beaver building a dam about their art! Each dancer I met had their own story about why they fell in love with ballet and how it shapes their lives. It truly inspires me to witness such passion and dedication.
But the highlight of my trip? Discovering a truly special local shop! Nestled amongst antique stores and cozy cafes, "Danse Étoiles" (yes, how wonderfully French is that name!) was like stepping into a ballet enthusiast's dream. Every single inch of the shop was adorned with ballet paraphernalia: tutus of every shape and style, from classic Romantic to contemporary silhouettes; handmade pointe shoes with lace-up ribbons in every shade imaginable; elegant ballet flats in colours you wouldn’t believe exist; and even a wall filled with posters of the most celebrated ballerinas, both past and present!
I felt like a kid in a candy store, honestly. My inner ballerina screamed with joy as I browsed through racks of tulle tutus in ethereal hues—from misty pale blues to breathtaking emerald greens—each a masterpiece in its own right. There were classic Romantic tutus, a nod to the golden age of ballet with layers upon layers of gossamer-like fabric cascading into a dream-like cloud. And then, I was drawn to a couple of sleek contemporary tutus: sleek and streamlined, hugging the body and celebrating modern lines with their simple, yet powerful, designs. There were even fun and quirky options – bright pink tutus, whimsical designs adorned with sparkly beads, and even a few tutus with personalized patches. It was seriously a tutuscape – and it was amazing! I felt like a ballerina at the end of a long-awaited performance. Maybe not, but still a very exciting day!
My adventure in L’Ascension-de-Notre-Seigneur taught me a couple of valuable lessons about ballet in Canada.
- First, it's a vibrant, dynamic art form that truly flourishes outside the big cities.
- Second, the love for ballet, especially tutus, knows no boundaries. From seasoned dancers to little girls with big dreams, tutus inspire awe and ignite imaginations across all ages.
My heart swelled with pride to see so many individuals carrying on this amazing tradition in small towns like this one. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable—an inspiring reminder that ballet thrives on dedication and passion, no matter where you are.
Now, I have a very special treat for you all! To celebrate our journey, I want to give you a little glimpse into the "Danse Étoiles" collection with a special Instagram giveaway!
- Head over to my Instagram page @TheTutuQueen (@TheTutuQueen) to see the selection of stunning tutus. You might just win yourself a custom tutu, perfect for a ballet-themed date, a dance class, or even a fun weekend in L'Ascension-de-Notre-Seigneur! All you have to do is like, comment on the giveaway post, tag your dance bestie, and follow my page.
- Oh, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday!
- I'll be drawing the winner next Tuesday, so don’t delay!
So, my dance-loving friends, let’s keep the love of ballet alive, wherever we are, from the heart of Quebec to your own town, because, after all, it’s Tutu Tuesday!