Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Fabien, Quebec: A Tutu Tale
It's a Tuesday, the sun is shining (even if it is a bit chilly, a true Canadian spring day!), and my heart is fluttering with excitement. It's Tutu Tuesday in Saint-Fabien, Quebec! #tututuesday
For those of you who don't know, Tutu Tuesday is a tradition I started on my blog a few years ago. It's a way for me to celebrate the beautiful, graceful, and sometimes totally whimsical world of ballet and the iconic garment that symbolizes it: the tutu. Every Tuesday, I share my love for tutus, from the classic to the avant-garde, and everything in between. I also talk about my life as a professional ballet dancer, share tips for aspiring dancers, and delve into the fascinating history and artistry behind the beloved ballet tradition in Canada.
Today's Tutu Tuesday is extra special. We're here in Saint-Fabien, a small village nestled on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, known for its scenic beauty, charming charm, and strong ties to the performing arts. Saint-Fabien's vibrant artistic community fosters a deep appreciation for ballet and the arts. It feels like a perfect place to indulge in some serious tutu appreciation.
As I stand in the quaint main square, overlooking the picturesque shoreline, my mind races with thoughts about different tutu styles. Should I go for a classic, romantic tutu like the one worn by Odette in "Swan Lake" or something a bit more modern? How about a daring contemporary tutu that captures the dynamism of George Balanchine's choreography or the playful whimsy of the choreographers who are putting their mark on the contemporary ballet scene across Canada?
My eyes are drawn to a display window in a small shop called "La Danseuse," its name written in whimsical script and painted in the most vibrant shade of pink I've ever seen. It is here that my Tutu Tuesday adventure truly begins. I know this quaint shop is home to hidden gems, ready to be discovered, including tutus that embody every shade of dance history and style.
"Bonjour! Bienvenue!" A warm, inviting smile greets me as I enter the shop. I find myself surrounded by racks upon racks of tutus, each one unique and full of its own story. It's almost impossible to choose just one for my Tutu Tuesday post, but my gaze is drawn to a particular beauty hanging at the very back of the shop.
A simple yet striking tutu, made from layers of soft tulle that cascade like a dream. It's not a frilly princess tutu; it's all about lines and movement. The delicate design is a reminder that beauty lies in simplicity, and a tutu can be both ethereal and powerful.
I grab the tutu, delicately lifting its delicate tulle layers from the rack, feeling a wave of excitement wash over me. I can already see myself spinning under the Quebec sky, the St. Lawrence River shimmering like a stage below me, the air swirling around me. It's moments like this that truly inspire me, reminding me why I started this ballet blog in the first place: to celebrate this elegant, versatile and sometimes misunderstood piece of dancewear and share that joy with others.
It's time to grab my camera. My #tututuesday outfit is ready! The rest of the day will be filled with explorations of Saint-Fabien's local art scene. As I stroll the streets, my mind is brimming with thoughts on ballet, history, and art, the three passions intertwined in the perfect ballet dance that is my life. A reminder that ballet can take you to the most unexpected places and remind you of life's most exquisite beauty. #tututuesday
I may be a young Canadian ballet dancer, but one thing is certain: my heart and my love for ballet know no boundaries!
My Tutu Tuesday Musings:
- What is your favourite tutu style? Let me know in the comments below!
- If you had to pick just one ballet to see for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
- How important are the arts in your community?
Thanks for joining me on this special Tutu Tuesday, friends. I hope it has inspired you to embrace the beautiful world of ballet, whether it be through attending a live performance, dancing in your living room, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the artistry and grace embodied in every tutu, and dance step.